Designing the ultimate holiday home: tips from expert Melissa Bonney

Creating the perfect holiday home is an exciting venture that, when done right, can result in a relaxing and comfortable retreat for unforgettable getaways. Melissa Bonney from The Designory shares her insights on curating an ideal sanctuary, emphasising the importance of styling and material choices to create a harmonious flow.

“As a designer, creating a feeling when you walk into a home is the epitome of success,” Ms Bonney said. “Designing with every amenity and detail in mind is the key to success in creating the ultimate getaway.”

One key aspect is blending the home with its natural surroundings by using materials like natural timber panelling and brushwood fencing. Samudra House in Byron Bay, designed by Ms Bonney, exemplifies this principle, drawing inspiration from the pristine coastline.

“Large, well-designed windows can not only fill your spaces with natural light but can also enhance the overall experience of your holiday home,” she explained. “To gently diffuse the light when needed and to bring a relaxed mood to the room, dress with a sheer Luxaflex® S-Wave Curtain a practical and elegant finish that adds softness, movement and texture.”

Creating flow throughout the space is another critical consideration, particularly for larger homes like Samudra House, which features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, two living areas and a landscaped outdoor entertaining area.

“In order to be successful however, considering how guests move around and interact with each other was a critical part of the design,” Ms Bonney said.

Curves have been used as a stunning design element to unite the interiors, adding depth, contrast, and a modern yet warm and welcoming feel.

Privacy and a good night’s sleep are paramount in a holiday home, and selecting the right window treatments, such as blockout blinds and curtains or Luxaflex® Duette® Shades, can help achieve this while also regulating room temperature.

“In each of the guest bedrooms, Duette® Shades from the Bamboo range in blockout were incorporated. The Bamboo range is all about finding perfection in the imperfections of this bold, raw texture, which we love and the block out fabric lends itself to the most epic of sleep ins,” Ms Bonney said.

Investing in motorised window treatments can add luxury and convenience, providing effortless control over light and privacy.

Paying attention to colour schemes and materials, such as the soft terracotta hues and walnut details in Samudra House, adds warmth and creates a welcoming haven for family and friends.

Finally, creating intimate gathering spaces, like the open-plan kitchen and living area and the outdoor dining area with a motorised Luxaflex® Arafura Folding Arm Awning, allows for sociable communal areas and seamless indoor-outdoor living.

“The awning can make all the difference to indoor / outdoor living,” Ms Bonney said. “Not only does it provide a stylish shade solution for larger gatherings, but it provides the added benefit of helping maintain the home’s internal temperature by reflecting the harsh Australian UV rays and offering airflow.”