Rental Interiors: Wow Guests With These Design Tips

Rental interiors welcome guests before they even enter the home. Properties listed online showcase interiors through photos, videos and 3D tours, and should give potential customers a real feel for the entire home. As they scroll through photos and watch videos, rental interiors should place the customer in the home — as they imagine sharing the space with their loved ones. But how are property managers supposed to create this experience? Read these rental interior design tips and get their attention.

Ways to Wow Guests With Rental Interiors and Design

Change Throw Pillows

Throw pillows add color and comfort to furniture. If you have a neutral-colored couch, jazz up the décor by adding throw pillows that complement the room’s color scheme. Swap these out based on seasons to keep the look fresh and updated.

Light It Up

Reading ranks a top thing to do on vacation. Whether reading a book, brochure or smartphone, travelers need light to read. Make sure the rental has lamps located throughout the home. Many guests prefer lamp light versus harsh overhead lighting when reading, so keep that in mind.

Reflect the Area

Guests picked the location for a reason. Make sure rental interiors reflect the area they are located. If a beach destination, use shells, sea-inspired lamps and pictures and bright colors. Mountain rentals should have wooden and leather furniture, lots of warm blankets in the cold seasons and pieces that reflect mountain living. In more urban areas, use contemporary designs, modern pieces and items that provide a city feel.

Another way to reflect and showcase the area is hanging local art throughout the home. Local art honors hometown artists, displays the area in a new way and helps tie in décor. Invest in small, medium and large pieces, and distribute them through the home based on room size.

Hang Hooks and Supply Hangers

Guests need places to hang coats, robes, towels, bags and wet swimsuits. Hang hooks in bathrooms, bedrooms, front entryways, kitchens and near patios. Guests can hang what what they need before tracking anything through the house.

Hangers are also a must. No one wants to wear wrinkled clothes, especially if traveling for business. Supply lots of hangers in each closet, including skirt and dress/suit hangers.

Provide Fresh, White Linens and Towels

Uniform white sheets and towels look clean and bright. Think about the hotel industry, which has used white towels and linens for decades. Guests prefer them. Buy large fluffy white towels and give guests a luxurious spa experience. Make sure linens are at least 400 thread count for added comfort.

Beginning with toiletry amenities, make sure each bathroom is fully stocked with toilet paper, quality soap, shampoo, conditioner and fluffy matching towels.

Keep It Simple

Strive for high-impact with simple décor. Each piece should have a purpose, whether adding to a color scheme, providing light sources, showcasing the area, etc. Don’t overwhelm guests with décor and nick-knacks. Keep things clean and open.

Mix Colors

No one wants to stay in a place that looks drab or muted. If the rental doesn’t have white walls, complement them with bright colors to offset the darkness. Also consider the last time the rental was painted. Giving the walls a fresh coat can update and refreshes the look of the home.

Make Tabletops Stand Out

Many guests love the idea of sharing a family meal around the dining room table. Encourage them to do so by providing a place they want to eat. Keep a stocked collection of tablecloths, place mats, silverware, glasses, and put fresh flowers on the table. Treat the table or bar as a gathering spot and welcome guests to enjoy it. This is also an affordable way to update rentals seasonally and tie in colors throughout the home.

In the kitchen, fully stock paper towels and napkins, plates and glasses appropriate for the size of the rental. Also include high-quality pots and pans and utensils. To have sufficient place settings, use this guideline:
— 1 bedroom needs 6 place settings
— 2 bedroom needs 8 place settings
— 3 bedroom needs 8 place settings

Update Appliances

With energy-efficient appliances and more modern appearances, it make sense to update appliances. No one wants to use a fridge that is 20 years old. Look at stainless-steel options or simple black or white appliances. Not only will this please guests, but owners can save on their electricity expenses as well.

Read tips for staging vacation rentals and ensure photos look their best.