Full article first published on Houzz

Ting Dalton, Houzz Contributor

We’ve all been there… Once you’re back home and at work, the holiday sparkle soon begins to fade into a distant memory.

But how can you preserve that feeling for just a bit longer? Here are some simple ideas to keep you in the holiday spirit.

Have a family breakfast

In a busy household it can be rare that the family sit down together to eat breakfast – unlike on holiday, where leisurely and chatty morning meals are pretty much the norm. So why not make the time to do it more regularly at home – it’s a great way to start the weekend. Think about all the elements you like about holiday breakfasts – is it French bread and Nutella? A good tablecloth? Fresh, exotic fruit? Make it a once-a-week treat.

Keep up the reading

Reading a whole book – or several – in just a few days on holiday is a luxury for some. A reading nook like this one is the perfect way to encourage you to take a micro break in your day to keep up the habit. Is there a small corner of your home you can turn into such a spot? Perhaps a landing that could be enhanced by squishy floor cushions, a deep windowsill crying out for some soft padding, a comfy armchair that might feel like new in a different position or even a dedicated area like this under-stairs hideaway, complete with reading light and bookshelves. Now simply Google a list of books set in locations you might find exotic and start dreaming about your next holiday.

10 brilliant ways to use wasted space in the hallway

Make your holidays snaps a focal point

One of the great things about going through all your holiday photos is reliving all your best moments. But why consign your pictures to your devices? Print off your photos and make them a talking point in the house, like here. If you have a particular image you’re proud of, get it blown up and framed and then hang it somewhere you’ll look at it often and smile.

Turn off the telly

When you have a comfortable living space, it’s easy to switch on the TV and just veg out. But holidays are all about getting up and out, as well as lots of conversation. If you turn off the telly, it might inspire you to do something different or get together as a family to play a board game – or talk!

Recreate your favourite holiday drink

Holidays and ice-cold cocktails – or elaborate mocktails – are a natural combination. It always feels decadent putting so much effort into a drink, just the way you allow yourself to feel on holiday.

Think back to all those flavour mixes you enjoyed on your break and set about buying the ingredients to conjure them up at home. Then invite friends over – a holiday reunion, perhaps? – to sample your handiwork.

See a selection of drinks trolleys

Show off your souvenirs and knick-knacks

If you like to buy souvenirs while you’re away, but then tend to forget about them when you’re home, perhaps try reorganising your shelving space so you can display some of them and keep those cheering memories fresh in your mind and daily life. You could even put smaller items into box frames and hang them on a wall. The great thing about putting your knick-knacks on show is that you’ll always have a sentimental reminder of the story behind where you bought it and why.

Look for living room pictures

Inject some sunshine into your interiors

Holidays tend to be sunny and full of positivity. Keep that going by brightening up a room with some warm and colourful elements – this bedroom feels wonderfully summery. Your makeover doesn’t have to be expensive – a few cushions, a throw or new lampshades will do the trick. A bedroom is a great place to start, as warm hues will be welcome when dark mornings kick in and you need colour to help you avoid any whiff of SAD.

Start planning your next trip now

There’s nothing better to get you in the holiday spirit than thinking about where you’d like to go next. Find yourself a quiet corner like this one and start researching destinations. What takes your fancy? Exotic climes or maybe a city break? Whatever you decide, it will certainly give you something to look forward to…