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by Kat Nelson Designs

Owning a Second Home

 

One of our favorite aspects of interior design is being a part of the excitement that comes from a client purchasing their first vacation home.

Whether it is a beach house or a cabin nestled in the woods, helping a client infuse their unique personality into the property is not only highly rewarding but a whole lot of fun. 

 

We offer services for every aspect associated with the purchase of a second home. Whether you need help with the abundance of choices that comes with new construction or a game plan for a previously owned home, we are there every step of the way.  

We can even help you stock your home with all of the home's necessities.(stocking the kitchen with dinnerware, cleaning supplies, purchasing bed and bath linens). 

If a second home is in your future or you presently own but are considering updating or renting, here is a compilation of our top tips.

• Decide if this property is a rental or not. The main distinction is in how the furnishings are approached.  Either way, you want this home to be a reflection of you....the casual and relaxed you.  This is not the place to be too fussy...this is the place you "put your feet up" and read a book.
• Take inventory of what extras you have at home.  Can they be painted a fun color?   Reupholstered in a bright fabric? This is the time we can color outside the lines and use color in a fun way.  However, we don't want the home to become a mishmash of your primary home's cast-offs.  Also avoid over decorating in "beach/lake/mountain" accessories.  
• Ensure your floors are hardworking surfaces for sandy toes, wet feet or frozen boots.   Hardwood floors (not a soft wood) and tile are the best options.  Generally, I don't place carpet in any rooms.  Durable rugs are easier to clean or replace than a room full of carpeting.
•  Ensure you have at least one large refrigerator that can accommodate a weeks worth of groceries.  It is important that you have a dining table that can seat at least 8 to 10. 
• All beds should be comfortable.  You don't have to buy the top of the line but invest in a comfortable mattress and add a thick pillow topper if needed.  Make sure all of the bedding is machine washable. 
• There should be an extra mirror and seat in every bedroom.  Often the bathroom is being occupied by showers and it's helpful to have another place to put makeup on etc.
• Hooks!!!!  They should be everywhere.  No one neatly folds a towel over a towel bar.  And if they do...it doesn't dry well.  Have several hooks in the bathrooms, closets, outside...they will be well used.
• Save and Splurge.  There is always a cost balance when furnishing a beautiful home. The savings should be concentrated on bedding, rugs, and dishware.  These items are more easily replaced if damage is to occur.  The place to splurges is in the lighting, art and window treatments. Typically, these areas don't get damaged. 
• The furniture needs to be durable but not the top of the line.  We are always looking for furniture sources that provide both excellent durability and can be purchased with  indoor-outdoor fabrics.  We suggest using slipcovers that are machine washable.  Top it off with cute pillows and voil'a...way too practical and cute!
• Lastly, if you are using the property as a rental as well as your second home expect some things will need to be replaced yearly.  If you accept this and budget for it, you will be less stressed about some of the aspects of owning  a second home.  The memories of fun and relaxed times with friends, family or renters are worth the investment.