Your everyday home is designed to withstand the daily grind, while a holiday property is all about instant relaxation. Think sun hats, not school bags.

Sure, a holiday home and your everyday home might share a few basics: a roof, walls, maybe a bed or two. But that’s where the similarities end! Your everyday home is designed to withstand the daily grind, while a holiday property is all about instant relaxation. Think sun hats, not school bags. Here are five ways holiday properties should be different from regular homes—and tips to help you nail the transformation!

1. Style for a Real Holiday Vibe

In your everyday home, family photos and mismatched mugs might feel cozy, but a holiday property is a blank canvas for instant getaway vibes. Guests don’t want to be greeted by someone else’s life story on the walls—they want pure, holiday-mode feels. When styling, think fun but functional: splashes of color, local flavor, and a bit of drama. And remember: a white sofa is not your friend here! Go for something that’s as comfortable as it is spill-friendly. We’re aiming for stress-free, not dry-clean-dependent.

2. Forget Deep Storage, Embrace the Essentials

Back home, we need full cupboards, pantries, and maybe even an overflowing garage. In a holiday home? Less is more. Guests just need a spot to stow a suitcase and hang a couple of shirts. Skip the walk-in robes and go for open, easy-access wardrobes. Maximize hidden storage for extra linens and cleaning supplies, but keep it lockable. And get yourself some wall hooks—they’re a holiday home storage essential! Hats, bags, towels—they’ll all find a home on a hook (or five).

3. The Durability Test: Can It Survive Guests?

This one’s a biggie: if you’d be devastated to see it chipped, scratched, or otherwise loved a little too hard, it doesn’t belong in a holiday property. The occasional wild guest can (and will) happen. So pick items that can handle some wear and tear, like solid wood furniture or tough fabric sofas. Ask yourself, “If it gets broken, can I move on?” If the answer’s no, find a tougher option. And avoid the fragile pieces—think sturdy, not delicate, because this isn’t the place for anything too precious.

4. Floor Plan: Keep It Simple

Planning to renovate or build a holiday home? Remember: guests come to hang out together, not hide in separate rooms. Unlike your everyday home, where an office and a cozy sitting area make sense, holiday properties are all about open, shared spaces. One main living area is usually plenty, and that spare office? It’s probably better as another guest room. Make the layout open, airy, and group-friendly. Don’t fall for “we need a second living room”—when what you really need is space to bring people together.

5. Embrace Low Maintenance Like It’s Going Out of Style

We all want low-maintenance homes, but this is a dealbreaker for holiday properties. When you’re finally there to relax, you don’t want to spend your time fixing pool pumps or weeding flower beds. From landscaping to flooring to “extras” like pools or fireplaces, pick options that look good, suit your target market, and require minimal fuss. Think native plants that thrive on their own, durable flooring that hides scuffs, and avoid high-maintenance add-ons if possible. You’ll be thankful when you’re not stressing over upkeep from a hundred miles away.

Your holiday property should be less “house” and more “escape.” So when you’re making choices, remember: it’s not about the daily grind, it’s about dialing up the relaxation. With a focus on style, durability, and easy maintenance, you’ll create a space guests can’t wait to escape to—one that’s equal parts fun, functional, and fuss-free.