Inside: How to create that holiday feel in your own home. Collaborative post.
Nothing beats that holiday feeling. Whether it’s a weekend away, or a full-week in the sun, holidays are all about relaxing, refreshing and spending time with your loved ones.
That feeling doesn’t have to be reserved for overseas trips and weeks away. Whether it’s an idyllic beachside retreat, lush and green country escape or somewhere rich in culture and charm, you can turn your home into an oasis of your own.
Ready to wake up every day in your very own retreat? In this article, we’ll take you through a few ways you can create that feeling in your own home – no plane ticket involved.
The foundations of your retreat
To prepare for your home holiday makeover, start with the foundations like walls, floors and other larger design elements.
Starting with the walls, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way in setting the scene and vibe of your space. You could also add a feature wall with themed wallpaper to give the room depth and style.
Another great addition is the warm hues of wood-look floors. Luxury vinyl plank is a great option, coming in a range of different colours and looks. There are also terrazzo, stone and concrete look floors to match your theme.
Unpack a world of colours
The right colours and hues can influence the overall feel of the room, with the right palette instantly transforming your space. When considering your design, create a colour scheme that matches your favourite vacation spot.
Here are a few examples:
- Deep sea blue, sandy beige and white are perfect for a beachy retreat.
- Light sky blue, pastel yellow and grassy green to replicate a sunny escape.
- Natural green, soft grey and tree brown are perfect for a forest getaway.
Once you’ve chosen your colour palette it’s time to incorporate it into your home. Subtle base shades such as beige or cream can be used on the walls and floors, while you can create accents using your chosen colour scheme.
Another way to incorporate colours is through your furniture and accessories. You can add pops of your chosen colours with your furniture selection like sofas. Or, create a focal point in the room with a standout chair or mirror. Don’t forget about accessories like artwork that has a mix of your chosen colours or even a landscape. Then, add finishing touches with plants, soft furnishings like throw rugs, pillows and rugs.
Play with textures
Colours aside, another way you can create that holiday vibe in your home is with texture. Some ways to create a sensory experience with different textiles include:
- Long flowing curtains in white can create a breezy feel.
- Floor rugs are great for adding a touch of softness underfoot.
- Wall hangings in natural fibres can act as a great focal point.
- Pillows in different textures like cotton, bamboo or even silk.
- Rattan baskets are both functional and a great decorative element.
- Furniture made from different materials like wood, wicker or even on-trend concrete.
While you should be guided by your chosen theme, don’t be afraid to mix and match textures to create a new, fresh look.
Let there be light
Experimenting with lighting can be a great way to add ambiance and a soft glow to your at-home retreat. Dimmable downlights give you control over the lightning in your space and can be used to brighten up the room, or create a relaxed ambiance for unwinding in the evening. You can also opt for floor lamps or even wall lamps to get a similar effect.
When it comes to creating a cosy and relaxing vibe, candles and fairy lights are the ultimate choice. Adorn your surfaces with scented candles or wrap fairy lights around your bed head or string them along the walls to add light to your space.
Scents of wanderlust
A fresh scent will instantly transport you back to your last holiday. Whether you’re looking to replicate freshy grassy smells of a forest, or the salty mist of ocean air, there are plenty of ways to incorporate scents in your space.
Opt for scented soy candles or reed diffusers in your favourite scent. You can also add a fresh bouquet of flowers to your bedside table or coffee table. There are different options to choose from depending on the mood you are trying to replicate.
Summer scents can have your home smelling like a tropical, beachside escape. Try these fragrances:
- Sea salt
- Lemongrass
- Mandarin
- Cranberry
- Lime
- Strawberries
Winter scents will create a cosy mountain-top atmosphere — perfect for sipping on a hot chocolate. Try these:
- Sandalwood
- Cinnamon
- Peppermint
- Orange
- Vanilla
- Patchouli
Create a gallery of memories
There’s no better way than to infuse your travel into your space then with a collection of holiday snaps. Photos, artwork and mementos from your trips can be placed around your home, bringing an even more personal touch to the space. You can house them in frames that match your colour scheme and play with the layout of the frames to create your very own gallery at home.
If you have souvenirs, don’t hide them away in the cupboard, instead display them and add personality to your room.
Sit back and relax in your at-home paradise
With all these tips in mind, it’s easy to transform your home into a paradise. Whether you prefer a coastal escape, or love going off grid in the forest, there are plenty of ways to bring that holiday feeling into your home.
With a few small design changes, you will have an oasis to wake up every day — without sacrificing the comfort of your own bed.