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Newer materials mean that greater creativity can still thrive.
“Down in Marco Island, where we have expansive sliders to the
patio or balconies, the same tile continues from inside the unit to
outside areas, giving the unit a more expansive feel,” Kinney adds.
These new materials are also elevating the look, Woodhouse
says. “Instead of normal 12-inch tiles, we’re looking at honed-
stone tiles or wood-look tiles. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is low
maintenance and quiet, and individual pieces can be replaced if
they are damaged.” She says that one caveat for installing LVT
is that the subfloor must be perfect, making it a challenge to use
when there’s a tight timeline for revamping units.
Woodhouse also points out that as more resorts become pet-
friendly, hard surfaces are easier to clean and don’t harbor allergens.
Heart of the Home
Kitchens are often a gathering point both at home and on vaca-
tion, but now it’s an island rather than a bar counter that people
are congregating around. “You put all the functional pieces —
fridge, stove, dishwasher and sink — along one wall, and then an
island with seating in front of that,” says Kinney. “You may also
have a stacking washer and dryer.”
Figuring out what’s needed and what’s not and how to some-
times shoehorn that into a unit takes creativity. “This is where
our designers do their best work,” he says. “Do you need double
sinks? Often, the answer is no.”
At Accor Vacation Club, most units feature Noritake cutlery
and crockery, and a fully functioning kitchenette with dishwasher,
and washer and dryer. “They’re designed to be comfortable for
extended stays or seven days or more,” Wood says.
Metallic finishes have a tendency to go in and out of style, so
Woodhouse advises carefully considering the choices. “Some are
going back to chrome, but I think brushed nickel will have the best
longevity. Black is popular and trendy, too. The easiest facelift you
can give a kitchen is to change out the hardware and lighting.”
Bye-Bye, Bathtubs
In the early days of timeshare, a jetted tub was the epitome of
indulgence, with many positioned inside the master bedroom so
there would be a view. Today, it’s being replaced by a giant shower
alcove, with a separate “statement” tub. “You adapt based on
consumer expectations, but some of these showers seem like
they could be used as equine units,” Kinney jokes. Now, a tub/
shower is usually provided in the second bath to serve families
with small children.
Higher countertops and higher-wattage LED lighting are trends
that aren’t going away. “People want better lighting, and it really
makes everything feel bigger and brighter,” Woodhouse says.
BYO Content
Adding more technology only makes sense when it’s easy to
use, but smart rooms can make people feel like they are experi-
encing a different level of luxury, Woodhouse says. She advises
resorts to consider electric fireplaces that turn on with voice con-
trols, touchscreen controls on an iPad for curtains or shades, and
keyless entry systems.
In the contemporary hotel conversion,
standalone tubs and roomy shower
alcoves often replace the traditional
tub/shower in the master bath.
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