Designing Vacation Homes for Every Generation

April 22, 2026
Terri Fiori

This week marks spring break for my family. As I was tasked with renting the perfect beach house in North Carolina to fit our growing crew, I started thinking about what truly makes a vacation home feel right. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of designing second, third, and even fourth(!) homes for my clients. This has given me a unique perspective on how vacation homes should feel and function…so let’s dig in!

When multiple generations are sharing a home, it’s important that design elements work just as well for the youngest as it does for the oldest. That’s where it can get tricky – trying to satisfy everyone without losing a clear point of view. So how do we bridge the generational gap? Here are three thoughtful decor ideas to consider for your next vacation home.

Flooring:

First, the materials we choose make all the difference in the world. If we are starting with a “blank canvas” we often start literally from the bottom up, beginning with floor coverings. In a project we’re currently working on, the homeowner wanted to ensure that any spills would not be a concern for her aging dog. We specified indoor/outdoor rugs and runners made of 100% polypropylene, so they can be taken outside and simply hosed off. You’d never guess they’re performance pieces – these materials have come a long way!

*This floor plan above shows exactly where the rugs and runners are to be placed; we supply this graphic when placing the order to ensure that the proper rugs are being ordered and then installed.*

*The image above is from the manufacture’s website.*

Vacation home fabrics:

For vacation homes we always narrow our fabric selections to high-performance options. They must be fade-resistant so they hold up beautifully in the sun. We also look for Crypton fabrics as they are designed to resist moisture, stains, and odors without sacrificing softness. They can be just as soft as cotton, they’re constructed to handle the realities of daily life beautifully.

*In this “work in progress” photo we are using Crypton fabric on this custom sectional*.

*All upholstered pieces are treated with performance fabrics.*

Flexible furnishings

As we are designing, we want to think beyond the present moment – and while I prefer not to use the term “aging in place”, my inside voice is saying: where’s the elevator? Or how about the zero-entry shower? *But I digress.

When it comes to decorating second homes, my mind goes to sourcing multi-functional, lighter weight pieces. To me, this means sourcing wicker or rattan pieces as nothing says “vacation home” quite like wicker. Wicker and rattan are timeless and visually effortless. Because they don’t light-weight, they’re easy to move and use throughout the home. I especially love incorporating vintage wicker pieces—they bring instant character and help balance a budget that can climb quickly when furnishing an entire home. A true win-win.

Can100.3 Triple Settee Clear Coat — *I saw and immediately loved this bench at High Point Market last year.*

*A wicker mirror I recently found in NYC.*

Screenshot — *Small tables can be used in multiple seating areas.*

*Multi-use stools are an all-time favorite*

*Read more https://fioriandco.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1490&action=edit about how to design for aging in place.

Favorite Finds

Last but not least, as I end all of my newsletters with my “favorite finds”, here is a piece that I discovered recently in the New York City Design Center. Its whimsical, cloud-like shape would be perfect in any beach house!