Design and stage your vacation 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 color palette or display a gorgeous antique to add charm and warmth to any room.
2. Something tactile — Encourage guests to cozy up and relax with fur or faux-fur chair covers, colorfully woven throw pillows, 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 lounge 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 cozy, intimate conversations, pull chairs and couches away from the walls. Position seating so people can easily look one another in the eyes and hear each other without having to yell. And whether it’s a coffee table, an end table, or both, make sure 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 beverages. They’re on vacation, after all! 

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

Creating a comfortable sleeping space takes more than a fabulous duvet and high-thread-count sheets (though those things certainly don’t hurt). To be 100% comfy, guests need a lamp and a nightstand 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. — and 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 vacation. 

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

Choosing the lighting in your vacation 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 twinkle lights, candles, etc., 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 eye-level to where it will be enjoyed.

For example, in a hallway it makes sense to put artwork between five- and six-feet high so that it’s eye-level as you walk through it. However, artwork on a living room wall should be eye-level from the seats that face it. And when placing artwork above a fireplace, it should be hung so its bottom edge is no more than a palm’s width above the bottom 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 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 color 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 vacation rental be sure to update your photos.  

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