For many, building a vacation home is a dream that they have worked long and hard for.
If that is the case, chances are you will want to make it as special as possible. While you may think designing a vacation home is no different than your full-time property, there are actually a handful of things you want to consider. Here are 11 of the most important ones.
Find the perfect spot
The first thing you will want to consider is the perfect location. Not only is this in terms of town or community but also the location of the physical home on your land. Whether it be being able to capture views of a stunning sunset or hoping to maximise sun exposure during the afternoon, there are many things to consider when finding that perfect spot.
Consider the climate
When building a vacation home, you may want to consider the climate in the area. For example, if you are hoping to build a beachfront property, It would be beneficial to research evacuation routes in case the property is in a flood zones.
Create a floor plan that makes sense
The floor plan of your vacation home is important as you want it to be both functional and comfortable.
You will want to take into account how many people will be staying in the home and what type of activities you will be doing while there. For example, if you are hoping to do a lot of entertaining, you may want an open floor plan.
Maximise your views
One of the great things about having a vacation home is being able to enjoy stunning views. If you are fortunate enough to have a beautiful view, you will want to make sure to design your home in a way that allows you to take full advantage of it. This could be anything from large windows in the living room to a wrap-around deck.
Make it low maintenance
One thing you will want to consider when designing your vacation home is how easy it will be to take care of. This is especially important if you are not planning on being there full-time. You will want to use materials that are low maintenance and easy to clean. For example, instead of carpet, you may want to use tile or hardwood floors.
Incorporate your style
When designing a vacation house, it is important to make sure it reflects your personal style. This can be anything from the type of furniture you choose to the paint colours you use. You want your vacation home to be a place you look forward to coming home to.
You may take this one step further by incorporating thematic designs in every room e.g. contemporary, traditional, transitional, modern, eclectic or even beach style.
Make it comfortable
Along with making sure your vacation home is stylish, you will also want to make sure it is comfortable.
You will want to choose furniture and décor that is inviting and makes you feel relaxed the minute you walk in the door.
Think about future use
When designing your vacation home, it is important to think about how you may want to use it in the future. For example, if you are hoping to use it as a rental property one day, you will want to make sure it is designed in a way that is appealing to potential guests.
Plan for storage
No matter how big or small your vacation home is, you will likely need some extra storage space. This could be anything from a closet to a storage room. Make sure to plan for and incorporate storage into your design.
Plan for amenities
When designing your vacation home, you may want to consider including some extra amenities. This could be anything from a pool to a hot tub. If there is something you have always wanted in a vacation home, now is the time to include it in your design.
Don’t forget the outdoors
When planning and designing your vacation home, don’t forget about the outdoors. This includes both the landscaping and any outdoor living spaces you may want to include such as a patio, deck, dock or shed.
These are things that can really make your vacation home stand out and help you enjoy your time there even more.
As you can see, there are a number of things to consider when planning and designing a vacation home. By keeping these things in mind, you can create a space that is perfect for you and your family that will be both enjoyable and functional for years to come.