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The vacation rental market is booming, but standing out from the crowd takes more than just an attractive listing price. It requires thoughtful attention to detail, specifically, vacation rental interior design.
Creating a memorable and comfortable space can influence guest reviews, impact repeat bookings, and ultimately, determine the profitability of your investment.
Understanding the Importance of Interior Design for Short Term Rentals
Guests are increasingly looking for unique, home-away-from-home experiences. Providing a well-designed space can make your property a top choice for travelers, leading to higher occupancy rates.
Setting the Stage: Defining Your Style
Before diving into the world of vacation home interior design, you must first define your style. Take into consideration the location of your property, your target market, and what kind of experience you want to offer.
Coastal, Urban, or Countryside Themes?
The property's location can be a significant determinant of the style. A beachfront property might call for a light, airy, and coastal design, while a city apartment could benefit from a modern, sleek look.
Who Are Your Guests?
Understanding your guests is crucial. A property aimed at families might include fun, durable furnishings, while a destination for couples could focus more on luxurious, romantic touches.
The Art Of Comfort: Essential Furnishings For Your Vacation Rental
When it comes to interior design for short term rentals, comfort is king. Here's a rundown of the essential pieces you'll need to make your guests feel right at home.
Comfortable Beds And Quality Linens
There's no substitute for a good night's sleep. Invest in comfortable beds, high-quality linens, and a variety of pillows to suit different preferences.
Functional Kitchen And Bath
Equip your kitchen with essentials like a coffee maker, toaster, and a full set of dishes and utensils. For the bathroom, provide fluffy towels, a hairdryer, and basic toiletries.
Creating A Memorable Experience: Design Details That Make a Difference
It's often the little things that make a stay memorable. Personal touches and attention to detail can impress your guests and encourage positive reviews.
Art And Decor
Wall art, plants, and unique decor pieces can add personality to your space. These elements can make your property feel more like a home and less like a generic hotel room.
Local Touches
Incorporate elements of the local culture or history into your design. This could be in the form of local artwork, guidebooks, or a list of recommended local spots to visit.
Budgeting For Brilliance: Managing Your Vacation Rental Design Expenses
While you want your property to be attractive, it's important to keep your expenses in check. Be smart about where you invest your money and look for ways to save without compromising the guest experience.
Invest Where It Counts
Focus on the essentials first, and then add decorative items as your budget allows. Remember, comfort and functionality should always take priority.
Thrifty Finds
Get your Gen Z on by grabbing pieces at thrift shops, estate sales, or online marketplaces for unique and budget-friendly pieces.
Maintaining The Magic: Keeping Your Vacation Rental Design Fresh
A well-designed vacation rental is a profitable one, but maintaining the allure requires regular upkeep and occasional updates.
Regular Maintenance
Keep your property looking its best by fixing any wear and tear immediately. Regular deep cleaning and seasonal touch-ups can go a long way in maintaining the appeal of your rental.
Keeping Up With Trends
Stay updated with the latest vacation rental interior design trends. This doesn't mean you need to overhaul your property every year, but small updates can keep your property feeling modern and fresh.
Guest Feedback
Pay attention to feedback from your guests. They can provide valuable insights about what's working and what might need improvements.
Where To Furnish Your Vacation Rental
This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it should give you some ideas as jumpoff points.
1. Wayfair
Wayfair specializes in home goods and has a massive online catalog of furniture, decor, and even appliances. It's an excellent resource for finding trendy items at a range of price points.
2. Overstock
Overstock offers a large selection of home goods at discounted prices. They also have regular sales, making it a good site to check out for bargain deals.
3. IKEA
IKEA is world-renowned for its affordable, stylish, and functional furniture. They have a wide range of products, from kitchenware to bedroom sets, all with that modern, minimalist aesthetic.
4. Crate & Barrel
If you're looking to splurge a little on higher-end pieces, Crate & Barrel offers a good mix of quality and design. They also have a "Business Sales" department to assist with furnishing rentals or commercial spaces.
If you do it correctly, you can basically build an aesthetic off of one or two higher-end pieces. These pieces are basically the “first-impression” pieces. Your tenants will see them, and these pieces are so undeniable, that they’ll give some luster to your other pieces too.
5. Houzz
Houzz is both a source of design inspiration and a marketplace for home goods. It's a great place to find unique, design-oriented pieces that can make your rental stand out.
6. West Elm
For more contemporary, design-forward pieces, West Elm offers a great selection.
7. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a platform for individual sellers in your local area. It can be a great place to find used furniture at a lower price point - I’ve found some dynamite pieces on Marketplace.
8. Etsy
Etsy is an online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods. It's a great source for unique, one-of-a-kind decor pieces that can add a special touch to your vacation rental.
Design Inspo
We all need some inspiration to generate that first creative spark, right? Here’s a few sites I go to for inspiration when I’m tackling the interior design for a new investment property;
1. ArchDaily
ArchDaily is the world's most visited architecture website. It provides a wealth of information about design trends, projects, and architectural news. Their 'Interiors' section is filled with innovative design ideas that can inspire your vacation rental interior design.
2. Dezeen
Dezeen is a top online architecture and design magazine. The 'Interiors' section showcases a wide array of design projects from around the world, providing ample inspiration.
3. Apartment Therapy
Apartment Therapy is a home and decor site with a focus on small living spaces. It's a great source of practical, real-world decor ideas that are attainable and budget-friendly.
4. Dwell
Dwell magazine focuses on modern architecture and design. Their website includes a 'Home Tours' section that can provide ideas and inspiration for your vacation rental.
The Takeaway: Seizing Success in Vacation Rental Interior Design
Vacation rental interior design is more than just about aesthetics; it's a strategic element that can influence the success of your investment. The balance between style, comfort, and functionality can create an environment that guests love and want to return to.
By understanding your target market, making smart design choices, and regularly maintaining your property, you can ensure your vacation rental is a destination of choice for travelers.
