Guide to Stunning Homeowner Short-Term Rental Interiors

A well-thought-out interior can transform a seemingly average space into a true masterpiece.  But whether your vacation rental needs a few small design changes or is undergoing a complete transformation, knowing where to start and how to approach interior design can be an overwhelming task.

That’s why we’ve collected our favourite tips and tricks when it comes to getting your vacation rental photo- and guest-ready

Define your interior design style

Create a mood board - A mood board is a great first step to brainstorm and then visualise what your interiors might look like. If decorating is not your forte, drawing inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, or other properties and vacation spots can help you identify the types of colours, textures and interior styles you like. We suggest paying attention to everything from furniture layout, colour scheme and furniture style to lighting and decor. The key is to think about how your guests will be spending their time in each space.

Select a design theme — When it comes to selecting a design theme, consider the location you are in and allow it to inspire your home’s design. A coastal home calls for a relaxed beachy theme while a suburb that attracts larger families can embrace colour and more open space for play.  Keep your target market in mind to ensure your aesthetic aligns with the type of guests you are attracting. A minimalist and modern home with plenty of glass and white walls might not be the right fit for a family, their kids and a pet.

Some popular interior design styles to select:

• Farmhouse
• Modern
• Rustic
• Industrial
• Traditional
• Scandi

Furnish your rental

Mix new with the old - How many times have you stayed at a vacation rental and recognised their brand of furniture or had the feeling that you’ve seen it before? We’re not saying buying from conventional catalogues and sticking to IKEA is a bad thing, but we’ve found that the best interiors feel like they have a story to tell. This feeling largely comes down to sourcing and selecting a mixture of furniture that range from old to new. We’re not saying buy a vintage sofa that is falling apart (this isn't the kind of story you want to tell) - but investing in repurposed pieces because of their craftsmanship or unique aesthetic can truly elevate your space - and become a great talking point.

Use local art to create a decor moment- Making use of local art - from paintings on the wall to vases on the coffee table - is an exciting way to pay homage to your culture or hometown as well as have your home tell an interesting story. It is also a great way to show your support for local artists and craftsmen.

Add finishing touches - What is the first thing a guest notices when they step into your property? Is it the walls? The colour scheme? The lighting?

• Pillows, Rugs and throws can really amplify the feel of a room, adding warmth both functionally and aesthetically.
• Lighting is another great way to add ambience to your home. Try placing lamps or overhead lighting where people need them most: by the bed, near the couch, and in the kitchen.
• Think about small gestures that will enhance a guest’s experience such as a coffee machine, an umbrella by the front door or a selection of books by the bedside table.
• If your home has a dedicated entryway, you might want to think about how to make this impactful as well as functional.

Last but not least

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Always keep your linens fresh - this doesn't just mean professionally washing them but also spot-checking them when they come out of the dryer, too.
• Guests want to feel at home, but not at your home. Remove any personal items, like photos or trinkets and pack them away.
• Avoid selecting fruit that is nice to look at - but extremely uncomfortable to sit on. Everything in your home needs to be fit for comfort.

For more insight and support about Airbnb management and how to scale during these times, get in touch - we love to chat.