Ever come back from vacation and think, “Why can’t home feel like this?” You return to the usual—same walls, same routines, same to-do list—and the post-getaway blues hit fast. You start dreaming of Bali-inspired bedrooms, resort-style bathrooms, and breezy lounges with a view. But what if that vacation feeling didn’t have to end?
At AV Architects + Builders, this is what we call Vacation Style Living. With decades of experience designing custom luxury homes, we’ve seen how powerful it is when your space supports not just your lifestyle—but your peace of mind. Every home we design is rooted in ease, flow, and a touch of boldness. The kind of bold that doesn’t shout—it invites. The kind that turns a daily routine into something worth savoring.
This guide is packed with creative ideas you can apply—from full custom builds to small upgrades. Because you don’t need to wait for vacation to enjoy vacation. You can live it, every single day.
Vacation Style Living is about more than just beautiful spaces. It’s about building a home that allows you to unwind without having to escape. It prioritizes how you move through your day, how you feel in each room, and how your environment influences your energy.
Think: open layouts that flow without friction. Rooms bathed in natural light. Quiet corners that invite you to pause. Storage that’s beautiful and functional. Comfort that’s curated, not cluttered.
At its core, Vacation Style Living is about being intentional. When your surroundings are thoughtfully designed, you naturally breathe deeper, think clearer, and live better. It's not a luxury reserved for resort-goers. It’s a lifestyle—accessible right where you are.
The Vista House, Great Falls, Virginia, AV Architects + Builders, Photography by Maxwell Mackenzie
These five principles are at the heart of every home we build.
1. A Home That Promotes Wellness
Vacation Style Living™ begins with spaces designed for well-being. That means materials that are safe and non-toxic, layouts that allow natural light and air to move freely, and amenities that support both physical and mental health—like meditation rooms, fitness zones, or even spaces for mindfulness rituals.
When your environment supports your wellness, the result is a home that helps you breathe easier and live healthier—without needing a getaway.
2. Seamless Connection to the Outdoors
Nature isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a central part of how we design. We create smooth transitions between inside and out, using expansive windows, glass doors, and thoughtful layouts that invite the outdoors in.
Imagine your living room opening to a garden, or a morning stretch session that flows onto the patio. You can explore how large-format exterior doors transform this experience and help nature become part of your rhythm.
3. Tailored for Your Lifestyle
No two lives are the same—so why should homes be? We believe your home should work for you. That’s why every AV home is built around your lifestyle and the moments that matter most.
Whether that’s a library loft, wine-tasting space, gourmet kitchen, or a hidden room for music or art—our design process makes your daily rituals feel like something to celebrate.
4. A Commitment to Sustainable Living
A beautiful home should also be a responsible one. That’s why Vacation Style Living™ incorporates sustainability from the ground up—through energy-efficient systems, solar-ready infrastructure, and eco-conscious building materials.
It’s about aligning your everyday comforts with long-term care for the planet—so you can live well now, and protect what matters for the future.
5. Modern Design Rooted in Meaning
We blend clean, modern aesthetics with thoughtful, purposeful design. From Mediterranean influences to local materials, every detail is intentional.
The result? A home that feels bold yet warm, refined yet welcoming—where function doesn’t compete with beauty, but enhances it.
These aren’t just upgrades—they’re experiences. Here are five ways to start living like you're on vacation, every day:
1. Spa Bathrooms That Actually Work for Your Life
Picture stepping onto a warm floor on a cold morning. Sunlight pours in through a skylight as steam rises from your rainfall shower. You reach for a fluffy towel warmed just right and feel like you’re in a boutique spa—because in a way, you are.
Little upgrades like built-in sound systems, natural materials, and even a place to sit with a glass of wine turn the ordinary into a retreat.
2. A Sleep Sanctuary, Not Just a Bedroom
Your bedroom shouldn’t be the place where your laundry piles up. It should be your personal retreat. Try blackout curtains that block noise and light. Add dimmable lighting to mimic the sunrise. Layer textures—plush rugs, soft throws, natural fabrics—to create calm.
Even a small reading nook or a calming diffuser can make this space feel like a nightly escape. Explore how to turn your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary for more inspiration.
3. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
Imagine folding doors that open your living room into the garden. Your morning stretches spill onto the patio. Dinner becomes a fireside evening under the stars.
This flow between indoor and outdoor isn’t just beautiful—it creates flexibility. Explore your options by comparing large-format exterior doors for a modern custom home.
The Solar House, Arlington, Virginia, AV Architects + Builders, Photography by Maxwell Mackenzie
4. Designed for Your Rituals
Vacation Style Living™ starts with intention—and that means designing spaces around how you actually live.
Love cooking? Make the kitchen your playground. Obsessed with yoga? Let’s build the ultimate wellness zone. Whether it’s a library, an artist’s studio, or a golf simulator, the layout should reflect you, not a generic lifestyle template.
5. Wellness Woven Into the Walls
Vacation Style Living™ promotes wellness by design. It’s about using healthier materials, letting in more daylight, and creating zones that support calm, movement, and rest.
From air and water filtration systems to peaceful, clutter-free layouts—your home should energize you in the morning and help you wind down at night.
The Astron House, Great Falls, Virginia, AV Architects + Builders, Photography by Maxwell Mackenzie
When your home is designed with intention, peace becomes part of the plan. At AV Architects + Builders, we believe luxury is about how your home makes you feel. Whether you're building from the ground up or simply dreaming of your next space, we’re here to bring that vision to life.
You don’t have to wait for the weekend or book a trip to feel renewed.
Schedule a Discovery Call and explore our Learning Center to see how Vacation Style Living can fit your life—right now.