Decorating Tips for Boosting Your Vacation Rental Value

December 17, 2019

Importance of Design & Decor

Private vacation rentals are one of the most popular options for travelers. This type of accommodation offers guests the ability to enjoy all the comforts of home while providing a more “local” experience than a standard hotel room or resort.

However, competition in the marketplace is fierce as more homeowners, and property investors are joining the party. So how can you make your vacation rental stand out from the crowd and build your brand awareness?

It comes down to guest experience. One way to add value to your property is making your rental stand out by paying more attention to the design and décor of your units.

Here are some decorating ideas that won’t cost you a fortune, but will add perceived value, impress your guests, and build word-of-mouth referrals!

Keep It Classic

You want your rental to appeal to most people and the best way to do that is to keep your style simple. Think neutral colors, simple designs, and tasteful accessories. Your goal is to create a sense of elegance and sophistication. Typically a clean, classic look will appeal to most travelers. While you might love an eclectic or eccentric design, simple colors, clean lines, and space appeal to more travelers.

Update Your Furniture

Your guests will notice the furniture. If it’s old and worn out you won’t attract visitors, and the ones you do attract won’t be happy. Even guests who do decide to rent your unit may end up giving you poor ratings.

Keep your furniture, properly maintained, and update it from time to time. Invest in quality, well-built pieces that will add value, comfort, and appeal to guests.

Clean and Declutter!

Your rental property must be clean. However periodic deep cleaning, shampooing rugs and upholstery, cleaning and oiling wood, changing HVAC filters and the like is an inexpensive way to spruce up your property.

While those magazines on the coffee table or family pictures on the mantle look good to you, to a guest, they’re just clutter. A clean, decluttered rental seems more airy, open and enjoyable than a cluttered cramped one. Make sure your properties are spotless.

Design a Beautiful, and Functional Kitchen

One of the reasons travelers seek out private accommodations is the fact that it includes a kitchen. Having a well-equipped, functional kitchen is probably one of the most important elements in your rental property. Families that travel with children love having a functional kitchen. Make sure appliances are working properly and consider upgrading to quality appliances if they don’t. A functional kitchen will add value to your property.

Kick the Luxury Up a Notch

If you’re looking for upscale travelers, create a luxurious atmosphere. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It’s all in the details. Add some gold fixtures in the bathroom, use rich fabrics like silk and velvet, or upgrade kitchen and bathroom countertops to a budget-friendly engineered marble to bring some opulence to the kitchen.

Add Personality, Comfort, and Ambiance

Think about adding a statement piece, like an original painting, or bold colorful rug. Create a layered lighting design to add ambiance, and think “comfort” when decorating. Introducing plush cushions, and soft area rugs. Upgraded warm blankets and bed linens will make your visitors feel at home, and will generate positive reviews.

You only have a single chance to make a good first impression!

By updating your décor, adding some special touches, and focusing on cleanliness, comfort, and functionality, you’ll charm every visitor who stays in your vacation rental generating positive reviews and increasing your bookings!