How to Choose Your Next Vacation Rental
Written by Isabelle Guay
Read on to find tips from an experienced Interior Decorator on how to choose your next vacation rental and why local touches can transform your stay.
I have had the pleasure of helping homeowners create beautiful spaces here on the West Coast of Canada for close to 20 years now, and I love the opportunity to curate spaces for relaxation, celebration and living. It is gratifying work because, at my core, I feel that everyone deserves a beautiful, comfortable space to live. We spend so much time at home, and when the space is beautiful and cozy, it adds great value to our lives.
For me, this concept extends from my family home and the homes of my clients right into the places we stay when we are on vacation. So when I am booking a short-term rental for my family, I take my time doing my research to find the perfect space. This includes thoroughly reviewing the hosts’ photos, property description and location benefits and of course guest reviews.
I’ve had some great wins over the last few years and love the feeling when we roll up to our home with our suitcases in tow, and walk into a thoughtfully designed space.
Photo by Vancouver-based photographer Julia Verea
What Makes a Great Rental Property?
Whether it was a stay in Lisbon, Tokyo, or San Francisco, there were common threads in the short-term rentals that we loved: a unique space that had touches of local charm and personality. A example was when we were in Lisbon we stayed in a restored heritage building that was carefully renovated to retain the old world design features while adding minimalist, mid-century furniture and original lighting fixtures.
Nothing kills a vacation vibe like staying in a generic, sterile space in a new city.
I love it when a rental’s interior design draws elements in from the surrounding location and reflects the neighbourhood and community. Items like coffee table books, community magazines and locally made soaps immediately make you feel connected and welcomed.
Three Ways to Find Authentic BC Getaway Homes
If you’re planning your next holiday in British Columbia, here are three design elements to look for when booking your vacation. I promise that the right property will help make your stay enjoyable and truly memorable:
1. Let the Landscape Define the Colour Palette
The mood created by colour has a huge impact, and the right tones will anchor the home perfectly to its location. This will naturally vary depending on where you are staying:
A lakeside property in the Okanagan could feature warm, earthy tones and bright, sun-baked textures to reflect the sunny, arid landscape.
In contrast, a mountain cabin in Whistler benefits from cozy, dark wood tones and deep forest greens to create a classic alpine retreat feel.
Be sure to factor in the season of your trip when selecting a vacation rental, so that the property’s look and feel compliments your expectations. Take your time scrolling through the photos and enjoy the process!
2. Connect to the Community Through Décor
You choose a neighbourhood for a reason, and it’s a wonderful feeling to connect to that community through elements of the home’s décor. Look for authentic, thoughtful touches:
Artwork from a local artist.
Coffee table books celebrating British Columbia’s natural beauty or history.
A stylized map of the immediate neighbourhood.
Pottery or textiles from a local artisan.
These pieces create a unique "sense of place" that makes the stay much more memorable than any standard-issue hotel room.
It can be difficult to see all of these details from the photos but we often find them in the reviews posted by past guests so be sure to read those too!
3. Prioritize Cozy, Layered Spaces
Finally, I really love a cozy, layered space. These simple touches show a level of care and attention that makes coming home after a long day of exploring feel comforting. Look for:
Layered textures, like a plush throw draped over a sofa.
Decorative, soft pillows added to the bed.
A basket filled with cozy blankets ready to grab.
Unique local accessories and artwork.
These details signal that the host has prioritized your comfort and relaxation.
I hope you enjoy searching for your next vacation stay as much as I do! Whether you are travelling to the East Coast, Canadian Rockies or West Coast, taking the time, doing the research, and enjoying the process is all part of the travel experience. When you finally arrive at your short-term destination, and it’s a beautiful space, it will all be worth it!
Decorative canoe paddles.