Are you contemplating buying a vacation home? Do your days go by looking at project images, combing through decor magazines, and forming/editing the budget. We understand.
Investing in a vacation home is a big task, and it is one that you have to get right. This is a space to indulge your design dreams and go all in. The constraints you usually have with a home in the city just fly out the window, so why not make the most of it?
But the question is where to spend the most, and where to take a step back?
The two contenders usually are architectural design for new homes/structural renovations for a built space vs new furnishings to bring the space to life.
Putting the age-old debate to rest, the SaffronStays team is here to show you both sides of the coin with our insights on what matters when.
Let’s dive in.
Architecture: The long term Investment
When is architecture significant? Well, the truthful answer is always. The design forms the base of your home’s appeal, longevity, and strength. So yes, good architectural design is a must in all conditions.
But if you are asking us in terms of investments, we would ask you to take a step back and consider :
- If the existing home celebrates the natural elements of the location in terms of light, heat, wind, and views. If yes, you do not have to invest a lot in renovating it. Florence Nightingale believed that clean spaces with fresh air, sunlight, and sanitation infrastructure had a positive effect on people. So if this is yes, you are good.
- Are you buying a home in a picturesque and special landscape? Will a special design enhance the value of the space, making furnishing secondary? For example, if it is a sea view or a cliff view space, furnishing takes a backseat because the outdoors are so inviting.
- What does the base material used/proposed to be used in the home look like? If they are climate-appropriate and sturdy to last long, you are safe. If the structure (walls, floors, roofs, and doors/windows) is good, stick to minimal investments in paints and other interior aspects.
Bottom line, architectural design is an important investment but not if you can spruce the existing space with a few finishes and furnishing choices.
Furnishing: Add flair to your architect’s vision
As important as architectural vision is for the vacation home, furnishing plays a major role in turning the space into something everyone can feel happy in. And that is definitely a requirement for vacation homes.
The interior goals for vacation homes are a little different from what they would be for a residential home.
Investments in furnishings become pertinent when :
- You want to create an experience with a particular aesthetic for the vacation home. This is usually a significant point when you are looking to rent out the home for tenants.
- The property demands a specific themed decor to enhance its appeal. For example, a beach property needs a Boho-themed furnishing to bring it together, while a hill resort may not need much to perk it up.
- You want to invest in durable materials and statement pieces to improve the value of your property and reduce maintenance.
- Accent the rooms and spaces with unique furnishing pieces to play with light and wind further. For example, vacation rooms in mountainous regions need wind chimes to jazz up the space and fall into the aesthetic.
The bottom line is if you have a grandeur architecture that has a character of its own, you can stick to minimal furnishing without a lot of frills. But, if the home needs a personality of its own, go all-in with furnishing.
Balancing Furnishing vs Architecture
The key to building the best dream vacation home is balancing your focus and investments on furnishing and architecture.
Understand the home and the spaces before picking a side. Analyse who the target audience is, and tailor the expectations accordingly. This is especially true if you want to rent out the home to tenants.
If you are looking for a partner to make the most of your vacation home and guide you in this journey, connect with us at partner@saffronstays.com now!
