Vacation homes may be used far less than your regular abode but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t invest time and energy to make it look as beautiful as possible. For many vacation homeowners, the property itself is such a financial drain that they may not have paid much attention to the décor itself. This is a major failing as vacation homes are supposed to be relaxing sanctuaries for your time off and they deserve an upscale makeover. Here are a few tricks to make your vacation home look expensive without having the budget to match. 

1. Paint Is Powerful 

Wall paint in aesthetic and contrasting colors is one of the best ways to really upgrade the appearance of your home without overspending. You can even do the paint yourself! Choose unique and stylish colors like pale blue, taupe, deep beige, or even bright green. Try to contrast one color with a lighter one to create dimension in the space or even to demarcate where a certain area ends (if your living room and kitchen area are combined in an open plan style). 

You can also choose to wallpaper certain rooms such as your living room if you feel these rooms are used the most by guests and immediately catch the eye. Many small businesses do renditions of vintage wallpapers so you will be getting a chic look without spending as much. Another technique that is popular amongst interior designers is to bring external colors (colors present in the surroundings of the house) to the interior paint job. This creates a subtle transition making it look as if the inside of your home is larger and in some ways a continuation of the outdoors. 

2. Minimalism Speaks Volumes

A common misconception that homeowners have is that if you fill your home with decorative pieces and furniture, you are making it look more expensive. The opposite is true as minimalism has been fashionable at least for the last decade and it ties into other trendy and healthy ideas like sustainable living, lessening carbon footprint and waste production, reusing, upcycling, recycling as well as DIY décor. There is no reason to stock up on pricey furniture sets, you can always choose and reupholster vintage or preloved pieces or keep it bare and simple, adding design accents or bright pops of colors every now and then. Not to mention it is now commonly accepted that the less clutter you have, the more likely you are to have a clear mind that may help your mental health and productivity. 

Furthermore, buy (or choose not to buy) based on your personal style and preferences. That makes a space feel defined and custom and gives guests the impression you are not trying to please anyone but yourself. Not to mention the money you save from expensive furniture or pricey art pieces can be reinvested in indie artwork, prints, extras of towels, cushions, and rugs as all these elements are what make a house a home. 

3. Structural Basics

It is often the simplest aspects of a home that give it a luxuriant touch. Purchase new faucets (or get them fixed) for really old bathrooms (if you purchased an old home and renovated it) and make sure sockets and light fixtures are in complete working order. Sometimes redoing part of the tiling or making sure you fix that creak in the floorboards can make anyone’s experience of staying in your home more pleasurable. 

4. Points For Outdoors

Adding some simple touches like succulents and other foliage, fairy lights, wicker furniture or even a BBQ grill to your outdoor patio or sitting area can really give the impression the home is huge and expensive. Not to mention it is a great way to entertain your guests! If your vacation home is registered on short-term rental software, extra sitting areas like this will probably really appeal to visitors. 

5. Small Touches

Choosing chic finishing touches for frequently used spaces like the kitchen or living area such as adding a bit of tiling (a subway tile is a brilliant inexpensive classic) or molding can really upgrade your space. Even keeping on top of basic repairs (sometimes commercial roof repair experts can give you a better deal) makes a difference. Keeping fresh flowers in vases or cleaning up your entryway with a fresh coat of paint and some plant pots can again change the vibe of your house. Don’t underestimate the power of ambient lighting as the type of bulb you use also influences mood and mental health.