Your seaside vacation home provides that much needed respite from the city. But while it may be located near the beach—and all the picturesque perks that come with a waterfront view and location—your vacation home needs extra care to keep its exterior and interior in sound shape.
In this article, we share 3 home design tips to help you maintain your vacation home and keep it protected from elements like seawater and humidity that would otherwise create preventable damage:
Environmental aggressors
As mentioned, sun, sea, and even sand are some of the common environmental aggressors that can wreak havoc on your vacation home. However, you can remedy this through preventive home design.
First of all, be sure to weatherproof the exterior of the property using paints and finishes that are designed to withstand the elements. This ensures that over time, you will be able to prevent damage. As Philippine weather is high humidity, cracks and peeling cause by water damage is common.
Apart from your exteriors, preventing damage can also be extended to the furniture choices you make for your home. Look for hardy materials such as wood, synthetic fiber, PVC, or even steel, and aluminum. Avoid corrosive materials such as iron.
When decorating outdoor furniture such as a patio vignette, be sure to look for items that are designed to withstand rain and sun. When shopping for say, throw pillows, look for those labeled for outdoor use. However, sturdier furniture doesn’t mean you should skimp on the maintenance. As with any home, be sure to periodically clean furniture and treat it (such as using wood varnish) to prolong its life and beauty.
Finally, if your beach house has a garden, choose plants that are just as hardy and capable of withstanding the elements. Some examples include: Bougainvillea, ivy geraniums, verbenas, and juniper.
Also read: Plants can benefit your mental health. Click here to learn more.
Mold and Mildew
When you haven’t visited your vacation home in a while, moisture due to humidity can accumulate. The result? Mold and mildew can form both inside and outside your vacation home. This can certainly ruin your home’s design, but apart from the unsightliness of mold, it can be hazardous to your health!
To prevent this from happening in the first place, allow your vacation home to breath—literally. Air it out and clean surfaces regularly. For the outside of your home, consider hiring a professional to clean the rooftop and other exterior surfaces.
Water Damage to Interiors
With house guests going in and out after a swim at the beach, water and sand can make its way into your interiors. This in turn can lead to water damage. Once again, paying attention to your home design—and the materials you choose—is vital to preventing long-term damage.
Skip the carpet and hardwood in favor of more durable flooring materials such as sheet vinyl, porcelain, and laminate. Furthermore, you can also place absorbent rugs at high traffic areas where people will be entering and exiting the property, whether it’s to head to the beach or the pool.
A few more cleaning tips
Lastly, keep your vacation home consistently clean with these practical tips:
• Always tidy up after swimming. Clean up any traces of sand and mop up seawater that makes its way into the home.
• Have a designated area for used beach slippers and towels.
• Periodically clean all AC units and electric fans.
• Vacuum floors, nooks, and crannies, as well as furniture, especially all upholstered chairs and sofa sets.
• Shake doormats that may accumulate dust, sand, and grime.
• Clean doors. Don’t forget the doorknobs too!
Need more help in planning your vacation house? Inquire with us today at www.jasanchetainteriors.com!