From City to Cabin:

How to Infuse Vacation Vibes at Home

In the hustle and bustle of city life, creating a serene, vacation-like atmosphere at home can be a rejuvenating escape. Embracing cottage-style serenity doesn't require a countryside retreat; with thoughtful design choices, you can transform your urban or suburban dwelling into a peaceful haven reminiscent of a cozy cabin.

Urban Cottage Core: Yes, It’s a Thing

Cottage core, a design aesthetic celebrating simplicity, nature, and rustic charm, has found its place in urban settings. By incorporating elements like vintage furniture, natural materials, and soft color palettes, you can evoke the tranquility of countryside living within your city home.



Consider integrating reclaimed wood accents, floral patterns, and antique decor pieces to infuse your space with a nostalgic, cozy ambiance. Emphasize comfort and warmth through layered textiles, such as knitted throws and linen curtains, to create an inviting environment that reflects the essence of cottage core.

Window Treatments That Invite the Outdoors In

Enhancing the connection between your indoor space and the natural world is key to achieving a vacation-like atmosphere. Window treatments play a crucial role in this transformation.



• Sheer Curtains: Allow natural light to filter through while maintaining privacy.
• Roman Shades: Offer a classic look that complements rustic interiors.
• Wooden Blinds: Introduce natural textures and earthy tones.

By selecting window treatments that frame your views and invite sunlight, you create a seamless blend between your home's interior and the outdoors, fostering a serene and airy environment.

Balcony and Small Space Retreats: Vertical Gardens and Space-Saving Loungers

Even in limited spaces, you can craft a tranquil retreat reminiscent of a countryside cabin. Balconies and small patios offer opportunities to create cozy outdoor sanctuaries.



• Vertical Gardens: Utilize wall-mounted planters or trellises to grow herbs, flowers, or climbing plants, maximizing greenery without occupying floor space.
• Space-Saving Furniture: Incorporate foldable chairs, compact tables, or built-in benches with storage to maintain functionality without clutter.
• Ambient Lighting: Add string lights or lanterns to create a warm, inviting atmosphere during evenings.

These elements transform small outdoor areas into serene escapes, perfect for relaxation and unwinding after a busy day.

Water Elements Without a Lake: DIY Fountains and Biophilic Design

Incorporating water features into your home design introduces soothing sounds and a sense of tranquility, essential for a vacation-like ambiance. Even without access to natural bodies of water, you can integrate water elements through:



• Tabletop Fountains: Compact and easy to install, these bring the calming sound of flowing water indoors.
• Wall-Mounted Water Features: Serve as artistic focal points while promoting relaxation.
  Biophilic Design Elements: Combine water features with natural materials and greenery to enhance the connection to nature.

These additions not only elevate the aesthetic appeal of your space but also contribute to mental well-being by creating a peaceful environment.

Embrace the Cottage core Aesthetic That Reflects You

Transforming your urban or suburban home into a serene retreat is achievable through thoughtful design choices that embrace the essence of cottage-style living. By integrating elements like cottage core aesthetics, nature-inviting window treatments, cozy outdoor spaces, and calming water features, you create a sanctuary that offers daily respite from the city's hustle.

At in-ex-teriors, we're committed to helping you design interiors that cater to your family's evolving needs, bringing the tranquility of a vacation home into your everyday life. That's where our Model Lifestyle Program™.

Whether you're looking to revamp a single room or undertake a full-home transformation, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us to see how we can assist you in bringing your vision to life.