Give your short-term rental a destination theme

Add value to a traveler’s vacation

For example, in the Branson/Tri-Lake area, it’s very common to make a “lake-themed” property. This includes imagery related to fishing and boating. I might even theme the front of the house with a couple of brightly colored boat oars.

Themed properties seem to rent faster because people want to feel like the rental property adds to the vacation experience. It’s not just a place to sleep at night.

You might think, “I’d get tired of themed décor.” But remember this property is not for you. It’s designed to create experiences for people who only stay there for a short time (like a week). So they can’t get tired of it.

You can use styles that are bolder and more dramatic. These décor choices will look great on your booking listing page and in people’s vacation photos.

You might not build your personal home around leisure activities like board games and ping pong. But you can do that with a short-term rental property, because people are living a travel and leisure lifestyle when they stay there.

Spell it out for them

You can even add small signs around the house that speak to a feeling you’re trying to inspire, such as “fun in the sun” or “family time.”

Enhance emotions with color

You can create an emotional connection in people’s minds, instantly, by including colors and décor selections that relate to your property’s destination.

I can also create a lake feel without overt imagery. The colors blue and white are connected with nautical/lake life. It’s also often good to add a splash of yellow, which is associated with “sunshine” and “fun.”

If you have a property near Miami beach, you’d probably think of colors such as teal and hot pink, since those colors are iconic in the area’s architecture.

Design with mass appeal

Remember, you won’t personally live in the short-term rental property. It doesn’t have to fit your style. It must fit the potential customer’s expectations.

You might be a really glamorous person, with really sophisticated taste. But will that appeal to a wide range of people, so you can get more bookings and make more money? What type of décor does your ideal rental client want?

I’d be happy to help you with your short-term rental investment property. Schedule a design consultation today.