Holiday cottages - interior design tips

You’ve found the perfect house, the sale is done and dusted and you’re ready to transform it into a luxury holiday cottage. So what next?

With the help of renowned Yorkshire-based interior designer Rachel McLane we’ve put together a few hints and tips to get your started…

Holiday cottages – interior design tips

If you are thinking of refurbishing a home for the purpose of a holiday let (or indeed want to give your current holiday cottage a refresh) it’s important to get the interior just right so that it appeals to potential guests and makes a lasting impression on them during their stay.

Rachel McLane has worked on many stunning holiday homes over the last few years and advises owners to think about the a few fundamental areas.

Tip 1 – simplicity

Make sure there isn’t clutter in the holiday home and don’t have too many bold patterns and colours. Clean lines work well and you can add colour and interest with art, statement pieces and bespoke accessories such as cushions, rugs and lighting. These items can all be easily changed to update the look for the time of year.

Rachel recommends keeping the palette neutral but not boring and avoiding any polarising colours – you don’t want to put off any potential guests but you also don’t want to be instantly forgotten!

Tip 2 – Make sure your guests are comfortable

The cottage should be a home-from-home for your guests so make sure you have comfortable sofas and beds so visitors can relax and feel well-rested. Plenty of storage space is also important so your guests don’t have to live from their suitcases. Rachel’s tip: “Don’t forget that your furniture will get plenty of wear and tear so it needs to be hard wearing but not utilitarian. Everything should be in keeping with your property style so be consistent throughout.”

Tip 3 – finishing touches

Luxury finishing touches can help elevate your home in the eyes of guests and give a high-end feel that is a requirement for many people. Use luxurious linens and towels, have branded toiletries and make sure your kitchen is well-equipped with sufficient glasses, cutlery and a dishwasher (after all no-one wants to do the washing up when they are away).

Rachel says “Adding small personal touches can make a big difference. For example, have games and books available along with useful items such as rainwear for emergencies along with picnic rugs and baskets. The key here is quality and nothing that is dog-eared or damaged.”

Tip 4 – think about your available space

Outside space is very important so make sure you utilise whatever you have available. Add an outside table and chairs so that guests can eat alfresco (particularly if you have a great view) or have a BBQ area available. Installing a hot tub is a luxurious romantic extra that can set you apart from other cottages.

Getting the indoor space right is also vital to ensure you maximise your appeal. Rachel recommends that where possible you create a twin room or rooms to appeal to families and add en-suite bathrooms so that there are no morning arguments over the shower! Don’t forget to give your property its own personality so that your clients feel like welcome visitors who want to return again and again.

Tip 5 – keep your guests in mind

It’s important to remember who your target market is going to be. If you have a small cottage with one or two bedrooms then its likely to appeal to couples and small families. Likewise if you have a property with three or more bedrooms then families and groups of friends are going to be your market.

The same design principals as above apply, but you can accessorize appropriately to appeal to each set of customers. For example including romantic little touches for smaller properties and lots of family-friendly equipment for the larger cottage.

Rachel McClane Ltd is a creative design consultancy based in Malton. You can contact Rachel for further information on 01653 740036 or e-mail [email protected]