This is the second article from our short-term rental design series. We’ve consulted several professional STR designers in the Minoan community to give hosts the best design advice from their experiences. Their expertise is invaluable to both new and seasoned hosts, and you'll see their projects highlighted throughout this series.
Learning from your own mistakes can be extremely valuable, but what about learning from other's mistakes so you can avoid unnecessary stress? Short-term rental host, interior designer, and friend of Minoan, Kaylee Smith, has lived and learned through it all.
There are many learning curves that are inevitably part of the vacation rental industry. We’re here to share Kaylee’s expertise on some of the most common mistakes that new hosts may make while furnishing their properties and how big mistakes can be avoided.
Common Mistake #1:
Thinking simple furnishing is enough
The vacation rental market is highly competitive, with countless options available to travelers. Simple furnishings may not stand out or attract potential guests when compared to other properties with more appealing decor and amenities. Vacation rentals are meant to provide a home-away-from-home experience, so simple furnishing will not impress guests who are looking to escape!
Common Mistake #2: Designing for your own tastes
The primary goal of a vacation rental host is to generate income. If you design your property according to your personal tastes without considering what will attract and satisfy guests, you may struggle to command competitive rental rates and achieve high occupancy levels. This can result in lower rental income and reduced profits.
If your property is in a location that is a popular destination for family vacations, you’ll want to design it much differently than you would a property that caters toward bachelorette parties or romantic getaways.
Common Mistake #3:
Overcrowding the space
Crowded spaces can feel cramped and uncomfortable for guests. When there's an excess of furniture, it can limit the available floor space, making it challenging for guests to move around freely. This can impede their overall comfort and enjoyment during their stay. Vacation rentals often host guests with varying needs and group sizes. Having a more versatile and spacious layout allows you to accommodate different guest configurations and preferences more easily.
Common Mistake #4:
Choosing low-quality furnishings
Guests are willing to pay more for properties with high-quality, well-maintained furnishings. Selecting low-quality furnishings can limit your property's rental potential and the rates you can charge. Low-quality furnishings like uncomfortable beds, sagging sofas, or wobbly chairs can result in guest complaints and negative reviews, which can harm your property’s reputation and future bookings.
Common Mistake #5:
Using secondhand or hand-me-down items that don’t coordinate
Secondhand pieces can make the space feel disjointed, be worn out, or have durability issues. Inexperienced hosts with tight budgets may think this is a cost-saving route, but compromising on quality can result in frequent replacements and increased long-term expenses.
Common Mistake #6: Not viewing design as a part of the investment
Consistent design elements and a unique aesthetic can make your rental more memorable and recognizable to guests and can help establish a distinct brand identity for your property.
A thoughtfully decorated and visually appealing space can set your property apart from competitors and increase its marketability. Travelers often choose accommodations based on photos and aesthetics, so investing in design upfront can lead to higher occupancy rates.
If you’re a vacation rental host who is focused on making your property a revenue-generating success, utilizing resources from Minoan can help you get through the growing pains! Check out the rest of our blog where we share insights on all things short-term rental industry, highlight hosts and their homes, and recommend products for your properties!
If you’re not yet a Minoan member, join today and save money on unique design pieces to make your property stand out, like art, lighting, rugs, furniture, and everything in between!
