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Decorating a Summer House


Theme Choices: Shabby Chic, Seaside Chic, The Party Hut, and the Family Holiday Home

© 2012 by Kevin Ball all rights reserved; content may not be copied, rewritten, or republished without author’s written permission.

A comforable couch with brown fabric upholsery; photo courtesy Kelly Smith

Summer houses are becoming increasingly popular for people vacationing domestically. For many people, one of the most enjoyable aspects of a holiday home is being able to decorate it in a manner that reflects their personality; something they would perhaps avoid in a permanent residence.

The “Shabby Chic” Look

Shabby chic, otherwise known as distressed fashion, is a style that relies heavily on nostalgia. Popular motifs include faded chintz, polka dot patterns, 1950s style furniture, wicker chairs, floral prints and cupcakes.

This look is ideal for a summer home as it can evoke strong memories of childhood, simplicity and innocence; making the vacation something psychological as opposed to just geographical.

Seaside Chic

Another popular style, especially in coastal summer houses, seaside chic creates a psychological vacation in a similar manner to the shabby chic already discussed.

Where seaside chic differs though is that the geography and style are more entwined; the choices of furniture serving to further highlight the difference between coastal life and city life. To achieve the seaside look consider furniture made from driftwood, shell patterns, fishing equipment and pebbles.

The Party Hut

Sometimes you aren’t looking for a quiet time on vacation, and for those wanting a summer trip that is more Jack Daniels than Cath Kidston, kitting out a summer home like a retro bar room is becoming a popular choice.

Décor wise you will be looking for a good sized beer fridge, a small bar with optics for spirits, neon lights, and space permitting, a pool table or classic arcade cabinet.

An electric heating system is also worth considering if you are partying into the small hours as night-time can get chilly no matter what time of year it is. Outdoor BBQ’s are a popular choice for meal times at this sort of summer house too.

Family Holiday Home

Just because the whole family are coming along doesn’t mean style has to be sacrificed. Making a summer home a place that will be adored by all generations is a rewarding experience.

Think comfort for this one: Large sofas with plenty of cushions, space for the kids to play, board games, and books. A large table that can be folded away is a good choice too; mealtimes are a great way for the whole family to spend some quality time together.

So, as you can see, décor is of vital importance when it comes to making a summer home your own. Take into consideration what you want from your holiday and who you will be sharing the fun with to create the perfect holiday atmosphere.


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Article © 2012 Kevin Ball all rights reserved; content may not be copied, rewritten, or republished without author’s written permission.