How to Design a Home That Feels Like a Permanent Holiday

Imagine waking up every day to sunshine pouring through your windows, stepping barefoot onto timber floors, and sipping coffee in a space that feels like a five-star resort. It might sound like a dream reserved for holidays or getaways, but with thoughtful design, your home can offer that same sense of relaxation and joy—every single day.

Designing a home that feels like a permanent holiday isn’t about mimicking a hotel room. It’s about creating a space that lifts your mood, supports your lifestyle, and offers comfort, calm, and a touch of luxury. Whether you’re renovating or simply refreshing your décor, here’s how to bring the holiday feeling home.

Start with a Mood, Not a Magazine

Before diving into Pinterest boards or showroom visits, take a step back and think about how you want your home to feel. Is it coastal calm with sea breezes and sun-bleached wood? Or maybe a retreat in the bush with warm, earthy tones and textured layers?

Designing with emotion in mind—rather than following trends—means you’ll end up with a space that’s more personal and lasting. Think about your favourite holiday memories. What elements made them special? Was it the natural light, the open-plan living, or the peaceful quiet? The idea is to recreate the experience, not the exact look.

Of course, not everyone has the budget to redesign from scratch. That’s where little wins can go a long way. And if you’ve ever dreamed of a total home refresh but felt stuck, many Aussies are turning to a home lottery to try their luck at scoring a professionally styled dream home.

Natural Light is the Ultimate Luxury

If there’s one thing that holiday homes and resorts have in common, it’s an abundance of natural light. It instantly opens up a space and improves your mood—no renovation needed.

Here are a few simple ways to maximise light in your home:

• Use sheer curtains or light-filtering blinds instead of heavy drapes
  
  
• Add mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of more space
  
  
• Choose light, neutral wall colours to brighten darker rooms
  
  
• Keep window sills and ledges clear to let in more daylight
  
  

If you’re building or renovating, consider adding skylights, larger windows, or open-plan layouts that allow light to flow between rooms.

Bring the Outdoors In

One of the simplest ways to recreate a holiday feel is to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. That connection to nature is what makes beach houses, rainforest cabins, and countryside retreats feel so relaxing.

Here’s how to integrate natural elements into your space:

• Use sliding doors or bi-folds to open up living areas to patios or decks
  
  
• Incorporate indoor plants to add greenery and purify the air
  
  
• Choose materials like timber, rattan, linen, and stone to reflect your surroundings
  
  
• Add outdoor-style seating or daybeds to sun-soaked corners indoors
  
  

Even small balconies or courtyards can feel like resort spaces with the right furniture and mood lighting.

Think “Less But Better”

Clutter is the enemy of relaxation. You’ve probably noticed that holiday rentals and boutique stays feel peaceful partly because they’re not overflowing with stuff. The minimalist approach doesn’t mean you have to live like a monk—it just means being intentional with what you keep.

To declutter and create a calming vibe:

• Choose quality over quantity when it comes to furniture and décor
  
  
• Use smart storage to hide everyday mess and keep surfaces clear
  
  
• Limit colour palettes to create cohesion across rooms
  
  
• Let statement pieces shine—don’t overcrowd your space
  
  

Your home should feel lived-in, not showroom-perfect—but simplifying your layout and possessions can help your mind feel lighter.

Create Spaces for Doing Nothing

One of the biggest luxuries of a holiday is the freedom to do nothing. So why not design a space that invites you to slow down and recharge?

You can build this into your home in simple, budget-friendly ways:

• Create a reading nook with a comfy chair, a soft throw, and good lighting
  
  
• Use hammocks or outdoor beanbags to encourage lounging in the garden
  
  
• Set up a screen-free zone for conversation, music, or just unwinding
  
  
• Add touches like candles, essential oil diffusers, or soothing art to enhance the sense of calm
  
  

The more you design for relaxation, the more your home becomes a place of escape—even if it’s just after work on a Tuesday.

Use Colour to Set the Mood

Colour can drastically affect how we feel in a space. Holiday homes often use soft, natural tones that promote restfulness and comfort. Think sage green, sandy beige, crisp white, or soft blues.

Tips for working with colour:

• Keep bold colours to accents like cushions, art, or rugs
  
  
• Use warm neutrals to create cosy living areas
  
  
• Choose light, breezy tones for bedrooms and bathrooms
  
  
• Experiment with texture (not just colour) to add interest without chaos
  
  

You don’t need to repaint the entire house—sometimes, changing the tone of a single room can make all the difference.

Invest in Little Luxuries

Even if you’re not booking a suite with ocean views, you can still add small indulgences that make home feel extra special. These don’t have to be expensive—but they do need to make you feel good.

Here are a few “everyday luxuries” to consider:

• Crisp white bedding with high thread count sheets
  
  
• Fluffy towels and a hotel-style robe
  
  
• A statement pendant light or designer-style lamp
  
  
• Quality speakers for music in the background
  
  
• A stocked bar cart or coffee station for mini rituals
  
  

The goal is to make daily routines—like having a cuppa, taking a shower, or winding down—feel like a treat, not a chore.

In a fast-paced world, designing a home that feels like a permanent holiday is one of the best ways to protect your wellbeing and elevate your lifestyle. It’s not about copying what you see in glossy magazines—it’s about designing a space that works for you, brings you joy, and invites calm into your everyday life.

Whether you’re styling a new space, refreshing a tired room, or just adding a few thoughtful touches, remember: your home doesn’t need to be big or fancy to feel like a getaway. It just needs to reflect the life you want to live.

Also Read: Designing For Space Efficiency: Strategies for Smaller Lots