Holiday Home Design Tips That Create a Standout Guest Experience
With Simone Mathews, Soul Home
To build a holiday property that books out months in advance, earns five-star reviews, and lingers in guests’ memories long after check-out, design must do far more than look good on a screen. It has to work effortlessly for the people staying there. In conversation with Simone Matthews from Soul Home, the secret to creating an exceptional stay comes down to spatial flow, guest-focused practicalities, and intentional design choices that elevate the overall experience.
Start With the Target Market and the Right Property The single biggest mistake holiday home owners make is designing for their personal tastes rather than analyzing the local market. Simone’s advice is clear: start with the guest, not the mood board. Ask the crucial questions before buying or renovating: Are your guests couples, families, or group getaways? Do they want to walk to local cafes, or are they seeking a secluded sanctuary?
A cozy studio might thrive in an urban destination but fall flat in a family beach town. Likewise, buying a large house with plans to reconfigure the layout only works if the projected rental return justifies the capital expenditure. Location and layout must align with the target market; once you pinpoint who is staying, every subsequent design decision becomes clear.
Design for Holiday Mode, Not Everyday Life At home, daily life is defined by busy schedules, chores, and constant movement. On holiday, people want to slow down, linger, and re-establish connections. Holiday home design must support this entirely different rhythm by eliminating friction.
One of Simone’s core design principles is that every guest should have a seat at the table. A house that sleeps eight guests but only provides dining seating for four creates immediate frustration. Holiday stays revolve around shared meals and group conversations, making generous, social spaces essential. Open-plan living areas where everyone can gather naturally work better than fragmented, isolated rooms. To make the home feel intuitive, prioritize clear flow and accessible storage:
Open shelving for everyday kitchen basics and breakfast bowls.
Easily accessible towels, toiletries, and extra linens.
Clutter-free entryways and open paths through living zones.
Spend Money Where Guests Feel It Most Not every dollar spent yields the same return in guest satisfaction. Allocating your budget effectively depends on identifying high-touch areas that directly impact the stay.
The $5,000 Investment: Focus on immediate sensory touchpoints. Upgrade to high-quality bedding, crisp linen, and an inviting bed presentation. Install sturdy wall hooks in bedrooms, bathrooms, and entryways so guests have convenient places to hang wet towels, hats, and bags.
The $5,000 to $50,000 Range: Address functional pain points highlighted in guest feedback. Replace aging appliances, refresh a tired kitchen, or upgrade a worn outdoor barbecue setup to build trust and elevate quality.
The $500,000 Overhaul: Reconfigure the floor plan to improve spatial connection. Rather than adding unnecessary small rooms, focus on expanding the primary central living zone where guests spend the majority of their collective time.
Styling That Feels Timeless and Comfortable Avoid chasing short-lived interior trends for permanent fixtures. Instead, anchor the property with timeless architectural finishes and use easily replaceable items—such as cushions, throws, artwork, and tableware—to introduce personality and contemporary touches.
When it comes to atmosphere, lighting is the single most critical styling element. Ambient, layered lighting using floor lamps, table lamps, and soft wall sconces creates a calm, restful evening environment that helps guests unwind. Keep bed styling simple and functional; avoid overloading mattresses with excessive decorative pillows that guests will simply remove and throw on the floor.
Focus on Practical Bedrooms and Kitchens How guests sleep directly shapes their review of your property. Invest in premium mattresses and practical ensemble beds that offer quiet, reliable support. Consider built-in timber or joinery headboards over upholstered fabric bedheads, which tend to collect dust and show wear quickly.
In the kitchen, balance being well-equipped with remaining intuitive:
Supply durable, mid-range cookware and matching dishware scaled to the full guest count.
Choose simple coffee machines with clear, straightforward instructions.
Avoid overly complex smart appliances that confuse guests during their downtime.
Sell the Lifestyle, Not Just the Architecture Once the property is ready, present it online using lifestyle-focused imagery rather than rigid real estate photography. Real estate images sell the building, but holiday accommodation photography sells the feeling of being there. Focus shots on lived-in, evocative moments: a slightly rumpled bed, morning coffee on a sunlit verandah, or wine glasses set by an open fireplace.
Modern travelers use search engines and social platforms as credibility checks to verify what an experience will actually feel like. Share clear, helpful content that communicates who the property is designed for, what local attractions are nearby, and the distinct atmosphere guests can expect from the moment they arrive.
The most successful holiday homes are rarely the most lavish or heavily decorated. They are the ones that make the practical feel beautiful, creating an effortless environment where guests arrive and instantly feel like they are on holiday.
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