An interior decorator shares 8 mistakes you should never make in your summer home

• As an interior decorator , I use durable materials and practical designs in a summer home.
• Pedestal sinks aren't functional in vacation homes where storage space is crucial.
• I wouldn't recommend small tiles or shag bath mats for a bathroom in a beach house.

If you're lucky enough to have a beach house or lakeside property, you know that designing it involves more than just aesthetics — it's about creating a beautiful space that can withstand the wear and tear of family and friends.

Seeing that summer homes are a costly investment — on average, a US vacation home costs $429,000 — it's important to ensure you're decorating your space with durable yet welcoming pieces.

As an interior decorator, I've seen the repercussions of failing to choose practical decor or furniture. Here are eight things I'd never put in my vacation home .

I wouldn't use a shag bath mat in a beach house because it can trap sand and moisture.

I find high-pile bath mats (made with long fibers) impractical in summer homes where owners need to clean between guests. These rugs' dense fibers trap sand and moisture, leading to long dry times and extra wear and tear on the washing machine.

Instead, I recommend opting for a thinner, low-pile bath mat (made with short fibers) like a reversible woven-cotton option that can be tossed in the washer with towels for regular cleaning .

I wouldn't install tiny tiles in my bathroom.

I consider cleaning challenges when designing a summer home's kitchen or bathroom —especially if the space will be used as a rental.

Because of this, I typically install large tiles instead of small ones. Large tiles don't leave as much exposed grout and are usually more practical in climates where mold and mildew are common.

Large porcelain tiles are also aesthetically pleasing and give a room a modern feel.

Lightweight window treatments can be too flimsy.

On vacation, I love to sleep with my windows open to enjoy the ocean waves and cool coastal breeze. However, this can ruin a set of lightweight blinds.

Metal or plastic blinds tend to rattle and sway in windy climates, causing unwanted noise. I recommend upgrading to heavier wooden blinds or shutters for a beachy look that's luxurious and timeless.

I avoid decor that doesn't vibe with my summer home's location.

A summer home is an opportunity to get playful with themed decor , from seashell lamps in a beach house to an antler chandelier in a lakeside cabin.

However, I don't like it when a home's artwork clashes with the natural climate — like tropical wallpaper in a Cape Cod beach cottage.

I recommend decorating with imagery that resembles the natural area around a summer home. I typically visit fairs to find local artists' paintings or high-quality canvas photographs.

I wouldn't buy hard-to-replace essentials.

Quirky, one-of-a-kind decor is great, but accidents are inevitable in a house full of guests. Therefore, I prefer to invest in durable, easily replaceable sheets, dishware, towels, and other everyday items.

I opt for solid-colored bed linens, basic melamine (a type of plastic commonly found in reusable utensils), and plain stoneware dish sets that can easily be swapped out.

Additionally, I always invest in throw pillows with removable covers and simple glassware that can be replaced if need be.

A wool rug isn't practical in a summer home.

I regularly buy wool or other natural-fiber rugs when decorating my own home. However, wool rugs require some maintenance, as many need regular vacuuming and even professional cleaning every few years.

For a vacation home, I suggest using synthetic fibers like nylon or polypropylene for high-traffic areas. These materials are typically easy to clean and relatively simple to replace.

Comforters aren't my first choice for bedding in a vacation home.

When I host guests, I want bedding that's easy to change and wash. I detest bulky comforters with filling materials quilted into them because they take all day to launder and dry.

Instead, I prefer duvets, as this bedding material consists of a cover and a separate filling. Specifically, I recommend bag-style duvets, which are easy to change and have an open end that tucks neatly under the bed's mattress, ensuring a tidy, inviting look .

Additionally, I recommend getting knitted blankets and thin quilts instead of fuzzy materials that depreciate in softness after each wash.

I'd reconsider installing a pedestal sink.

Though stylish, pedestal sinks — free-standing sink basins with little counter space — aren't functional due to their lack of storage space.

Instead, I prefer a vanity with plenty of counter space and cabinetry with ample room for towels and other summer essentials.

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