Oh My Styled Life

Key Considerations for Your Home Away From Home

A vacation home is about creating the home away from home you’ve always dreamed of. A second home is an opportunity to infuse creativity and customize until your heart’s content.

Here are essential considerations to ensure your vacation home perfectly complements your lifestyle and provides a welcoming retreat for family and friends alike.

Engage Your Design Team Early

The success of your vacation home lies in the collaboration between your designer, builder, and architect. Engage them early in the process to ensure architectural details and building selections align seamlessly with the design and functionality of your home.

Not sure where to start the process? Check out professional associations like Housing First MN, HBA Austin, TAB, NARI, and AIA for award-winning builders, remodelers, and architects in your area.

One of the main differences between a vacation home and your primary residence is how you’ll use the space. Life at the lake feels different than busy city living and therefore, what you need from your home may differ. Consider the location you selected for your build and how that will impact your lifestyle. This will guide decisions about layout, amenities, and style.

Consider How You’ll Use the Space

Whether it’s your lake home with large windows and easy lake access, your country home with panoramic hilltop views, a city home with modern luxury, or a cozy home along the St. Croix River Valley, each offers a distinct vacation lifestyle catering to different preferences and needs.

We’ve worked on homes in all 50 states…browse some of our recent favorites: From the St. Croix River Valley and Lakes Region to Westlake Hills and Downtown Austin.

Prioritize Guest Comfort

One of the joys of a vacation home is hosting family gatherings and visiting friends. This means sleeping space is a must. When it comes to guests’ comfort, we always include a meticulously furnished guest suite with a private bathroom to offer visitors both comfort and privacy. A bunk room can also be helpful for larger groups or families with children, providing a fun and functional sleeping arrangement.

Bunk rooms, guest rooms, and guest suites…check out our portfolio for more ideas!

Step Outside Your Design Comfort Zone

Your second home is the perfect place to go bold with your design choices. Bright colors bring life to the home and curate an atmosphere of fun. Consider the addition of specialized spaces like a home theater or game room, which are great for groups as well as family time.

Don’t skimp on finishes. A vacation home doesn’t take the wear and tear of your primary home, so it’s the perfect place to indulge and add a hint of extravagance.

Don’t know where to start with color? We love color! Check out our 2024 Paint Color Guide.

Add a Home Office

Specialized home offices have been increasingly common in remote workers’ vacation homes. This way, they can enjoy the perks of getting away without the stress of being away from the office.

An office is the ideal canvas for bold colors and interesting furnishings. But don’t skimp on the essentials, like functional storage, comfortable seating, and the technology to meet your work needs.

Building a vacation home is an opportunity to create a space that reflects your personality and lifestyle, where you can enjoy life to the fullest. The right designer will ensure your vacation home is everything you’ve dreamed of and more.

Want more inspo? Browse all our projects HERE.