ROI: Investing in vacation rental interior design is a smart biz decision 💰

Furnishing and decorating a vacation rental property may seem like a daunting task, but imagine completing five or six units at once. I do this often for my clients. Investors buy properties, and I get those units ready to list on Airbnb and Vrbo. To make things easier, I developed a system to streamline not only the creative process of vacation rental interior design but also the logistics of project management.

When I began decorating and outfitting vacation rentals, I immediately identified a challenge in this industry: During the design phase, when you’re buying and collecting all the things that will go into the property, you need a place to store all these materials until they are ready to be installed. Years later, I’ve finally designed a solution – and I’m sharing it with the entire Branson business community.

Have your occupancy rates dropped? With so many vacation rental properties listed on booking websites like Vrbo and Airbnb, it’s time to make your vacation rental stand out. How can you make your short term rental property stand out from the competition? Here are three quick questions to evaluate your chances of achieving investment property success. Does my short-term rental property lack visual appeal? Unfortunately, when it comes to short term rental properties, people do judge a book by its cover. When potential clients shop online, they skim the listings for photos that catch their attention. They usually don’t even read the description if the images don’t capture their interest! So, if your photos are bland, it doesn’t matter what amenities you include or how well your descriptions are written. Ensure you have great photos that are as impressive or more impressive than the competition. You have first to attract people with pictures that stand out – after that, you can seal the deal with your amenities and other selling points. But maybe it’s not the photographer's fault … Your property may be outdated. If so, make a few simple upgrades to help amp up visual appeal. Consider adding some exciting colors. If you have builder-grade “neutral” paint throughout, pick a few key walls and add a pop of color. This is such an inexpensive way to add personality and spark to space, and the transformation can take place in a couple of days for a few hundred dollars. Next, refresh and replace your soft goods, such as throw pillows, curtains, blankets, and rugs. If you have not done this in the last three seasons, then it is time to invest money in this area. It’s such an easy and inexpensive way to increase your visual appeal. After these visual updates are complete, take updated photos and refresh that listing. Does my vacation rental have amenities my guests expect or appreciate? What amenities could make your listing stand out? Nearly all short term rental properties are stocked with basic amenities like TV’s , coffee makers, Wi-Fi, cooking utensils, and pool towels. These things are not special. They don’t inspire people to click on your listing or book a stay. You need to choose some special amenities that will wow potential clients. The location of your vacation rental somewhat influences this decision. For example, in Branson, Missouri, vacation rental clients often expect family-oriented amenities such as hot tubs, pools, arcade games, fire pits, and outdoor gathering areas.

Marcello Kline with ApartmentGuide.com reached out to me on the topic of modern apartment decor and design. I provided some feedback on modern design in apartment living. Are you looking to transform your apartment into a modern haven? Check out the full article to discover how to achieve a sleek aesthetic. Embracing the modern aesthetic in apartment design is more than a trend—it's a way to express individuality and sophistication in your living space. Whether you just leased an apartment in San Diego, California, or you're searching for your next Brooklyn, NY, apartment, this ApartmentGuide article will unveil six expert tips to help transform your space into a modern haven of style and functionality. We explore how to maximize space, utilize color palettes, select furniture, and incorporate decorative elements, all while maintaining the sleek, clean lines and minimalist ethos that epitomize modern design. Read more: https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/decorating-a-modern-apartment/ About Marcello Kline: From his dynamic background as a former real estate agent and home-flipper, Marcello Kline aids ApartmentGuide's brand in connecting with the real estate community, presenting innovative perspectives and valuable insights through compelling narratives. Based in Los Angeles, Marcello finds solace along the serene beaches of Malibu and, as an avid traveler, lists London as his top destination.

I’ve built strong relationships with the best interior decorating suppliers, so I can deliver the best results for my short-term rental interior design clients. Recently, I was featured in a blog article by HostGPO, a members-only platform with deals from the best brands, products, and services for vacation rental hosts. "Meet Holly Jones, the owner of Branson Upstaging. Her journey began with a staging company in 2019, later pivoting into short-term rental furnishing and setup. Based in a thriving tourist town, Holly’s expertise shines in turning empty spaces into vibrant havens. Her favorite project, a 7-bedroom new construction lodge, stands testament to her passion for creativity and strategic budgeting. Her secret? HostGPO—her go-to for quality furnishings at unbeatable prices." The article covers questions like: How many years have you been in the short-term rental industry and how did you get started? What do you find most rewarding about your career? What is your favorite rental property you have and why do you love it? What’s the craziest story you have from hosting? What’s one “pro-tip” you’d be willing to pass on to the community? Read more: https://hostgpo.com/blog/member-spotlights/member-spotlight-holly-jones-branson-upstaging/

Preparing a vacation rental property may seem overwhelming – from the theme and color design to the furniture and decor selections. But when I work with my short-term rental clients I go through a specific interior design process that is clear and concise.

I specialize in short-term rental interior design and setup. I recently had the opportunity to meet with other experts in this industry on The Short Term Show podcast . I’ll summarize the valuable insights in the next few blog posts. Today, we dive into how much to spend on your vacation rental property.

With the explosion of vacation rental properties in the Branson, Missouri, area, this is usually the first question I hear from investors – and rightfully so. Buying a short-term rental property is a business decision. To make a great profit, you must consider not only the purchase price of the building but also the cost to properly furnish and equip this “home away from home.” There’s not a “one size fits all” dollar amount. But I have a special process to estimate the investment budget for each interior design client.

Buying and launching a short term rental property may be a hobby for some but for serious investors its all about the numbers. Whatever category you fall into, let me tell you it is not a get-rich-quick business. Purchasing and setting up a vacation rental property should be viewed as a serious business decision – one that requires strategy. Strategic investments and appropriately allocated resources are crucial to see a profitable return.