Oh My Styled Life

From coastal escapes to lakeside cottages, furnishing your getaway home is an opportunity to create a space that feels like the best version of life unplugged.

A lake home for long weekends. A ski lodge for winter holidays. A desert escape built for sun-drenched afternoons. These destination homes — whether tucked into the mountains or perched by the water — serve a different purpose than your primary residence. They’re about slowing down, gathering together, and living well, if only for a while. 

Whether it’s a new build or a well-loved retreat in need of a fresh perspective, it’s important to focus on creating spaces that are beautifully tailored to how the home will be used — and just as importantly, how it should feel. Here’s our approach: 

1. Design for How It’s Lived In 

Before any furnishings are selected, we begin by understanding the pace and purpose of the home. Is it where the extended family gathers for the holidays? A quiet off-the-grid refuge? A stylish space for entertaining clients or hosting friends? 

When function drives design, every element, from layout to materials, is grounded in ease and enjoyment. 

• Coastal homes: Light-filled interiors, performance fabrics, and breezy layouts that make entertaining effortless. 

• Mountain retreats: Warm layers, tactile textures, and furniture that invites you to settle in after a day outdoors. 

• Desert getaways: Sleek silhouettes, sun-washed tones, and climate-conscious materials that keep the space serene and grounded. 

• Family-focused escapes: Flexible floor plans, kid-friendly finishes, and storage that supports real living without clutter.

From Houston to Hill Country, Unbeatable views and an open layout define this O’Hara Interiors, Geschke Group Architecture, and Olson Defendorf-designed home.

2. Make It Yours, But Different 

We often describe these homes as extensions of your primary residence, not replicas. That means they should still reflect your design point of view — just with a lighter touch, a bolder palette, or a playful sense of place. 

It’s not about reinvention. It’s about interpretation. A minimalist may lean into organic textures; a traditionalist might embrace more casual forms or coastal motifs. Often, we’ll bring in regional materials, local art, or site-specific colorways that root the design in its surroundings. 

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3. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity 

Vacation homes don’t need to be over-furnished. In fact, they thrive with a more restrained, thoughtful approach. We encourage investing in a few high-quality, high-impact pieces that anchor each space and elevate the overall experience. 

• A sculptural dining table that can accommodate a crowd but still feel intimate. 

• A tailored, ultra-comfortable sofa where conversations stretch late into the night. 

• Statement lighting and curated art that bring meaning and mood to every room. 

By keeping the footprint intentional, we allow each element to shine — and the home to breathe. 

Home Prices Have Exploded in the Once Sleepy Fishing Village of Port Aransas

4. Focus on Comfort and Ease for Your Destination Home 

While the home should look beautiful, it must live beautifully, too. We design for durability and delight, ensuring every piece is both practical and welcoming. 

• Flexible layouts for entertaining, lounging, and everything in between. 

• Multi-purpose furniture with built-in storage or convertible uses. 

• Outdoor spaces furnished with the same level of comfort and detail as the interiors, from sun-proof fabrics to ambient lighting. 

These are homes meant to be used — and enjoyed. 

Enjoy Laid-Back Luxury in Port Aransas

A Designer’s Own Custom Home on Lake Minnetonka

The O’Hara Approach

Designing a destination home – whether it’s a lake home or mountain getaway – isn’t just about selecting furnishings, it’s about creating a setting for lasting memories. At O’Hara Interiors, we manage every aspect of the process with precision and care, from vision to final installation. Our team collaborates closely with each client (or their trusted assistant) to deliver turnkey results that feel effortless, and entirely personal. 

Whether it’s a vacation home, a seasonal residence, or a retreat built for generations, we’re here to help you get it just right. 

Connect with O’Hara Interiors to begin designing a destination that feels like home — wherever it is.