Design and stage your holiday rental properties like a pro

An oversized wicker chair paired with a faux-fur throw adds textured grandeur

Designers use these three techniques to elevate room designs time and again. Why? Because they work. Introduce one or more of these elements for an instant aesthetic upgrade.

1. A nod to the past — Classic never goes out of style. Choose a timeless colour palette or display a gorgeous antique to add charm and warmth to any room.
2. Something tactile — Encourage guests to cosy up and relax with fur or faux-fur chair covers, colourfully woven cushions, plush leather footrests or anything else with an inviting texture.
3. A grand gesture — Feature a large, magnificent statement piece like an exquisite armoire or an elegant chaise longue for a striking effect.

Design for conversation — arrange chairs so that eye contact is easy and everyone can be heard.

Getting people together in a living room is easy enough, but getting them talking takes two essential things: a comfortable seat and a place to put their drinks.

To arrange a space that encourages cosy, intimate conversations, pull chairs and couches away from the walls. Position seating so that people can easily look one another in the eyes and hear each other without having to shout. And whether it’s a coffee table, a side table or both, make sure that every seat has a place to set down a drink within arm’s reach. 

Guests shouldn’t have to lean down, up or at an odd angle to reach their drinks. They’re on holiday, after all! 

Design for comfort — Put a lamp and bedside table on both sides of the bed so that couples have their own space.

Creating a comfortable sleeping space takes more than a fabulous duvet and sheets with a high thread count (although those things certainly don’t hurt). To be 100% comfortable, guests need a lamp and a bedside table on both sides of the bed. That’s right, both.

Think about it — People often bring things with them to bed: a book, a glass of water, a phone, etc. If two people are sharing a bed, they’ll each want a light and a place to put their stuff within arm’s reach. If the light and bedside table are only on one side, it might just cause an argument over who gets that side, and that’s no way to start a holiday. 

Designing for mood — Let guests set the mood with varying dimmable sources of light.

Choosing the lighting in your holiday rental is important. Avoid using a single, harsh, bright light and instead opt for many varying points of light. Bright lights can wash people out and instantly kill the mood. Dimmable lighting allows guests to choose different levels of light to suit the occasion or activity. 

Consider using floor lamps, table lamps, overhead lighting with dimmers, sconces, fireplaces, outdoor fairy lights, candles and so on, and install lighting that lets guests create the mood they want. 

Art: A little lower, please

People tend to hang artwork too high. Ideally, artwork should be hung at eye level where it will be enjoyed.

In a hallway, for example, it makes sense to place artwork between five and six feet high, so that it’s at eye level as you walk past it. However, artwork on a living room wall should be at eye level from the seats that face it. And when placing artwork above a fireplace, it should be hung so that the bottom edge is no more than a palm’s width above the top of the mantle. 

Mirrors: Show me something good

A mirror that reflects a blank wall is a lost opportunity. Hang mirrors where they can reflect beauty, such as in front of a lush plant, a magnificent art piece or a stunning chandelier.  

The wall behind the kitchen bar or dining table is another great spot for a mirror. When people gather there, a mirror can show off the reflections of people enjoying their time together, as well as make the space feel larger. 

1. No time to water plants? Go with what works. Plants and flowers brighten any space but can sometimes be a hassle to take care of. For low-to-no maintenance greenery, choose hardy, native plants or opt for high-quality faux florals.
2. Small space? Use this paint trick. Using different hues of the same colour can create a sense of more space.
3. Large room? Create two seating areas. If you have double the space, why not have double the seating? Separate different gathering spots with area rugs that add a touch of warmth.

After you’ve redesigned and staged your holiday rental, be sure to update your photos.  

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