my top 3 short-term rental design tips
This business seems to be ever evolving. It has changed in so many ways just in the past three years since my husband and I jumped into it. Through all of the changes the one thing I have seen stay constant is, GOOD DESIGN SELLS! With more and more investors hoping on the str train leading to increased inventory and more options for people to choose from having a well designed property is one of the key things that will cause your property to stay afloat in the changing tides.
So I wanted to share with you three of my top design tips that will cause your property to stand out from the crowd.
TIP 1: KNOW YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE
This is key to knowing how to furnish and market your property. Are you targeting families? Couples? Bachelorette parties? Business professionals? Knowing this will give clarity for your design direction. There is nothing worse than walking into a space a feeling like “oh, this isn’t for me.”
This picture is one of my lake properties that caters to couples. We designed everything to appeal to people wanting to get away on a romantic retreat. I know the color pink communicates love and romance so I knew I wanted there to be elements of pink in the property. I told my husband I want the bathroom to feel like a hug. This property stays booked with couples celebrating their wedding night, honeymoon, anniversary, birthdays, baby moons and engagements.
TIP 2: GET CREATIVE
Decorate with things people would not usually use in their own homes. Most people do not take risks with their own homes and tend to be pretty conservative. As an owner of a str you can provide that experience of risk and the unfamiliar for your guests. As you design don’t think “what would I want in my own personal home?” but think “what would intrigue people?” “What would create an experience for them?”
Most people would not want to look at this fish wallpaper everyday but they would love to enjoy it for a weekend! And we are finding will even pay a premium price for that experience.
TIP 3: DON’T SKIMP ON THE LITTLE DETAILS
I know it can seem like an unnecessary expense to add a make up mirror to the bathroom or a cute little plant on the night stand but it is these little added touches that elevate your property to a hotel-like experience. We constantly get 5-star reviews with comments on our attention to detail and the little added touches that made their stay extra special. So go ahead budget an extra $100 a year to replace any broken or stolen decor.
Apply these three tips and watch your bookings increase!
