Creating a welcoming and visually appealing short-term rental property is a rewarding venture, but the path to success isn’t always as straightforward as we’d like for it to be. The allure of designing a space that stands out, where guests can relax and relish their stay, is a fun, maybe even thrilling prospect. However, this journey is not without its share of challenges.
A few weeks ago we did a blog post on what to do when you’re decorating your short-term rental. But when it comes to decorating a short-term rental property, it’s not just about what you should do; it’s equally important to know what not to do.
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Don’t: Personalize Too Much
We are big on personal style here at Daakor. Every client we work with, we make sure that we infuse a ton of their personal style into their space. Except for when we work on short-term rentals.
Decorating your short-term rental property isn’t really an opportunity to infuse much of your personal style and taste into the space. A little bit–yes, you want to help differentiate your property from others but it’s crucial to strike a balance between personalization and creating an environment that appeals to a broader range of guests.
The primary goal of your short-term rental property should be to attract a wide range of guests. Overly personalized decor, with your family photos, unique taste, or specific memorabilia, can narrow the appeal of your property, potentially deterring those who don’t resonate with your personal style.
An excess of personal items, decor, and memorabilia can quickly make your space feel a little cluttered and overwhelming. Guests want to feel comfortable and at ease in your rental, not surrounded by a mishmash of personal belongings that make them feel like they’re intruding on someone else’s space.
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How to Strike the Right Balance
Start with a neutral base when you’re decorating your short-term rental. That means neutral wall colors and furnishings. Neutrals serve as a canvas that you can personalize with tasteful accents, catering to various guest preferences without overwhelming them with your personality.
Instead of personal family photos and intimate personal memorabilia, consider adding subtle personal touches that enhance the property’s character. Think of items like local artwork, unique handmade pieces, or thematic decor that reflect your connection to the area.
In one of my short-term rentals, I have a gallery wall of landscape photos I’ve taken on various trips around the world. I often get comments on how lovely this wall feature is and sometimes even hear about the guests’ own experiences in visiting those same locations. It has become a way to make a closer connection with my guests and that in turn results in better reviews and returning guests.
In a project we did to furnish and decorate a short-term rental, we created a gallery wall of photos from the city it was in. In another short-term rental we decorated, we chose to go with coastal decor to align to the beachy, lakefront property.
Choose decor and furnishings that have universal appeal. Classic and timeless styles have a broader and more enduring appeal than trendy, niche decor choices. Opt for decor elements that won’t quickly go out of fashion and are likely to please a wide range of guests.
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Don’t: Clutter the Space
Clutter is the silent saboteur of your short-term rental property’s charm. While it’s natural to want to create an inviting and cozy atmosphere, overdoing it with decor and furnishings can overwhelm your space and hinder the guest experience you want to create.
First, a cluttered space can give the wrong first impression. When guests enter your property, they want to be met with a clean and organized environment that instills confidence in their choice.
Clutter can create visual discomfort for guests. That’s actually true for us too, right? An overcrowded space can make your property feel smaller, chaotic, and less inviting. Guests typically prefer accommodations that provide a sense of openness and tranquility.
Also, a cluttered space can impair functionality. Your guests need room to move, unpack, work, dine, and relax. Clutter restricts these activities, making your property less user-friendly.
Clutter can also give the perception of an unclean environment. Dust and dirt accumulate more easily in spaces filled with decor and items, and guests might assume that your property isn’t well-maintained. That’s not good for reviews or repeat clientele.
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Tips for Decluttering and Organizing
Start with essentials. Provide what your guests need for a comfortable stay. These include basic furnishings, comfortable seating, a well-equipped kitchen, and necessary amenities such as toiletries and fresh linens.
Adopt a minimalist approach to decor. Select a few well-chosen decor items that enhance the ambiance without overwhelming the space. Prioritize quality over quantity and ensure that each item serves a purpose or contributes to the overall aesthetic.
Incorporate storage solutions to keep clutter at bay. Consider built-in or freestanding closets, shelving units, and under-bed storage options. These features help guests keep their belongings organized and out of sight. Take cues from what you might find in a hotel room.
Choose furniture that is appropriately scaled for the space and serves multiple functions when possible. For example, a sofa bed can double as seating and a sleeping area, maximizing space efficiency. It’s also more heads in beds and that’s increased revenue for you.
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Don’t: Sacrifice Durability for Aesthetics
Aesthetics play a crucial role in attracting potential renters, but it’s equally essential to consider the durability of your furnishings and decor choices. Sacrificing durability for aesthetics can lead to frequent maintenance, premature wear and tear, and added expenses in the long run.
Opting for durable furnishings and materials may require a higher initial investment, but it often results in long-term savings. High-quality items are less likely to break, wear out, or require frequent replacements, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
Your guests expect a comfortable and well-maintained environment during their stay. Furnishings and decor that are durable contribute to a positive guest experience by providing comfort and reliability throughout their visit.
Maintaining the appearance of your property is vital for ensuring guest satisfaction and attracting return customers. Durable items are less likely to show signs of wear and tear, which ensures your property consistently looks its best.
If you furnish your whole short-term rental with Ikea furniture, except equivalent in terms of nightly rate that you can charge. On the other hand, investing in a few high quality pieces and mixing and matching at different price points to create a well curated space means you’ll stand out from the crowd and be in a position to charge a higher rate.
And it’s not just about being able to charge higher nightly rates. From my experience, when your space reflects a higher quality look and feel and your rates are a bit higher than the average, you’ll likely attract better guests and better reviews.
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Tips Choosing Durable Yet Stylish Decor
When selecting furniture and decor items, pay attention to the materials used. Look for options made from sturdy and long-lasting materials such as hardwood, metal, or high-quality synthetic materials like resin or polyethylene.
If you choose upholstered furniture, prioritize fabric or leather that is resistant to stains, fading, and wear. Stain-resistant or easy-to-clean fabrics are excellent choices for maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your property.
Opt for decor styles that are timeless and versatile. While trendy decor can be appealing, it may quickly become outdated. Classic styles tend to have a broader and longer-lasting appeal.
Consider furniture with modular components that can be easily replaced or repaired. This way, if a part becomes damaged, you can address the issue without having to replace the entire piece.
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In the world of short-term rentals, the art of decorating can be a lot of fun. While the “Dos” offer valuable insights into how to create an inviting and memorable guest experience, the “Don’ts” are equally important and provide crucial guidance on avoiding common pitfalls.
The trick is to find the sweet spot where creativity and practicality intersect. This balance not only ensures a thriving rental business but also offers a consistently positive experience for your guests. And that my friends will in turn garner you those high ratings, repeat guests and a good, positive cashflow.
