Whether you’re preparing to get your holiday home summer ready for the season or simply want to upgrade your second home for personal enjoyment, June is the perfect time to tackle some essential upgrades. At Haysey Designs, we know how the little details can make all the difference when it comes to guest satisfaction, aesthetics and long-term value.
Here are our top recommendations for must-do improvements this month.
1. Refresh the Interior Paintwork
Over time, even the most loved holiday homes can start to show wear and tear. A fresh coat of paint, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens and living rooms, can instantly lift the feel of your home.
We recommend opting for light, airy colours – I know…. the bold colours and big patterns are incredibly on trend at the moment, but for a calming holiday home to please the masses and not the few, painting using softer palettes will create a clean and calming atmosphere.
Neutrals always work well and it doesn’t have to be magnolia – think greige or cleaner less pigmented whites and softer tones of blues and greens. That being said, incorporating a bold feature like a 3d wall or some wall art, or even adding a single wall of colour, a mural – a statement light for a pop of personality will add that uniqueness that differentiates your home from others to your holiday makers, it also adds a conversational point for you if you’re enjoying it personally without taking over and still creating that calming ambiance you are looking for.
2. Upgrade Soft Furnishings
Fabrics fade, cushions flatten and styles evolve. If your holiday home hasn’t seen new throws, cushions, or curtains in a while, now is the time. Outdoor fabrics mean your guests can bring the cushions outside for comfort and you’ll have that durability and water resistance you’ll need. There are so many gorgeous options out there and if you’re struggling to source these drop us a line as we are happy to share. We really love Kayospruce for some really fabulous, quality outdoor fabric options.
Choosing durable yet luxurious fabrics that can withstand regular use for curtains and furnishings remaining on the inside, but which still look inviting are a must too. I know, we’ve said it before and we will say it again – by layering textures – for summer purposes go for soft plain linens, bright velvets and cottons with voiles will help to create a boutique hotel feel which guests will always appreciate.
3. Enhance Outdoor Spaces
With warmer weather and longer days now in full flow, outdoor areas are another area to focus on you may well have already considered and a major draw for holiday makers. Investing in good quality, comfortable garden furniture, adding ambient lighting like festoon bulbs or solar lanterns and adding a bio ethanol fire, or a wood burning fire pit or chiminea for those cooler evenings are super inviting ways to upgrade your outdoor space that add a touch of luxury. Add oversized baskets ready to place on the patio (on a dry evening of course) with sumptuous wool blankets for those cosy summer evenings are another really thoughtful addition to consider.
We are currently working with a company who do the most divine tables with the bio fires (clean and sustainable and also emits heat) in a well in the centre of them, which make wonderful socialising spaces. These can be poseur style (high level bar type tables) or dining table versions which look incredibly elegant and a great centrepiece to a patio.
A well-styled patio with oversized tall, stylish pots (go as large as you can to keep things clear and simple and pair no more than 2 colours together to keep it looking slick) can significantly increase booking potential. We love Hortology for some really beautiful and good quality options for this.
4. Modernise the Kitchen and Bathroom
Guests increasingly expect hotel-quality amenities in their holiday stays. If your kitchen appliances are outdated or your bathroom lacks modern fittings, these upgrades are worth the investment. Even small touches like a really large rainfall shower head, stylish tap ware, a low level well fitted shower tray and integrated lighting (not just downlights – think niche lighting or a mirror light on a sensor for those evening wees – can hugely transform the space.
5. Boost Wi-Fi and Tech Features
It’s no longer enough to have basic Wi-Fi. Guests want fast, reliable internet for streaming, remote work, or staying in touch. Consider upgrading your broadband package or installing a mesh network for wider coverage. Smart TVs, keyless entry systems and USB charging points also add a layer of convenience and modernity. You may even want to consider the new USB versions. It’s tricky to time proof these with technology moving so quickly so you may opt for ensuring sockets are doubles to allow for chargers and accessories your guests may need. You could upgrade your socket and switch covers and instead of using plain white plastic, think bronze metal or brushed metals which will really elevate your interior with just those.
6. Add Local Character and Art
Help your holiday home stand out with décor that reflects the local area rather than a standard print. Artwork from regional artists, maps, or locally made pottery can add so much unexpected delight and charm and authenticity.
7. Review Lighting Throughout the Property
Lighting has a dramatic effect on mood and function. We have written a lot of blogs about light and I appreciate you’re most likely fed up of hearing it, but it’s so utterly true. We recommend swapping harsh overhead bright white lights for softer colours controllable with dimmers, adding wall sconces (the new rechargable ones are a great option if you don’t wish to channel out walls and create decorating works), floor lamps and large ceramic table lamps. In bedrooms, ensure reading lights are easily accessible from the bed, and in bathrooms particularly, aim for bright but flattering tones – downward lighting over a mirror area is not your friend – giving in fact, very Bohemian Rahpsody music video feels with all the shadow it creates. Side lit mirrors, balanced lighting around the rooms (evenly spaced and well positioned down lights, lighting options (morning and evening, gloomy or bright) however, are key.
8. Eco-Friendly Touches
Sustainability matters more than ever to today’s travellers. Adding recycling bins, installing LED bulbs, and provide eco-friendly toiletries. If budget allows, consider solar panels, water-saving fixtures, or even a green roof. These changes not only help the planet but can also appeal to the growing eco-conscious guest demographic. Recycled cottons for your fabrics are increasingly available at all the big retailers and they are fantastic quality with a huge variety of options. Even recycled plastic bottle rugs like the ones from Jennifer Manners, or the recycled fishing net carpets which are entirely on trend in their flat weave styles in some beautiful colours by Eaton Square Flooring (the coconut colour is our personal favourite) and using FSC certified timbers in your hardwood floors and furnishings are all super easy options to consider.
Ready to transform your holiday home?
If you’re ready to make these upgrades but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.
From full-scale refurbishments to tailored interior styling, Haysey Designs offer a bespoke service to ensure your holiday home is functional, beautiful and guest-ready.
Get in touch to book your personalised design consultation and let’s make this season your most successful yet.
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