How to turn your property into a cash-flowing, guest magnet with smart interior design.

When it’s peak season, your vacation rental isn’t just competing with others—it’s competing with expectations. Travelers are scrolling through dozens of listings, and the ones that stop them in their tracks share one thing: they feel like a place they want to be. That’s where thoughtful design comes in.

As an interior designer with experience styling short-term rentals across California, Oregon, North Carolina and beyond, I’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t). Good design is one of the smartest investments a host can make—not just for aesthetics, but for ROI.

So if you’re looking to boost your booking rate, increase 5-star reviews, and make your space stand out during the busiest time of year, here are my top vacation rental design tips for peak season success.

1. First Impressions Happen Online—Design for the Photos

Let’s be honest: your photos are your first impression. In most cases, they’re your only shot at making a guest click “Book Now.” Even if your space is charming in person, if it doesn’t shine in photos, it won’t perform.

What Makes a Listing Pop Visually:

A cohesive color palette (neutrals with accents work best)
Strong natural lighting—opt for light curtains or none at all
Minimal clutter with intentional styling (less is more)
Standout elements like a statement headboard, vintage mirror, or bold rug

Design tip: Hire a professional photographer after refreshing your space. High-quality images pay off again and again.

2. Know Your Audience and Design for Their Experience

The design of your rental should reflect your ideal guest’s needs, not just your personal style. Are you hosting couples, families, solo travelers, or remote workers?

airbnb game room — Sukkha Interior Design

Examples:

Couples may value cozy touches, privacy, and ambiance.
Families need durable fabrics, extra storage, and space to spread out.
Digital nomads want a comfortable work surface, good lighting, and reliable Wi-Fi.

Think about the kind of experience you want to deliver, then design accordingly. A stylish rental is great. A stylish rental that makes guests feel seen and supported? That’s unforgettable.

3. Prioritize Functionality in Every Room

Vacation rentals should be easy to use. From kitchens to bathrooms to sleeping nooks, your layout and furnishings should anticipate your guests’ needs.

Easy Wins:

Provide surfaces near beds for phones and water glasses.
Add hooks for towels, jackets, or bags in entryways and bathrooms.
Choose nightstands with drawers or shelves for added function.
Place a mirror in every sleeping area—even if it’s a small one.

Pro tip: Walk through your property like a guest would. Is it obvious where to place a suitcase? Where to plug in a laptop or charge a phone? If not, redesign with guest behavior in mind.

farmhouse bedroom — Sukkha Interior Design

4. Choose Durable, Washable, High-Impact Pieces

Yes, your rental should be beautiful. But it also needs to survive wear and tear from frequent guests.

Look for:

Performance fabrics (think Crypton, Sunbrella, or washable slipcovers)
Non-porous materials like metal, lacquered wood, or treated leather
Rugs with pattern or texture to hide dirt between cleanings
Double-duty pieces like a bench with storage or a console that becomes a desk

Avoid: pure white linens if you're managing turnover yourself, delicate decor that can break easily, or furniture that shows every scratch.

5. Lighting Can Make or Break the Vibe

If you only have one overhead bulb per room, your space will feel flat, cold, or worse—dingy.

Upgrade the Experience With:

Soft-glow bulbs (2700K–3000K)
Bedside and table lamps
Dimmable sconces or plug-in lights
String lights or pendant bulbs for outdoor ambiance

Bonus: Add a small rechargeable light to closets or dark corners—it’s a $20 fix that dramatically improves the guest experience.

6. Use Color Intentionally (But Don’t Overdo It)

A common mistake in rental design is either playing it too safe or going too bold. Find your balance.

Best approach:

Choose a neutral foundation (whites, beiges, soft grays, or wood tones)
Layer in 2–3 accent colors through pillows, throws, art, or a bold chair
Repeat your accent tones in multiple rooms to create flow

A consistent palette photographs better and feels more curated, even if the furniture is budget-friendly.

7. Maximize Space with Smart Layouts

Whether you’re working with 300 square feet or a multi-bedroom layout, how you arrange your furniture matters more than what it costs.

Space-Saving Layout Ideas:

Use open shelving above beds or couches
Install fold-down tables or wall-mounted desks
Float furniture off walls to improve movement flow
Add baskets under benches or beds to keep items off the floor

If guests have to move things around to make a room usable, they’re not going to leave a glowing review.

8. Local Touches Make a Big Impression

You don’t have to over-theme your rental, but incorporating a few local or regional elements can elevate the guest experience and make your listing stand out.

Ideas:

Hang artwork or prints from local artists
Use ceramics or textiles from nearby makers
Leave a curated guidebook or a “favorites” list with your personal touch

In Asheville, for example, including a handmade mug from a River Arts District potter or a throw blanket woven in the mountains adds meaningful charm and supports local business.

9. Declutter Ruthlessly—But Leave Some Style

Minimalism helps guests feel relaxed, but your space shouldn’t be sterile. Aim for a lived-in, well-styled look—not empty, and not over-decorated.

Keep:

A few books or board games
One to two decorative objects per surface
Plants (real or faux) to add life and color

Skip:

Overly personal items (family photos, labeled drawers)
Fragile decor that might not survive a full season
Anything you’d be heartbroken to lose or replace

Your guests want to feel like it’s their space for the weekend—not like they’re house-sitting.

10. Seasonal Touches = Peak Season Advantage

If it’s summer, lean into it! Small seasonal updates help your listing feel timely and special.

For peak season:

Add fresh flowers or faux stems in vases
Use brighter linens or seasonal accent pillows
Refresh your outdoor space (a simple patio update can go a long way)

If your guests are scrolling through 40 listings, your bright, well-styled, summer-ready space will feel like the obvious choice.

Final Thoughts: Good Design Pays You Back

Designing your vacation rental with intention isn’t just about making it pretty—it’s about making it profitable.

Well-designed rentals:

Get booked faster
Can charge higher nightly rates
Receive better reviews
Lead to repeat guests and referrals

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to upgrade between bookings, investing in your space pays dividends all year long.

Want to Upgrade Your Rental Without a Full Renovation?

I specialize in helping rental owners refresh their properties for better performance—and I know how to work with real-life budgets, quirky layouts, and tight timelines.

Grab my free 30-Minute Home Refresh Guide

It’s packed with quick, high-impact tips you can apply right away.

📞 Or book a free 15-minute connection call and let’s talk about how to make your rental stand out.

[Download the Guide] | [Schedule a Call]