Easy Ways to Spruce Up Your Summer Vacation Rental
If your rented cabin, cottage or beach shack isn’t up to par, fear not. A few tweaks can make it more comfortable
It’s happened to all of us — that glowing summer-share description from pals who were desperate for you to chip in, or that online rental listing full of photos you realized upon arrival were less than truthful. Sometimes that walk across the threshold into your summer vacation getaway is, well, musty.
Obviously, you don’t want to invest money into redecorating a short-term rental, but there are some simple things you can do to ensure you’ll be comfortable and happy in your temporary digs.
Obviously, you don’t want to invest money into redecorating a short-term rental, but there are some simple things you can do to ensure you’ll be comfortable and happy in your temporary digs.
Come prepared. If you’re driving, have the space and don’t want to have to shell out for anything while you’re there, you can pack a basic kit of supplies that will spruce up your short-term rental. I almost always take my extra-large J. Crew boat tote and stash it with supplies. You can load up your favorite oversize tote with:
- One or two large white top sheets
- Scissors
- A scented candle, at least two tapered candles and a citronella candle if you think bugs will be a problem
- A favorite framed photo or two
- Painter’s tape or Elmer’s poster tack
- Fridge magnets
- Favorite books, magazines and games
- A throw blanket or pashmina
- A clear shower curtain liner
- A favorite tablecloth
Take pictures of the rooms when you arrive. That way if you rearrange things in the house, you can put it all back exactly the way it was. If you’re stashing any of the homeowner’s things out of sight, treat them with respect and make sure they’re in a safe place.
Add fresh flowers. I don’t care if they’re from the corner store, picked from the side of the road or snipped from a tree, a little life goes a long way. If there aren’t any vases around, grab a mug, a mason jar, a pitcher, an empty wine bottle — it doesn’t matter. Just find a vessel and get some blooms going.
Roll up rugs. Sometimes the throw rug in a rental is sharing way too much history — sand and stains and pet smells no vacuum or steam cleaner can ever remove. Or it might just be dark and bringing the whole room down with it. Roll it up and stash it in a closet or behind a sofa.
Add candles. First of all, everything looks better by candlelight. Second, a favorite fragrance can instantly make a place feel more like home (and also cover up the aforementioned pet odors).
Of course, be extra careful of the hazards of candles in someone else’s home — never leave one unattended and make sure wax isn’t dripping onto any furniture.
Of course, be extra careful of the hazards of candles in someone else’s home — never leave one unattended and make sure wax isn’t dripping onto any furniture.
Do a little rearranging. Reminder: Take photos first! Arrange tchotchkes in a more pleasing manner or tuck them away into cabinets. Pull out your own framed photo you brought with you and add your own found objects like driftwood, shells, sea glass and postcards.
Keep a puzzle set up. Usually a card table or out-of the-way side table is a good spot for this. It’s a fun activity where everyone can participate here and there during quiet moments or rainy days.
Display some art. I’m not advocating traveling with art packed from home, but I do like to buy art on trips. Start enjoying your purchases right away. Use painter’s tape or Elmer’s poster tack to ensure you won’t damage the walls when hanging posters or prints. For framed works, never make new holes in the walls. Instead, place them atop a bureau, mantel or console table and lean them against the wall. Hang postcards for local art shows on the fridge.
Drape a white sheet or two. A white sheet can solve so many problems in a ho-hum place. You can place it over an ugly bedspread to give your bed more of a hotel feel. You can fashion it into a skirt for an unsightly table. You can use it as a makeshift slipcover on an old scratchy plaid sofa or a chair. You may even get clever and swag it into an attractive window treatment.
A small throw blanket or even that old pashmina you don’t wear anymore can dress up a room in the same way. Cozy up the sofa or make your bedscape more inviting by adding this additional layer from home.
A small throw blanket or even that old pashmina you don’t wear anymore can dress up a room in the same way. Cozy up the sofa or make your bedscape more inviting by adding this additional layer from home.
Replace a gnarly shower curtain. A simple clear liner from the hardware store will keep you from flinching every time the curtain touches you and will make the room feel bigger. After your stay, you can take it home to replace an old liner or to use as a drop cloth.
Cover the table. Splinter-y old outdoor picnic table? Ugly kitchen table? This is such an easy fix. If there aren’t any tablecloths on the premises, it’s worth shelling out a few bucks for one at the grocery store. Or go get that other white sheet I told you about. If you know this one is going to be important to you before you leave, throw a favorite tablecloth in your vacation tote.
Perk up the kitchen. If you need a jump-start in the morning, make sure the coffee station is set up for bleary eyes. Arrange mugs, coffee, sweetener, coffee machine, filters and whatever other supplies you need in one place. It will become your new favorite thing about the kitchen.
Also, feel free to put away small appliances or cookware you won’t be using and get those counters cleared.
Also, feel free to put away small appliances or cookware you won’t be using and get those counters cleared.
Set up the bar. This one is similar to the coffee station idea. If cocktails are going to be a part of your time in the rental, arrange your libations, an ice bucket, barware (this could mean red Solo cups and a beach bucket in a pinch), cocktail napkins, coasters, lemons and limes in one place. It will make you feel festive and inspire you to play host. This can be atop the kitchen counter, a console table, desk, dresser or anywhere else with enough room.
Again, be respectful of the homeowners and make sure you aren’t leaving rings or the potential for spills anywhere. You may want to place a table runner, placemat or tray underneath the bottles and glasses.
Again, be respectful of the homeowners and make sure you aren’t leaving rings or the potential for spills anywhere. You may want to place a table runner, placemat or tray underneath the bottles and glasses.
Put a favorite piece of clothing on display. The “closet” in a typical summer cottage is often some hooks on the wall. If that’s the case, arrange your clothes in a neat and organized way with your favorite piece on display at the front. If you’re lucky enough to have a real closet or armoire, leave a favorite dress, T-shirt, bag or jacket adorning the wall to enjoy as art. (I use a bright pink and green Lilly Pulitzer shift for this myself.)
The same goes for jewelry and scarves. If there aren’t hooks available, I tend to hang mine anywhere I can. Drape beaded necklaces over lampshades, scarves over mirrors — a little dress-up accessorizing always makes a bland bedroom feel prettier.
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