Top five tips for creating the perfect Kiwi bach this summer

The quintessential bach is something we Kiwis hold dear, integral to our identity and synonymous with many of our best childhood memories.

But the baches of today aren't necessarily as we remember them. For one, they're not necessarily by the sea, nor are they basic in their design or a handed-down family "heirloom".

Increasingly, baches are seen as a luxury commodity, no longer just filled with leftovers from primary homes. Instead they're designed and decorated as a place of sanctuary to escape a busy city life.

Holiday homes website Book a Bach is currently hosting its Bach of the Year contest, looking for the country's best getaway houses.

So what makes a bach stand out from the rest? Often it's down to simple design updates, clever, functional styling and smart materials.

We spoke to interior designer Sonya Cotter to get the best tips on how to reinvigorate your Kiwi bach and make it stand out.

UTILISING OUTDOOR SPACE

Sonya says the best way to "double" the size of your bach and give yourself ample space to relax is to create special areas in your outdoor spaces.

"Outdoor furniture is becoming more and more something that people are laying heavy importance on.

"We are creating spaces with outdoor rugs, outdoor lighting, and creating real environments there."

Sonya stated that people are spending a bit more money to make their bach more luxurious.

REPURPOSING OLD FURNITURE

An easy way to change up your spaces and do it on a budget, is to take old furniture from your primary home and give it a new, fun look at your bach.

"Look at an old dresser drawers and paint them all different colours," suggests Sonya.

"In a bach you need to look at versatility and functionality and also have a bit more fun."

CHANGE UP YOUR CUSHIONS

Changing the fabric of your cushions is often the easiest way to reinvent your space and spruce up your living spaces.

"One of the first things you can look at is updating your cushions. It's really easy to find some really cool fabric out there.

"You don't have to worry about the inners. That's always my first go-to to freshen things up."

Interior designer Sonya Cotter.

PERSONALISED ART WORKS

"Creating some personalised art works can always be fun. That's something you can bring the whole family into."

Sonya says this could be a still life creation that brings together family memories.

"Collect items from around the beach and pull them together, to create beautiful little moments in our homes.

"We aren't looking at three of everything any longer, we are looking at creating groupings."

MATERIALS THAT RESPOND TO THE ELEMENTS

In a bach it's often hard to chose the right materials that will withstand the wind, rain and sand. But Sonya says choosing the right materials is essential to making your home both functional and luxurious.

"In regards to flooring we are using a lot of solution-dyed nylon carpets, which is another fibre that has real longevity.

"It copes with the sun, it copes with the traffic, with everybody coming and going and it has this real luxurious feel to it.

"The other thing we are often looking at is using natural timbers, that age in the environment well."

It's also important to ensure that what you're selecting can be easily cleaned after a long weekend of activities.

"There are some amazing outdoor rugs at the moment, they are made up of man made fibres, so you can virtually scrub them."

You can see the Book a Bach top 40 finalists and vote for your favourite Kiwi bach HERE.