
You know the feeling of relaxation that you get as soon as you step into a hotel room. So, picture this: summertime has come around, and you book a vacation in your favorite coastal escape. Then, you check into the hotel room, and the scent of black orchid & musk wraps around you. Next, you fall into that plush and crispy hotel bed. The beachy breeze caresses your skin, bringing with it all the sweet sensations of vacation. Well, unfortunately, most of us work all year round to experience this feeling for a week or so. Still, nothing compares to the feeling of home, and so in this blog, we decided to bring the best of both worlds. So, let’s explore how to bring in vacation at home with actionable steps.
Summer is around the corner, and there is no better time to freshen up your home. So, if you are considering getting a remodel to set the mood for the season, we’ve got you.
10 Ways To Make Your Home Feel Like a Staycation
In this section, we will explore some vacation at home ideas that will bring a resort-like feeling into your home. Moreover, we will cover each step in a specific category to make it easy to identify how hotels have a distinct feeling. So, let’s dive into it.
Set the Right Atmosphere for a Vacation at Home
The hotel feeling often comes from the atmosphere and scents that awaken the same feeling every time you go to a resort. Not to mention, regardless of where you are and how many times you’ve been on a holiday, the atmosphere remains the same. So, here are some ways that you can do this in your house:
1. Bring in Vacation at Home Scents:
Infuse hotel scents such as black orchid & musk, white tea & aloe, sandalwood & musk, floral scents with coconut, or citrus scents with peony. So, remember to make your home smell fresh and clean to get that vacation at home feeling. Furthermore, do not overdo it with fragrance, as too much fragrance is never a good choice. Not to mention, decluttering and having fresh and clean scents should be your top priority.
2. Do a Lighting Makeover:
If you are aiming for the vacation vibe or a seasonal makeover, never settle for a simple overhead ceiling light. Layering your lights can be a game-changer in your home’s atmosphere. So, keep in mind that you want to make your rooms feel fresh & cozy.
Firstly, make sure that the main areas of your home get enough natural light in the daytime. Secondly, get a classy plug-in floor light if you want an effortless style upgrade. In addition, this is a great way to save energy, as many plug-in lights keep electricity use in check. Furthermore, use lights that highlight and shape your furniture. For example, LED strips around your mirrors or beneath bed frames. Also, install lights under your floating vanities.
Also, adding an outdoor firepit can be a great option for nighttime lighting and elevating backyard ambiance. So, if you are interested in this topic, check out our firepit blog.
3. Play Relaxing Sounds for a Vacation at Home Feeling:
This is for the ones who want to go the extra mile and get that jaw-dropping reaction from their guests. For instance, you can easily integrate an AI assistant and voice control to play whatever sound feels best for the moment. Go for morning lobby music in the daytime and jazz music at night. You do whatever you find best!
Elevate Your Home’s Comfort & Luxury
Hotels and resorts usually bring that comfortable and luxurious feeling by using high-quality materials and furnishings. Also, you know what they say, “The devil is in the details.” So, paying attention to every detail will support you in elevating your home’s comfort & luxury. Furthermore, let’s see some actionable steps that you can take.
1. Start From Your Bedroom:
First, invest in a good mattress that is durable and has a lifespan of 7-10 years. Also, when it comes to luxury bed sheets, the type of weave used can change how your bed feels. So, opt in for a cotton percale fabric to get that crisp and fresh feeling. Moreover, go for plush bed blankets. These blankets are usually made out of polyester and other synthetic fibers that give your bed cover a velvety feeling. Finally, make sure to layer your pillows to mimic luxury hotel beds. Furthermore, we have included a table that compares mattress types to help you make the best decision. Also, you can check out our bathroom mirror guide to choose the perfect mirror for your bathroom.
| Mattress Type | Support & Comfort | Durability | Temperature Regulation | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memory Foam | Excellent pressure relief | High (with quality foam) | May run warm | Moderate to High |
| Innerspring | Bouncy | Moderate | Good airflow keeps cool | Low to Moderate |
| Hybrid | Balanced foam and coil | Very Good | Often includes cooling layers | Moderate to High |
| Latex | Firm yet cushioned | Excellent | Naturally breathable | Moderate to High |
Also, you can use a wrinkle-releaser spray to maintain your sheet’s crispiness. A wrinkle-releaser is a spray that can smooth out wrinkled fabric without ironing to save time and maintain the sheets’ freshness.
2. Upgrade Your Home and Add a Smart Touch:
Statistics show that the demand for smart homes is rising. Also, smart technology can enhance energy efficiency and security. Moreover, it will help you maintain a cleaner house and ease your day-to-day life. So, you can start by adding voice control or a smart TV. In addition, check out our blog on smart kitchens to turn your kitchen into a smart one now. Now, check out some smart home additions and their prices.
| Smart Home Addition | Features | Approximate Price Range |
| Smart Lighting | – Customizable ambiance- Energy efficiency- Voice and app control | $20 – $200 per fixture |
| Smart Appliances | – Convenience in daily tasks- Energy monitoring- Remote operation | $100 – $5,000+ (depends on the scope of the remodel and appliance upgrade) |
| Smart Curtains/Blinds | – Automated opening/closing- Light and privacy control- Integration with smart home routines | $150 – $500 per window |
| Smart Speakers | – Voice-activated assistance- Music streaming- Integration with other smart devices | $50 – $300 |
Keep in mind that smart home remodeling can vary depending on many factors. For instance, your location, the level of technological advancement, the brands you choose, and the scope of your upgrade. Most importantly, keep in mind that smart home upgrades are more of an investment rather than just luxurious purchases.
3. Bring In Vacation-Like Experiences to Your Home:
We all get a sense of feeling locked in and focused around fall and wintertime. On the other hand, when summer is around the corner, it’s time to bloom and break the routine. So, we start looking for new experiences and things to try, and nothing is better than bringing these experiences home.
Bringing in vacation-like experiences can lift up the mood of your household. Also, it can help you use up your time in a meaningful way with loved ones. So, some of the things you can do include:
- Bringing spa elements to your bathrooms, such as aromatherapy, or doing a simple remodel and upgrading shower features. Also, you can get high-end bathrobes to make spa days a weekly ritual.
- Upgrade your barbecue station and get a back porch remodel to level up your friends and family gatherings. We all know that unforgettable barbecue parties are almost inseparable from good summer vibes.
- Encourage digital detox by having a designated area for weekly activities with your family and friends. After all, the getaway feeling we get from being on vacation comes from being more mindful while experiencing new things. Here is a detailed action plan to help you:
| Upgrade Idea | Actionable Steps | Benefits |
| Spa-like comfort in your bathroom | Add an essential oil diffuser with calming scents (lavender, eucalyptus). Upgrade your showerhead to a rainfall or massaging typeInvest in plush towels and bathrobesInstall soft lighting with dimmable options | To incorporate relaxing experiences into your routine |
| BBQ station to level-up your backyard | Upgrade grill (gas or charcoal) for smoother cooking. Remodel your back porch with comfortable seating and ambient lighting | To create unforgettable family and friends gatherings |
| Digital detox zone for mindfulness | Create a designated area for offline activities (board games, reading, etc.)Set up a weekly family activity scheduleDesign a cozy lounge area without digital distractions | To create vacation-like experiences away from screens |

Also, you can check out Michael & Son Remodeling and take a look at our custom home building services in Alexandria, VA. For example, we offer back and front porch remodeling, breakfast nook additions, and sunroom additions. Or, you can also turn to our luxury home renovation services for a luxurious vacation home remodel.
Add Your Personal Touch
Finally, add your personal touch to bring in personality and uniqueness to your home. You can do this in so many ways. As an example:
- Customize the color palettes you use. Most importantly, keep in mind the following:
- Choose neutral colors for your walls with contrasting or statement shades for decor.
- Layer textures in your furniture to add luxury.
- Add metallic finishes.
- Refresh your home with expressive art pieces of your choice.
- Add throw-on pillows and blankets to make your home more inviting.
- Include family pictures to make your space more meaningful.
- Turn your basement into a playroom.
Vacation at Home FAQs
Where can I find the best backyard remodeling in DC?
Michael & Son Remodeling offers various customizable remodeling services in Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland.
How much does a backyard remodel cost in Alexandria, VA?
Landscape building projects may start at approximately $3,654. In addition, patio remodeling can range anywhere from $4,500 for smaller concrete patios to $22,000 for larger stone patios.
How to make your home feel like summer?
You can freshen up your deck and more natural bright colors. Also, have fresh-squeezed juice every morning, install new crisp bed sheets, and get a backyard makeover.
Can I get a vacation bathroom remodel in Bethesda MD?
Yes! You can read all about our bathroom remodeling Bethesda MD services here! So, call today to get a FREE quote.
What type of mattress is used in hotels?
Most hotels use medium-firm and hybrid mattresses.
How do I make my shower feel like a spa?
Swap out your showerhead for a rain showerhead or a dual showerhead. Also, add spa aroma to your bathroom, upgrade your towels and bathrobes, and layer your lighting to set the mood.
Do you offer bathroom remodeling near me in DC?
Yes! You can read all about our bathroom remodeling Washington DC services here! So, call now to get a FREE quote.
Final Thoughts on Vacation at Home
Congrats, you have made it to the end of the Vacation at Home blog! We hope that you got some ideas to make your home a hub for vacation vibes this summer. If you are interested in leveling your house, you can contact Michael & Son Remodeling now for a free consultation. Moreover, you can head to our home additions tab at Michael & Son Remodeling to see all the additional services we have. So, decide the next step you will take to unleash your vacation at home. Lastly, if you liked this, you can check out our other guides, such as our Kitchenette Installation one. Also, you can check out our master bath remodel McLean project to see how we can upgrade your bathroom into a luxury experience.