Decorating your holiday home is an exciting opportunity to create a welcoming and memorable space for your guests.
Whether you own a cosy cottage by the sea or a countryside retreat, thoughtful design can set your property apart and ensure guests feel at home.
Here are some practical tips to help you decorate your holiday home effectively.
Understand Your Audience
The foundation of great holiday home décor is understanding who you’re designing for. Different groups of travellers look for different experiences, and tailoring your space to their needs can set your property apart from the competition.
Families
Families often prioritise comfort, safety, and practicality. Think durable furniture, wipe-clean surfaces, and child-friendly features like stair gates, highchairs, or bunk beds. Adding a box of toys, books, or board games can go a long way in making younger guests feel at home. Families also appreciate spacious dining areas where everyone can sit together, and an outdoor space where children can play safely.
Couples
Couples are usually drawn to a sense of romance and relaxation. Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and indulgent extras, like fluffy robes, a freestanding bath, or a log burner, can help create a cosy, intimate atmosphere. Small touches like candles, mood lighting, or even a welcome bottle of wine can transform their stay into a memorable escape.
Groups of Friends
Groups value social spaces where they can come together. Think about large, comfy sofas, an extendable dining table, and maybe even an outdoor seating area with a firepit or BBQ. Flexible sleeping arrangements (e.g. twin beds that convert to doubles) also make your property more versatile. Entertainment is key for groups. Streaming services, a pool table, a well-stocked games cupboard can make evenings together even more enjoyable.
By knowing your audience, you can decorate with purpose, choosing furniture, layouts, and finishing touches that directly enhance their experience. This not only helps your holiday home feel welcoming but also encourages repeat bookings and glowing reviews.
If you’re wondering what essentials you need for your holiday home, check out our guide on holiday home essentials.
Choose a Consistent Theme
A strong, consistent theme gives your holiday home personality and helps guests feel instantly immersed in their surroundings. It’s not just about colour schemes, it’s about creating a mood that reflects your property’s character and location.
Coastal Style
Perfect for seaside properties, this theme embraces blues, whites, and sandy neutrals, paired with natural textures like driftwood, wicker, or linen. Think nautical artwork, seashell accents, and breezy curtains that let in natural light. Guests will feel as though they’ve stepped into a seaside retreat, even when they’re indoors.
Rustic Charm
Ideal for countryside cottages or period properties, this style uses earthy tones, exposed beams, stone walls, and soft textiles to highlight the rural beauty of North Wales. Cosy throws, sheepskin rugs, and a roaring log burner can instantly make your space feel like a welcoming hideaway. Guests looking for a traditional “cottage escape” will fall in love with this theme.
Modern Minimalism
For contemporary apartments or newly built properties, a minimalist theme works beautifully. Neutral colour palettes, clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and functional furniture create a calm, stylish environment. Add subtle pops of colour through cushions, artwork, or plants to keep it warm and inviting. This theme appeals to guests who prefer a sleek, fuss-free stay.
Blended Themes
Don’t be afraid to mix elements if it suits your property. For example, a coastal home might blend rustic touches like exposed beams with seaside décor for a more unique and authentic feel. The key is consistency; each room should flow naturally into the next, giving guests a sense of cohesion throughout their stay.
By choosing a theme that fits both your property’s personality and your target audience’s expectations, you create a memorable atmosphere that feels more than just functional; it feels like part of their holiday experience.
Prioritise Comfort and Functionality
While a beautifully styled holiday home can wow guests at first glance, it’s the comfort and ease of use that turn a stay into a memorable experience. Practical, thoughtful design choices help guests feel relaxed, cared for, and eager to return.
Furniture That Works Hard
Invest in durable, high-quality furniture that can withstand frequent use without losing its charm. Sofas should be deep and comfortable for cosy evenings, and beds should have supportive mattresses with fresh, hotel-quality linen. Flexible pieces, like extendable dining tables or sofa beds, are ideal for accommodating different group sizes.
Smart Lighting
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to create atmosphere. A mix of overhead lights, task lighting, and ambient lamps gives guests the ability to adapt the mood. Dimmer switches, warm-toned bulbs, and bedside lamps for reading all add an extra layer of comfort. Guests love options, whether they’re preparing dinner or curling up with a book.
Plenty of Storage
No one wants to live out of a suitcase. Provide ample storage solutions such as wardrobes, drawers, hooks for coats, and baskets for shoes or toys. Small touches like a luggage rack in bedrooms or extra shelving in bathrooms can make a big difference in helping guests feel organised during their stay.
Easy-to-Maintain Design
Functionality also means making life simple for both guests and owners. Choose washable fabrics, hardwearing flooring, and wipe-clean surfaces that look good but are practical for holiday use. Families, in particular, will appreciate a home that’s both stylish and stress-free.
By making comfort and functionality the foundation of your décor choices, you ensure your holiday home feels inviting, practical, and enjoyable for every type of guest. Style catches attention, but comfort wins hearts (and five-star reviews).
Wondering how you can get more positive reviews? We’ve got you covered with our top tips on improving your holiday home reviews!
Add Local Touches
One of the joys of staying in a holiday home is the chance to feel part of the destination. By weaving in local character, culture, and craftsmanship, you create an experience that guests simply can’t get from a standard hotel. These thoughtful details make your property memorable and give guests a deeper connection to the place they’re visiting.
Celebrate Local Art & Photography
Decorate your walls with artwork, prints, or photography by local artists, showcasing nearby landscapes, seascapes, or landmarks. Not only does this give your property a strong sense of place, but it also supports the local creative community, something guests will appreciate.
Use Regional Materials & Textures
Incorporate natural, locally sourced materials where possible. In North Wales, that might mean slate from local quarries, traditional wool throws, or handcrafted pottery. These touches don’t just look beautiful; they tell a story and add authenticity.
Bring the Outdoors In
Add décor that reflects the surrounding landscapes, like driftwood sculptures for coastal cottages, or rustic oak furniture for countryside homes. Subtle references to the environment remind guests of where they are, even when indoors.
Provide Local Knowledge
Small extras go a long way. A welcome pack with local produce (Welsh cakes, artisan cheese, or locally roasted coffee) or a curated selection of guidebooks and maps helps guests feel instantly at home. You could even include recommendations for the best pubs, walks, and hidden gems, making their stay easier and more enjoyable.
These local touches don’t just enhance the style of your property; they transform it into a unique holiday experience, where guests feel immersed in the spirit of North Wales from the moment they arrive.
Create Memorable Spaces
What makes a holiday home unforgettable isn’t just its location; it’s the little moments guests experience inside it. By designing spaces that encourage relaxation, togetherness, and fun, you turn your property from simply “a place to stay” into a destination in itself.
Inviting Outdoor Areas
Guests love making the most of the fresh Welsh air. If you have a garden, patio, or balcony, consider adding comfortable seating, a BBQ, fairy lights, or even a fire pit for evenings under the stars. An outdoor dining area creates the perfect backdrop for family meals, sunset drinks, or cosy conversations.
Cosy Corners for Relaxation
Not every guest wants to be on the go all the time. A reading nook with a comfy chair, soft blanket, and a stack of books or magazines can become someone’s favourite part of the house. Add a window seat with views of the countryside or coast if possible, it’s these special touches that linger in guests’ memories.
Communal Spaces for Connection
Holiday homes often bring families or groups together, so it’s important to have communal areas with enough seating for everyone. A large dining table, a spacious sofa, or even a games room encourages quality time, whether it’s for family dinners, movie nights, or board games.
Entertainment Options
Guests love a little something extra. Consider providing a well-stocked games cupboard, streaming services, or a smart TV for relaxed evenings. For families, puzzles and children’s games are a big plus; for couples, a curated playlist or Bluetooth speaker can set the mood.
When you create these memorable spaces, you’re offering more than just accommodation; you’re creating moments that guests will talk about long after their holiday ends. These thoughtful additions can be the difference between a nice stay and a “we can’t wait to come back” experience.
Keep It Neutral but Personal
When decorating a holiday home, it’s important to strike the right balance: you want to appeal to a wide range of guests while still making your property feel warm, welcoming, and unique. Neutral interiors provide a calm, versatile backdrop, but adding small personal touches ensures your home doesn’t feel bland or forgettable.
Neutral Base for Broad Appeal
Stick to light, timeless colours, think soft greys, whites, creams, and warm beiges. These shades make your property feel fresh, spacious, and relaxing, while also appealing to different styles and tastes. A neutral base also makes it easy to update the look with simple swaps, like cushions or wall art, without redecorating entirely.
Add Personality with Accents
Introduce pops of colour and character through accessories, such as throw pillows, rugs, lamps, or artwork. For a coastal cottage, you could use sea blues and sandy tones; for a countryside retreat, earthy greens and warm oranges work beautifully. These accents allow you to show personality without overwhelming guests.
Seasonal & Flexible Touches
Refresh your holiday home throughout the year with seasonal updates. Fresh flowers or pastel accessories in spring, cosy blankets and warm lighting in winter, these subtle changes make the property feel alive and welcoming all year round.
Highlight Unique Features
If your property has a characterful element like a log burner, exposed stone wall, bay window, or beamed ceiling, let it shine. These details set your home apart from generic rentals and give guests something memorable to talk about.
Thoughtful Personal Details
Keep ornaments and decorations minimal, but a few well-chosen pieces with meaning, like a handcrafted vase, a local artwork, or a quirky statement lamp, show personality and make the space feel cared for.
By combining a neutral foundation with personal, meaningful details, you create a holiday home that’s both stylish and inviting. Guests will feel instantly comfortable while still enjoying the sense that they’re staying somewhere with its own story and charm.
Maintain Cleanliness and Simplicity
A beautifully decorated property can easily lose its appeal if it feels cluttered or difficult to keep clean. For holiday homes, where guests expect a spotless, stress-free environment, simplicity and cleanliness are just as important as style. A fresh, uncluttered space not only makes your home look more inviting but also reassures guests that their comfort and well-being are a top priority.
Clutter-Free is Key
Keep decorations and ornaments minimal. Guests want space to relax and spread out, not to worry about knocking over fragile trinkets. A few carefully chosen accessories, such as a statement vase, framed artwork, or a stylish lamp, make more impact than overcrowded shelves.
Durable, Easy-to-Clean Materials
Opt for washable fabrics, slipcovers, and rugs that can withstand frequent use and be refreshed quickly between stays. Hard flooring with easy-clean rugs is often more practical than wall-to-wall carpet in high-traffic areas.
Streamlined Storage
Provide smart storage solutions like baskets, coat hooks, and under-bed drawers so guests can keep the space tidy without feeling cramped. Having a place for everything makes the property easier to maintain and gives guests a sense of order.
Freshness Matters
Small touches go a long way; fresh flowers, a low-maintenance plant, or even a subtle reed diffuser can instantly make a space feel cared for. These details add life and warmth without adding clutter.
Keep Surfaces Clear
Kitchen counters, bedside tables, and coffee tables should be mostly free of clutter, allowing guests to use them for their own belongings. A holiday home should feel stylish but also practical and liveable.
By embracing simplicity and prioritising cleanliness, you ensure that your property feels calm, spacious, and welcoming. Guests are more likely to leave glowing reviews when they feel they’ve stayed in a home that is not only beautiful but also immaculately maintained.
Decorating your holiday home is about balancing style, comfort, and functionality. By tailoring your decor to your audience, embracing local influences, and paying attention to detail, you can create a space that feels both inviting and unique. A well-decorated holiday home not only delights guests but also encourages positive reviews and repeat bookings.
Start transforming your holiday home today, and let it become the haven guests will rave about for years to come.
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