Thanks to online marketplaces like Airbnb and Vrbo, renting out a vacation home is now more of a practical investment option than ever before. Since this is not a secret, however, there are also more vacation homes on the market than ever before. Thus, it can be challenging to design one that shines among the competition. That’s why we’ve put together this list of design tips to help your property attract more guests and keep them coming back:
Boost security.
Not only do guests want to know they’re safe in their vacation home, but you want to know your property is secure when it’s vacant. And if you don’t live near the property, it’s essential to have a quality security system in place. One option is to purchase a basic alarm system that’s activated automatically or by pressing the panic button. Another option is to invest in smart home security, whether it’s a couple of components (e.g., a camera, door and window sensors, two-way communication, etc.) or a fully-equipped system. That way, you can remotely monitor the property from your smartphone.
Use Crate and Barrel for decor.
When designing your vacation rental, you might need to buy some new furniture, decorative items, and bed and bath accessories. Home goods stores like Crate and Barrel have tons of options when it comes to these types of items, and you might save some time by checking what they offer before you jump around several different stores as you piece together your home decor. Since shopping for all the items you need can be pricey, use a Crate and Barrel promo code to help you save.
Bust out the paint supplies.
Painting is one of the quickest ways to spruce up your vacation rental. You can transform pretty much any space with a can of paint, a brush/roller, and maybe a few other items. Because your intent is to appeal to a wide range of potential guests, it’s generally best to go with neutral colors throughout the home.
Tones like cream, gray, and greige are timeless, which means that you won’t need to repaint every few years. Plus, neutral walls allow for bolder design elements in other places of the home, such as an accent wall or colorful furniture and decor.
Invest in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Whether it’s an investment property or a primary residence, the kitchen and bathrooms play a major role in the value of a home. As long as your vacation rental is structurally sound, any renovations you consider should start at these two rooms.
For instance, having a clean kitchen with nice countertops, floors, and appliances will provide a comfortable place for guests to congregate and cook meals. Likewise, clean and well-designed bathrooms can go a long way in providing a spa-like experience for guests.
Add tasteful tech.
Unless you rent out a quiet mountain retreat, entertainment is crucial in a vacation rental. But that doesn’t mean you want a huge, tacky entertainment system and 15 remote controls. You can provide plenty of entertainment while keeping a clean, attractive design in your living room and bedrooms. Just make sure that your guests have flat-screen TVs, a cable subscription, and access to their personal subscription services (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc.). If you want to go the extra mile, invest in a soundbar or surround-sound system.
Along with technology, be sure to include plenty of games in the vacation home. You can keep card games and board games tucked away in a storage bench or ottoman. Furthermore, you can store tennis rackets, a cornhole set, a croquet set, and other recreational supplies in a closet that guests can access.
Ensuring that your vacation rental consistently attracts guests is essential to a successful investment. Equip your property with a quality security system, and look to a store like Crate and Barrel for your furniture and decor needs. Freshen the interior by painting, see how you can improve the kitchen and bathrooms, and provide plenty of entertainment options in the home. With a little time and effort, you can make sure your vacation rental stands out among the crowd.
