Walking into a new vacation home is exciting. You finally have a place to escape when you need a break.
But you still need to make the space your own – and the walls are a great place to start.
Color has a way of shifting the entire mood of a room, and painting is one of the easiest ways to make your vacation home feel just like home.
Start With the Mood
Before you grab a paintbrush, think about the atmosphere you’re after – color psychology can help you set the tone.
Blues and greens bring a sense of calm, while yellow adds energy, and warm neutrals ground a room.
Picture how you want to feel when you arrive at your “home away from home” after a weekend cruise or a day of exploring. Do you want it to feel serene and coastal, cozy and clean, or more modern?
A simple mood board that includes inspiration from your surroundings can help bring your vision together.
Consider the Setting
A vacation home feels most inviting when it reflects what’s outside its windows.
Let your natural surroundings guide your paint choices to create a flow from outdoors to indoors.
If you’re at the coast, think soft whites, sandy neutrals, and blues. If you’re working on a mountain cabin, on the other hand, earthy browns, deep greens, and other warm tones are a better fit.
Drawing from the scenery around you not only creates harmony, but also makes the space feel like it truly belongs where it is.
Accent Walls and Statement Spaces
Relocating to a new vacation home often means you need to start with rooms that feel a bit plain until you can “do your thing”, but this gives you the chance to play around with a few bold ideas.
An accent wall in a bedroom or living area instantly adds a touch of character without overpowering the space.
You could go with a mural-type design, experiment with color blocking, or try a textured finish for extra depth.
You still want to keep things cohesive, though, so make sure you echo your accent color in other ways, using cushions, throws, or artwork.
This is an easy way to make a new space feel intentional and personal right from the start.
Don’t Forget the Ceilings and Trim
Most people tend to stop at the walls when it comes to painting, but the ceilings and trim matter, too.
While a light ceiling can make a room feel airy and open, a darker one gives you more drama and intimacy.
Trim, doors, and window frames are another aspect that are often overlooked, but can make a notable difference. A crisp, white trim can sharpen the contrast against colorful walls, while a tone-on-tone approach keeps things softer.
A Few Practical Considerations
The finish you choose matters just as much as your color selections.
A matte finish creates a soft, cozy look, but if you go with a glossy finish, scuffs and wear won’t show up as much. If you want a good middle ground, go with a satin finish. It’s a great balance between durability and a warm, comfortable vibe.
In terms of paint types, washable is best for vacation homes simply because they see more foot traffic, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
Lastly, don’t forget that light will affect your final result, too, and what feels warm in the morning can look cooler at night.
What can really help you refine your paint choices is if you bring a few swatches home and test them out.
Painting Makes It Personal
Painting at its core is about decorating a space, but it’s also a way to relocate your vibe and turn a vacation home into a little sanctuary all for you. Along with considering your surroundings and personal taste, don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and finishes if you want a space you can be proud of.
