Designing Spaces for Vacation Rental Success
Picture this, a calendar for your vacation rental filled to the brim with back to back bookings!
While creating a vacation rental that gets noticed can be a challenge, the right design strategies will get your far!
The goal is to create a space that not only looks great but feels comfortable and functional for your guests. When your interiors stand out and cater to the needs of travelers, you’re more likely to attract repeat bookings. All you need is some thoughtful planning, and you can transform your rental into a guest magnet.
As a luxury vacation rental expert, I know there are some simple tips you can follow to boost your rentals ASAP. Ready to get started? Here are some of my favorite key design strategies that can make your vacation rental a hit with guests!
Minimaluxe vs. Maximalism: Two Trending Styles in Hospitality
When designing your vacation rental, choosing the right style can make all the difference in attracting guests. Two of the most current and trending styles in hospitality are Minimaluxe and Maximalism.
Minimaluxe: The Perfect Blend of Minimalism and Luxury
Minimaluxe is like the love child of minimalism and luxury. Imagine if Marie Kondo and a five-star hotel had a baby—that’s Minimaluxe! It combines the clean lines and simplicity of minimalism with the comfort and elegance of luxury. This style is perfect for vacation rentals as it creates a serene and sophisticated environment that appeals to a wide range of guests.
Best For: Smaller rentals, urban apartments, or properties where space needs to feel airy and open.
Why It Works: The neutral color palette, high-quality materials, and clutter-free design make it easy for guests to relax and feel at home.
Key Features: Soft neutrals, marble, brass, and multi-purpose furniture help maximize functionality while maintaining elegance.
Maximalism: Bold, Eclectic, and Full of Personality
On the flip side, Maximalism embraces boldness. It’s all about vibrant colors, eclectic patterns, and unique decor that make a strong statement and create a memorable experience for guests. If Minimaluxe is the little black dress, Maximalism is the sequined gown with a feathered boa—unapologetically fabulous!
Best For: Larger properties or those with unique architectural features, where you can really play up the space with eye-catching design elements.
Why It Works: Guests love a space that feels personalized and full of character, which is what Maximalism delivers with its eclectic vibe.
Key Features: Jewel tones, a mix of patterns, and vintage or quirky decor add energy and excitement to the space.
Other Styles to Consider
Of course, there are plenty of other styles to explore beyond Minimaluxe and Maximalism! Depending on your property’s location and target audience, different styles can truly transform the experience. Here are a few ideas depending on the location of your rental:
- Cottagecore: Perfect for cozy countryside cottages – with vibes like the English or French countryside. Use with soft florals and vintage touches to pull off this look.
- Bohemian (Boho): Shines in artsy, vibrant cities like Austin or Portland, with eclectic patterns and layered textures.
- Industrial: Best for urban lofts in cities like New York or Berlin, showcasing exposed brick, metal accents, and raw elements.
- Japandi: Suits serene coastal homes or minimalist spaces in cities like Tokyo or San Francisco, blending simplicity with zen vibes.
- Mid-Century Modern: Great for trendy homes in Palm Springs or Los Angeles, with sleek lines and retro charm.
- Farmhouse Chic: Shines in rural areas like Nashville or upstate New York, blending rustic charm with modern comforts.
- Tropical: Ideal for coastal rentals in locations like Miami or Hawaii, using lush greenery and bright colors to create a paradise feel.
- Art Deco: Perfect for glamorous urban areas like Miami’s South Beach or Chicago, with geometric patterns and luxurious materials.
- Eclectic: Suited for bohemian neighborhoods in cities like New Orleans or Barcelona, mixing styles and textures for a unique atmosphere.
Each of these design trends can complement specific locations and can help create a memorable guest experience based on your property’s surroundings!
Get Cozy: How To Create Inviting Spaces
Living Area
- Comfortable Seating: Provide cozy sofas, armchairs, and even floor cushions. Think of it as creating a hug in furniture form. You want your guests to have plenty of options!
- Warm Lighting: Use a mix of floor lamps, table lamps, and overhead lighting to set a welcoming mood.
- Personal Touches: Add books, games, and local artwork to make your vacation rental design feel homey.
Bedrooms
- Quality Bedding: Soft sheets, plush pillows, and comfy mattresses are a must- steal these tips from luxury hotel bedrooms to keep guests coming back!
- Blackout Curtains: Help guests enjoy a good night’s sleep (or a delightful sleep-in). This is one of the most important things for guests, so make sure to be thorough here!
- Storage Solutions: Offer ample storage so guests can unpack and feel at home. A place to hang clothes, and a few bins or drawers are always appreciated! If you are pressed for space, a guest room cart is a great idea!
5. Focus on Functionality
Kitchen
- Fully Equipped: Stock up on essentials—pots, pans, utensils, and appliances. It’s like giving guests a chef’s kitchen, even if they’re just making toast. Make sure these are regularly checked for wear and tear and replaced as needed!
- Easy to Clean: Choose materials that are low-maintenance. After all, vacations shouldn’t involve lots of cleaning! Easy to wipe tables and surfaces are always helpful.
- Dining Area: Provide a table and comfortable chairs for meals, and be sure to offer high chairs or booster seats for children.
Bathroom
- Luxurious Touches: Think fluffy towels, high-end toiletries, and a rainfall showerhead. Spa vibes, anyone?
- Storage: Offer space for toiletries and personal items. No one likes a cluttered counter.
- Cleanliness: Make sure these spaces are regularly deep cleaned, including the tile grout, shower heads, and toilets. A pristine bathroom is a must to keep guests returning!
6. Add Unique Elements
Local Flair
- Local Art and Decor: Showcase pieces from local artists to give your rental an authentic touch. These small touches help guests get an authentic experience in their rental!
- Guidebooks and Maps: Put together a welcome book with useful information about the area, things to do, and dining options! It’s like being their personal tour guide—minus the awkward small talk.
Outdoor Space
- Comfortable Seating: These outdoor spaces are often a huge part of the reason a guest will book – so if you have an outdoor space, invest in it! Create a relaxing outdoor area with chairs or a hammock, or a beautiful egg chair! Give guests a front-row seats to nature’s show!
- Lighting: Use fairy lights or lanterns to make evenings magical- instant ambiance.
- Amenities: Consider a barbecue, fire pit, or hot tub to elevate the experience.
7. Brand Your Property
Create a Memorable Name
- Catchy Name: Give your property a name that reflects its style and location. Names like “Sea Breeze Bungalow” or “Mountain Whisper Cabin” help your listing stick out!
- Consistent Branding: Use the same colors, fonts, and style in all your marketing. Consistency is key!
Tips for Choosing a Catchy Name
- Highlight Unique Features: What makes your place special? Be sure to include that in your vacation rental design!
- Incorporate Location: Let guests know where you are.
- Use Descriptive Words: Words like “luxury,” “escape,” or “retreat” add allure.
- Keep It Short and Sweet: Easier to remember and share.
9. Stay Updated on Design Trends
Keeping your vacation rental fresh is essential for attracting guests and earning great reviews. Here’s how to stay on top of this year round.
- Update Small Decor Pieces: Regularly swap out items like throw pillows, art, or rugs to give your space a fresh look. Seasonal updates can keep things lively and inviting.
- Rotate Accessories: Curate a collection of art and decor that you can easily switch out. This keeps your rental feeling new and exciting for returning guests.
- Refresh Listing Photos: Whenever you make updates, capture high-quality photos to reflect the current design. Up-to-date visuals can significantly impact your booking rates.
- Monitor Design Trends: Stay informed about emerging trends through design blogs and social media. Incorporate small elements from these trends to keep your space contemporary.
- Ask for Guest Feedback: After each stay, solicit guest feedback for suggestions on improvements. This helps you identify areas for updates and ensures your rental stays relevant.
By focusing on these small updates and keeping your listing photos current, you can create a welcoming environment that evolves with guest preferences while maintaining your property’s appeal!
So there you have it, my top tips for vacation rental design that will fill up your calendar in no time! What are your favorite ways to keep guests happy and coming back?!
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