In the short term rental market, guests aren’t only paying for a bed. They’re choosing a vacation rental that feels like more than just a place to sleep. The design of your rental property shapes the guest experience, influences positive reviews, and can lead to more bookings, repeat bookings, and even five star reviews.
Below are practical design tips vacation rentals hosts can apply to attract guests, wow potential guests, and build a beautiful space that supports your business goals.
Why Great Design Drives More Guests and More Bookings
Good interior design is about function and feeling. When you’re paying attention to how a space looks and works, guests feel comfortable right away. That comfort shows up in better photos, higher perceived value, and more confidence from your target market.
A smart design approach can also save money over time. Choosing the right furniture, durable decor choices, and materials built for high traffic areas reduces damage, replacements, and constant “quick fixes” between stays.
Start With a Clear Design Style and Color Scheme
Before you buy new decorative items, decide on a cohesive design style. Consistency makes rooms feel intentional and creates visual interest without clutter.
Choose clean lines and a simple base
A neutral color scheme with clean lines is easy to refresh and works across many types of vacation home stays—from a beach house to a mountain cabin or country cottage.
Add personality without overwhelming the room
You can still add personality through a few high-impact touches:
- throw pillows for texture and contrast
- wall art that complements the palette
- a rug or accent chair that adds a subtle “wow” factor
The goal is to make every room feel styled, not stuffed.
Furniture That Handles Real Life (and Still Looks Good)
Vacation rentals need pieces that hold up. Guests come with luggage, kids, snacks, and sometimes wet towels from the outdoor space. Prioritize durability so the home stays photo-ready year-round.
Focus on easy maintenance
Look for easy to clean furniture and stain resistant fabrics—especially in the living room and dining area. It’s one of the fastest ways to protect margins and reduce wear in high traffic areas.
Pick flexible layouts for larger groups
If you host larger groups, flexible sleeping and seating is key:
- a sofa bed for extra capacity
- bunk beds that make family stays easier
- an extra comfortable chair so no one fights for the couch
Add practical surfaces like sturdy coffee tables (easy to wipe) and a solid dining table that can handle meals, laptops, and game nights with friends.
Lighting and Natural Elements That Upgrade the Guest Experience
Lighting is one of the most overlooked tips, yet it changes how guests feel the moment they walk in.
Build good lighting in layers
For good lighting, use an extra layer beyond the ceiling fixture:
- ambient overhead light
- task lighting by the bed and seating
- warm accent lamps for evenings
This makes the space feel welcoming and helps every corner photograph well.
Bring in natural light and natural elements
Maximize natural light by keeping window areas uncluttered. Then echo the outdoors with natural elements like wood tones, linen textures, stone accents, or greenery that nods to the local environment. This creates calm, grounded spaces that feel “on purpose,” not generic.
Thoughtful Touches Guests Actually Use
A great stay is often the small stuff. Thoughtful touches create comfort and memorability for both you and your guests.
Add a personal touch without clutter
Try simple upgrades that are easy to maintain:
- a welcome card with local highlights
- a small basket with essentials
- curated board games so guests can play board games after dinner
Keep it neat and intentional—cozy doesn’t mean crowded.
Make the property functional for modern travel
Today’s renters expect convenience. Consider:
- high speed wifi (clearly labeled instructions)
- a smart tv with simple sign-in guidance
- a dedicated workspace (even in a small space) with a desk, outlets, and a supportive chair
These details directly influence comfort, productivity, and review language.
Use Local Art to Create Meaning (and Better Photos)
Generic prints are forgettable. Featuring local art and work from local artists helps your rental feel rooted in place and gives guests something to talk about.
Ideas that work in any property
- one statement piece of wall art in the main area
- framed photography inspired by the local environment
- subtle decor that reflects the neighborhood vibe
This approach builds authenticity and helps your listing stand out from the “copy-paste” competition.
Don’t Let Design Mistakes Cost You Bookings
Even beautiful homes can underperform if the basics are off. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overcrowding the space with too much decor
- Choosing trendy items that don’t match the property’s layout
- Ignoring scuff-prone walls and fragile finishes
- Buying cheap furniture that fails quickly under constant use
- Prioritizing looks over comfort in the bedroom and main seating areas
Remember: guests may compliment the style, but they remember how well they slept and how easy the home was to use.
How to Turn Design Into Higher Revenue
Design isn’t just aesthetic—it’s strategy. The properties that win the short term rental game are the ones that feel cohesive, practical, and guest-ready. When your design supports comfort and function, you’ll see:
- stronger photos that attract guests faster
- better conversion from browsers into bookings (increase bookings)
- more “this felt like home” language in positive reviews
- more loyalty and repeat bookings over time
That’s the real connection between interior design and revenue.
Experience Thoughtfully Designed Stays With ShortMid Stay
If you want inspiration for what guest-ready design looks like in action, explore ShortMid Stay and see how well-planned spaces support comfort, style, and real travel needs.
- Browse the main site: ShortMid Stay
- View available homes: All Listings
- Explore curated categories: Featured Collection
- Interested in hosting? Partner With Us
- Have questions? Contact Us
- Learn about local support: LA House Management Rentals
- See full services: Home and Property Management Los Angeles
- Get practical guidance: Los Angeles Residence Property Management Guide
With the right furniture, intentional decor choices, and a guest-first layout, your vacation property can become the kind of place guests remember—and recommend.
