Vacation Homes in Transition: Prepping Your Retreat for the Next Season
As summer holidays fade, vacation homes shift into their in-between season. It’s the perfect time to refresh, rethink, and plan updates before next year. Whether it’s a coastal cottage, mountain cabin, or lake retreat, thoughtful updates can elevate your getaway – especially when you layer in natural materials, easy-to-maintain finishes, and even vintage finds that tell a story.
1. Kitchens That Entertain
Guests always gather in the kitchen—so make it a showstopper without sacrificing practicality.
One direction is the use of natural stone counters and solid wood cabinetry for a timeless, beautiful design, coupled with cushioned or woven seating and crafted lighting that can add warmth.
Design + Materials Callouts:
Countertops: Soapstone or quartzite (durable, natural, ages with character)
Cabinetry: White oak or walnut (oiled vs. heavy lacquer for longevity)
Lighting: Handblown glass pendants or woven rattan fixtures (natural vs. synthetic)
Seating: Solid wood + woven rush/rattan stools (e.g., Serena & Lily)
Accents: Vintage cutting boards, pottery, and baskets for soulful utility
Another direction is to use painted cabinets to create a colorful and timeless look. Thinking beyond white … maybe a navy blue with white oak accents. A soft pale blue and white combination with accents of green, yellow, and navy.
2. Bathrooms That Feel Like Spas
Small design updates can make a bathroom feel spa-like while staying family-friendly. Choose natural materials that patina over time and elevate even the simplest retreat.
Design + Materials Callouts:
Look to natural materials that offer a beautiful, rich look as well as longevity not found in many manmade alternatives.
Tile: Zellige or natural stone (vs. porcelain look-alikes)
Fixtures: Unlacquered brass, copper, or aged bronze that develops character. But it’s always good to consider the water source and the mineral deposits when selecting a finish for plumbing. Or if a coastal retreat, salt air can play a role in which finish will stand up to the elements.
Sinks & Counters: Marble (learn to embrace the natural patina) or soapstone (for its durability, low maintenance, and timelessness
Textiles: Turkish or Egyptian cotton towels, linen shower curtains (what about a vintage tablecloth reimaged)
Details: Vintage stools or reclaimed wood shelving add warmth, personality, and uniqueness.
3. Kids’ Bunk Rooms That Delight
A bunk room is more than beds. It’s an experience. Durable finishes meet playful details that charm kids and adults alike. Also, think about the memories of childhood family gatherings, getting to invite your friends along on the family holiday – sharing stories, plotting tomorrow’s adventure, and then fast forward 30 years when you gather again and regale the stories again.
Design + Materials Callouts:
Bunk Beds: Painted wood built-ins with integrated storage (long-lasting vs. flimsy MDF)
Rugs: PET fabric indoor/outdoor rugs made from recycled ocean plastics (durable + sustainable)
Textiles: Quilts made from vintage fabrics, denim for a practical but neutral backdrop to couple with wool or linen plaids, linen or cotton block-printed florals, etc. This is when you can have some creative license to make the room special to the kids who will be creating those lifelong memories.
Lighting: Plug-in reading sconces for each bunk. Look for powder-coated steel or solid brass fixtures.
Walls: Wallpaper from hand-blocked, sustainable inks/papers, paneling or a wood slat design, murals with a sense of whimsy or sophistication, or limewash paint for depth and interest.
4. Luxury Features That Set STRs Apart
Today’s luxury vacationers (and even Luxe Mag reports it!) want homes that blend indulgence with practicality. Outdoor and communal spaces matter most, especially for Short Term Rentals.
Design + Materials Callouts:
Outdoor Furniture: Teak or aluminum with performance fabrics (Sunbrella or PET fabric)
Fire Features: Stone firepits vs. faux resin options
Shower: Outdoor showers built with ipe, cedar, or stone for longevity
Entertaining Touches: Reclaimed wood dining tables or vintage credenzas vs. mass-market pieces – mixing the new with the vintage to personalize
Details: Repurposed textiles—think an antique linen tablecloth reimagined as casual Roman shades or drapery.
Closing Thought
Vacation homes aren’t just escapes; they’re investments in both joy and longevity. By choosing natural materials, sustainable textiles, and even vintage reinventions, you’re creating a retreat that’s as resilient as it is beautiful and ready for every season ahead.
With years of experience designing second homes and retreats, Oregon-based J. Myers + Associates brings a thoughtful perspective to balancing durability, ease of maintenance, and timeless style. Whether you’re refreshing a beloved family compound or elevating a short-term rental for future guests, our team can help you create spaces that welcome every season beautifully.
Ready to start planning your own vacation home update? Contact us here to begin the conversation.