15 Designer-Approved Vacation Home Ideas From 'Renovation Resort Showdown'

For the second season of Renovation Resort Showdown, hosts Scott McGillivray (Vacation House Rules) and Bryan Baeumler (Battle on the Beach) challenged four ambitious, opinionated teams to transform identical new builds into waterfront destinations that renters on holiday will never want to leave. The one-of-a-kind vacation properties they created are full of flourishes that create next-level experiences for guests — and translate handily to homes of all kinds.

The cozy, color-drenched den you see here, for example, demonstrates the cardinal rule of dressing windows in scenic areas: DON’T. Save for a translucent shade that can filter intense sunlight as needed, this view is completely unencumbered. And it’s not boring, mind you — a generous, upholstered window seat and symmetrical shelves add visual interest and invite guests to curl up with a book or board game — but leisure and letting the outdoors in are the priorities here. Read on for more ways to re-create resort-caliber relaxation anywhere.

Sure, floor-to-ceiling paneling wrapped around all four walls of a space conjures the sort of cabin ambiance foolhardy teenagers rent in late-night movies that don’t end well. This paneling, however, is different. It creates a cozy, headboard-feature-wall effect complemented by curvaceous floating nightstands and a picture rail (complete with an arrangement of framed art). For instant organic warmth, character and functionality, build a bedroom installation like this one.

Speaking of contemporary riffs on traditional cabin style, might we suggest using vintage needlework to add interest to new furniture and linens? This architectural canopy bed boasts crisp, luxe hotel sheets that feel indulgent after a day on the water or the slopes. In contrast, its bespoke headboard incorporates a handmade quilt. The repurposed touch gives the space graphic punch and homespun authenticity without tipping over into too-precious territory.

Durable, chameleonic white shiplap gives this primary bath suite’s walls a cottage-inspired look that’s par for the course in rustic waterfront homes. Paired with a pony wall topped with plate glass and a shower stall outfitted in horizontal, soldier-stacked subway tiles in succulent green, the space is now primed for full-on forest bathing.

This home’s cheerful, lemon-yellow door is an apt introduction to its charming traditional entrance, where a sweetly scalloped sisal mat sits atop Victorian and on-trend checkerboard tile. Though this space is a utilitarian one — the rattan umbrella stand and celery-green peg wall for boots and gloves are going to see a lot of use — its hardworking details are both functional and lovely. Don’t be shy about colors, patterns and materials that might feel too quirky at first; that sort of whimsy is what a warm welcome is all about.

Feature walls are well and good, but when you really want to cultivate the feeling of kicking your feet up and putting on a favorite album, the surface you should be transforming is the one above your head. With fluted paneling and faux-wood beams, this vaulted ceiling has all the majesty of a grand lodge — and because it won’t suffer wear and tear, this high-impact design moment will continue to look good for decades.

Resort designers love to go the extra mile in tailoring shared spaces by reaching for the same patterns in wall coverings and textiles, as on this feature wall and bench; nothing says custom luxury like a theme that repeats throughout a property. Once an insiders-only move, the technique has never been easier for the rest of us to achieve, thanks to retailers like Spoonflower that offer the same designs in papers and fabrics. While we’re at it, might we suggest picking up the same pattern to create a few throw pillows or lined shelves in other rooms?

When you’re managing a rental property, a social-media-worthy moment like this niche and neon sign announces you to the world and helps prospective vacationers get excited about snapping selfies in your space. When you’re an everyday host who’d like folks to walk in with a grin, the same logic applies: Confront 'em with something that lets them know they’re in for a good time.

This timeless great room’s undisputed star is its humblest piece: The extremely well-weathered blanket box called into service as a coffee table emphasizes the relaxed, come-as-you-are character that makes gracious vacation destinations feel instantly comfortable. Sure, you could find and spend much more on a new piece that approximates that well-earned patina with a faux treatment, but why would you?

Proof positive that you don’t have to splash out on a high-tech, art-displaying television to give your own screen a secret identity? This simple, cost-effective camouflage, which consists entirely of a super-shallow cabinet outfitted with piano-hinged panels and a bifold panel painting. Stepping away from (and having zero visible reminders of) tech has never been simpler.

Who says a brand-spanking-new structure can’t look like it’s been around for centuries? Outfitted with faux ceiling beams complete with iron straps, a mantel that earned its “aging” with an extended tow through rough terrain, traditional fabrics and well-chosen (and budget-friendly) vintage accessories, this great room has unquestionable character. Architectural adds, in particular, are an investment that’ll instantly elevate your aesthetic.

Banquette seating has much to recommend it (and we’ll be expanding on that in a moment), but can we talk about the power move of pulling a curvaceous sofa up to one side of the dinner table? Sinking into pillows as you prepare to tuck into a meal is the ultimate in bringing adorable out-of-town bistro style back home.

Vacationers (and Renovation Resort Showdown judges) love dining-room layouts like these because they accommodate crowds with ease. Your everyday crew will benefit from this holiday-property move for that reason and because that oh-so-practical bench — which combines quick-cleaning, hard-wearing vinyl on its upholstered seat and an elegant, eye-catching vintage pattern at its back — conceals serious storage.

Renovators prioritized movement and socializing in this kitchen, where they broke down the wall separating it from the breakfast room beside the front door and created a leggy island that pulls double duty as a prep space and casual gathering spot. This layout suits meandering guests with the munchies, impromptu celebrations and drawn-out homemade dinners with many chatty cooks — all things associated with special-occasion lodging that deserve space in day-to-day living, too.

Hankering for a more nuts-and-bolts kitchen tip? Make like the renovators of this kitchen, who aimed for opulence. A waterfall-edge island with dramatic pale stone contrasts with fluted black paneling along the interior space beyond the barstools. On the island’s opposite side, black cabinets echo the two-tone look and provide storage. The overall look is both daring and durable.