Role of Good Design in Your Short-Term Rental
If I had a dollar for every short-term rental I walked into with a couch facing away from a million-dollar view so it can face a $300 flatscreen, I might be able to afford my own million dollar view! Okay, slight exaggeration, but you get my point.
It’s not that I’m picky because I’m honestly not. It’s just that I notice things. And even before I notice things, I feel things. We all do, actually. And... It's my job, my hobby, my obsession. I notice light. I notice texture. I notice when a room almost makes sense, and I can’t stop myself from nudging it until it does. I believe the spaces we spend time in should feed us — not just with aesthetics, but with intention. Especially when we’re paying to stay there.
So, let’s talk about short-term rentals. I have done a fair amount of work on these kinds of spaces, along with spending a lot of time in them. And whether you’re hosting in a forest cabin, a beach house, or a backyard ADU, the difference between “meh” and “marvelous” is not the square footage or how much you spent on tile. It’s how thoughtfully you put it together.
In a world filled with rental options, the properties that stand out are the ones that feel intentional. That special touch can make all the difference. Here’s what really makes a difference:
1. Design for the Moment That Matters Most
There’s always that one space your guests came for — and it’s not always the most obvious. Maybe it’s the giant open kitchen where three generations are about to cook together. Maybe it’s the wraparound deck where someone’s going to have a once-in-a-lifetime sunset cocktail. Maybe it’s the soaking tub with the view of the pines.
Find that anchor moment — the one that drew someone to stay — and pour your energy there. Invest in comfort, layout, ambiance, lighting. Don’t let the room feel like an afterthought, even if everything else has to scale back a little.
Here is an example of a space that doesn’t have a view, the fireplace is real, however and in the shoulder season is a real draw. Also, the TV is a big deal because at the end of the day, people like a place to plop down and zone out or maybe gather and watch the game. We were asked to work with what they had and were on a tight budget to “zshush” but we managed to elevate the space while keeping it cozy, inviting and family friendly.
Pro tip: Note the change angle of the big blue chair. That subtle shift opened the room to greet people better. Also, fun fact, the dresser under the TV was found on the side of the road…for FREE! Gotta love Edgartown!
2. Details Are the Whole Thing
The difference between an average stay and an unforgettable one often comes down to the details. I’m not talking about monogrammed robes (although hey, if that’s your vibe, go for it). I’m talking about intentionality:
Is there a clear place to put your suitcase when you walk in?
Is the lighting layered, or are we stuck under one overhead interrogation lamp?
Are the kitchen knives sharp enough to cut something other than your will to live?
Can I figure out how to turn on the heat without downloading a PDF?
Design is functional, not just decorative. It’s intuitive. It’s thoughtful. It’s noticing how someone moves through a space and making sure the space moves with them.
For example, this table was pushed too close to the wall, making it really awkward to sit down at. And…the fake pink roses…But I digress…I sat in each of the chairs and made sure that you can push them out and get in and out of them very easily. Also, people get weird about things on an angle. I get push back about it all the time, but trust me when I tell you it can and will create space, and in this case, it really did. Also, notice the rug is missing out from under the table and the new chairs.
3. Don’t Plastic the Soul Out of the Place
I understand the instinct — you want things to be durable, easy to clean, practical. That makes sense, especially in a high-traffic rental where things need to work well and last.
But I gently urge you to resist the urge to buy all new and all plastic made to last forever, supposedly, things. While it may seem like the “safe” option, over time it rarely holds up the way we hope it will. Laminate that starts to peel, vinyl that doesn’t breathe in the summer heat, plastic chairs that wobble after a season — these things don’t age gracefully. They just don’t. And when it comes to cookware and tableware, it’s worth being even more thoughtful.
Plastic may feel like the easy route, but it can come with hidden costs, not just in how it looks or wears, but in what it releases, especially when exposed to heat. There are real concerns about the long-term health impact of certain plastics, particularly when used for food. I think about families staying in your home, children with their little cups of warm milk, someone reheating leftovers after a long day exploring, and I believe they deserve better.
Real materials simply hold up better and look more beautiful even as they age. Wood can be refinished, stone ages with time, ceramic that feels lovely in the hand, and washes clean without fuss. Leather that grows softer, not stickier. These materials tell a different story, one of care and of quiet confidence. The patina that happens is honestly more beautiful and rich.
And here's the truth: guests feel the difference. They may not be able to name it, but they’ll say things like, “This place just feels good.” What they’re sensing is authenticity. Intention. A kind of ease that comes from things being well made, well placed, and well loved.
4. Kill the Cliché, Keep the Character
Every home that has a little history, a little personality. You’re not running a themed experience, so steer clear of clichés. You’re offering someone a place — for a weekend, a week, or a little sliver of their life. So please don’t shout at them with signs that say “Welcome to the Cabin” or cover the walls in starfish to remind them they’re near the beach. They know.
What can you do? Infuse the space with character. Bring in vintage finds, or weird little sculptures, or a color palette inspired by the moss on the trees outside. Make it feel collected, not bought in bulk. Let it tell a quiet story.
A little personality goes a long way. Think of it like seasoning — a well-placed accent chair or a quirky painting gives guests something to connect with, something to remember. That’s what turns a rental into a retreat. If you're drawn to spaces that capture the essence of a European getaway, read this blog for ideas on making your rental feel truly authentic.
The pictures above reflect just that! We scoured the house and pulled together art painted by relatives, lamps from the basement, shells gathered over the years, wonky baskets. All of these things tell stories and feel beachy. Noone needs to be reminded that they are on an island. They know it.
5. If You Don’t Love It, Don’t Put It There
This is my golden rule. If you wouldn’t want to sleep on that mattress, sit on that couch for three hours, or walk barefoot on that rug — why would your guest?
A rental is not a place to put the leftovers of your design life. It should be a space where someone could fall in love. Have a deep conversation. Rest. Write a book. Reconnect.
The people staying in your space are likely in some kind of milestone moment — a getaway, a honeymoon, a reunion, a healing reset. Give them a place worthy of their story.
While we’re on the topic of guest comfort, have you ever thought about how twin beds can be a game-changer in a guest room? It’s a small change that can make a huge difference in flexibility and space. Check out this post on why twin beds might be the upgrade your rental needs.
Note that this is the rug that used to be under the Kitchen table that we brought in this room to add a little color.
One Last Thing…
You don’t have to spend a fortune to make a space feel special. You just have to care. Care about the way it feels in the morning when the sun comes in. Care about where someone sets their coffee. Care about the angle of the chair when someone looks out the window.
If you design with attention, intention, warmth, and a little soul — people will feel it. And they’ll book it again and hopefully tell their friends or post it on the socials. And if you’re lucky, they’ll remember the view, and the light, and the way it made them feel like home.
'Til next time,
Arlene