Operating a vacation rental business is a popular way to generate income for property owners and to create unique experiences for guests. However, with this popularity comes increasing competition and demand for extraordinary vacation rental spaces. Potential guests are no longer satisfied with just a place to sleep in and freshen up during vacation, they’re now also very keen on how their accommodations can add value to their overall experience.
Beyond considering creature comforts, many guests prefer to stay in a space that appeals to their aesthetics and exudes personality. Hence, putting in the time and effort to create an inviting space that stands out would be worth your while as a vacation rental property manager or owner. In this article, we’ll explore how you can create a distinctive aesthetic for your vacation rental, helping transform your property into a stunning space your guests will love.
Decide on a Theme
Standard, basic properties no longer cut it in the competitive world of vacation rentals. Guests want to match their vacation vibes with their rental space, so picking a theme is essential in defining your property and the experience it promises to provide. When picking a theme, you may take inspiration from your property’s location to create a cohesive feel. For example, if your property is near the beach, incorporate hues like seafoam green, soft blues, and light beige for a relaxing ambiance. You can also bring in natural elements like sea shells, driftwood, or beach sand to establish the theme. Be careful about overdoing it, though, since the wrong choice of decor could come off as tacky and unappealing, causing your property to stand out in the wrong way.
If you feel like the surrounding area is not too relevant to the property (e.g., if the rental is in an urban area), you can opt for different themes that reflect a particular aesthetic or base the look of the rental on your target market. Explore themes like interior design trends (minimalist, maximalist, industrial, boho, etc.), sports and teams, movies and pop culture (including music, books, anime, and video games), time periods or decades (‘20s, ‘70s, and so on), and many others to pique the interest of clients or to appeal to a particular demographic. Also, by tailoring your design to a specific market—like families on vacation, travelers exploring the city, or guests attending an event in the area—you’ll tend to attract renters with particular needs that your property can address. Furthermore, having a theme makes the space look more put together, with each detail feeling thoughtful and intentional.
Creatively Name or Describe Your Property
To foster continuity within your brand, it’s a good idea to give your property a name that matches the rental’s aesthetic. By creating a compelling name, you add interest to your listing and draw the attention of potential guests who are looking for a distinct experience. Instead of a generic “One-Bedroom Lake House,” go for something like “Peaceful Lakeside Couples’ Sanctuary.” This helps the client picture the property—with information about its location, size, and amenities—and entices them to explore renting it.
Naming your rental helps create a brand that resonates with potential guests, and you should nurture this brand by making sure you’re on top of things with the help of a vacation rental management software. This software can help property managers like you with reservation management, guest communication, performance analysis, and payment management to keep everything running smoothly and ensure that guests have the best vacation rental experience possible.
Pick One of a Kind Accents
One way to distinguish your property from the countless others out there is to tell a story with your space. When decorating your vacation rental, choose items that add personality to the property and reflect its surroundings and history. Hand-picked accents like art, photographs, and trinkets acquired through personal travels give warmth and a human touch, making it feel more like home than a mere rental.
Add Thoughtful Elements
What sets a vacation rental apart is its capacity to provide an experience instead of just a “stay.” Welcoming details like a basket of choice items (like a bottle of locally produced wine, artisanal coffee, gourmet crackers, among others), a guidebook highlighting nearby spots and free attractions guests might enjoy, or a handwritten message elevate renters’ overall experience and leave a lasting impression.
When planning these elements, remember to incorporate your rental’s aesthetics and branding to keep things coordinated. This could mean using the same color palette in your space for the guest guide layout and note paper, or sticking to your property’s theme when selecting items for your welcome basket.
Balance Comfort with Aesthetics
Your vacation rental is still a place for rest, after all, so don’t forget to consider comfort when designing your space. Beyond aesthetics, prioritize furniture and accessories that invite relaxation, such as comfy couches, plush mattresses, and cozy throw blankets. Aside from adding texture and warmth, these provide a homey feel to your vacation rental.
Get Professional Photos and Videos Taken of Your Rental
Photos and videos can easily decide a vacation rental booking, which is why it’s best to rely on professionals to handle this part of your listing. A professional photographer can help highlight the features of the property and capture the rental from its best angle. Likewise, showcasing your space with professional photos and videos gives an obvious polish that sets it apart from pictures taken with just a phone camera.
Standing out in the crowded world of vacation rentals can be challenging, but with thoughtfulness and attention to detail, you can design a space and create an experience that can spell the difference between a mediocre vacation rental and a home away from home.
