Retro Inspired Holiday Let Interior Design - Southsea

Retro Inspired Holiday Let Interior Design - Southsea When I designed Southscape, a holiday home just a short stroll from Southsea’s Victorian promenade and pier, I knew I wanted to do something that captured the playful, nostalgic spirit of the seaside - but with a stylish, grown-up twist. The result is a colourful, retro-inspired retreat with bags of personality and a few surprises that make it ideal for families and groups.

We wanted to create a bold, fun interior - something that felt a bit different from your standard coastal holiday home. Southsea has such a unique charm, with its history, arcades and old-school energy, so I took that as my starting point. Think vintage circus posters, kitschy finds, stripes, bright pops of colour, and a layout that really encourages people to unwind and play.

One of the standout features of the house is the cinema and games room tucked away on the lower ground floor. We really leaned into the retro vibe here - cinema seating, a projector screen, a football table, and lots of fun decorative touches. It’s the kind of space that invites guests to switch off and relax, whether that’s watching a film with the kids or playing a fiercely competitive round of table football after dinner.

Throughout the rest of the house, I kept that same playful energy while balancing it with a more polished, practical base. I used vintage style furniture, layered textures, and colourful vintage accessories - but everything is still designed to be durable and easy to maintain, which is key for a busy holiday let in Southsea.

There’s something really joyful about designing a home that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Southscape feels light hearted and lively, but it also has some lovely pockets of calm - places to curl up with a book, gather for dinner, or enjoy a lazy morning lie in before heading out to explore the beach.

Guests love how different it feels - not overstyled, but full of little details that make it memorable. That’s always what I aim for with my holiday let designs - homes that are easy to live in, hard to forget, and genuinely fun to stay in.

If you’re planning a holiday rental and want to create something with a bit more personality, I’d love to help you bring it to life - get in touch.