Should I use a professional designer?

Question

So my wife and I just landed a nightly rental approved condo in a resort area. We’re trying to figure out what to expect cost-wise for furnishings and interior design. I was wondering if anybody has any resources in this area and experience in how to do it and not break the bank. I’m not creative when it comes to interior design and wondered if I should bite the bullet and hire a professional to establish our interior design theme. And all info appreciated!

Toni Escuder · Answer

Unless you have a good eye for design, I highly recommend getting a professional. It's competitive out there, particularly in the condo space where you compete more directly with hotels. There are things you can do to keep costs low if you choose to go that route so I wouldn't let price deter you. A designer might help you reduce costs and get the property up and running much faster than you could on your own so you have to look at the numbers on a larger scale.

Some ways to work with a designer to lower costs would be to have them only do selections and you perform the ordering and installations. Another critical area is space planning. If you could see an optimal layout, then perhaps you could pick and buy your own furniture if you knew the inventory needed.

Taylor Smith · Answer

Hi Greg, I spend a lot of time listening to STR podcasts and YouTubers and the consistent assessment is that quality design is pretty much a must.

With that said, it’s important for you to first establish a vision of the guest profile that you are trying to attract to your property before you dive in any deeper. Once you have that, you can look at what similar properties in your market are doing for design. You’ll want to differentiate the good ones from the not so good, and that should give you a much better idea of what your options are. You can do this research on the OTA sites, AirDNA, Pricelabs, and other similar sites. John Bianchi’s free course, which is about 30 hours long, is super helpful for anyone that’s trying to figure out what property to buy and how to design the property in a way that will allow it to be highly competitive in its market. He has a professional designer join him in a handful of the sessions and she provides some actionable recommendations  that may give you some confidence to do the design yourself.Another quick thing to look into is a subscription with a company like Minoan. Your subscription will get you discounts on furniture along with some other cool benefits.

Last thing, cheap furniture, particularly furniture that gets sat on, ends up being really expensive furniture because it has a limited lifespan. It can be worth it to spend a little bit more on those items to limit recurring replacement costs.I hope that’s a helpful starting point. Post any questions you have and I’ll see what if I can provide any more specific guidance or thoughts.

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Greg Teplansky. So there are an amazing number of websites/blogs out there that cover STR design.

I would start perusing the 'net and see what you and your wife think.

We did it all ourselves based on our demographic like @Taylor Smith said. We cater to primarily families. We do get a ton of couples (3 or 4) that ride the bike trail.

Seeing as we are in Idaho on Lake Coeur d'Alene it is pretty easy to create comfortable and homey space.

If you do decide to do it yourself, do what @John Underwood said. Look at the competition and if you like what they are doing, copy some of it and try adding some interesting things. Build your design around the area.

You wouldn't want to do a Miami beach theme at a high mountain cabin.

John Underwood · Answer

Look.through successful STR'S in your area and others. Find some great design ideas and copy them.

Don't reinvent the wheel just leverage what others have already done.

Lindsay Tucker · Answer

Figure out your marketing/vibe first, then see where you can get from there. I decorated two STRs that photograph great, consistently book, and are loved by guests for less than a couple thousand dollars for a 3-bedroom. I do have a knack for design, so it wasn't too difficult for me to incorporate low-cost pieces (a $40 sofa) with the right accent items to make the place feel high-end and vibey. Can you decide on upfront is the look and feel you're going for? Something that will feel special and exciting to potential guests? One of mine is sort of dreamy jungle vibes, while I'd call the other one Wes Anderson Summer Camp. Can you come up with a vision with your wife for how you want it to look and feel and then evaluate pieces accordingly? If you're not sure, I'm happy to take a look at the space and give some free advice. This is the fun part! Best of luck!

Mike Shemp · Answer

There are several interior decorating apps out now that are powered by AI.  You provide a picture of the room, and then select a theme, and the AI app will show you what the room might look like to give you some ideas and play with different themes.Hope that helps.

Mike

Allison Craft · Answer

I just wrote a blog on this topic - it's on my website! Personally, I think it is paramount to hire a designer to maximize your investment. There is so much data out there that shows the difference of a well-designed/photographed property compared to an Ikea property. Competition is fierce and you can't cut corners in my opinion. Investing in Design and Amenities: The Key to Standing Out in the Short-Term Rental Market (craftycohost.com)

Craig Gerulski · Answer

Hiring a professional designer for short-term rentals can bring several benefits that enhance the overall guest experience and property profitability:

• Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Professional designers can transform a space into an inviting and visually appealing environment. They have expertise in selecting furniture, decor, colors, and layouts that complement the property's style and appeal to potential guests.
• Optimized Space Utilization: Designers can maximize the functionality of your rental property, ensuring that every space is utilized effectively. This might involve space-saving furniture solutions, clever storage options, and layouts that enhance flow and usability.
• Strong Brand Identity: A well-designed property can help establish a strong brand identity for your short-term rental business. Consistent design elements across multiple properties can create a memorable experience for guests and build trust in your brand.
• Increased Guest Satisfaction: A professionally designed space can significantly enhance the guest experience, leading to higher guest satisfaction scores and positive reviews. Guests are more likely to leave favorable comments and recommend your property to others.
• Higher Occupancy Rates and Rates: Properties that are professionally designed often command higher occupancy rates and nightly rates. Guests are willing to pay more for a well-appointed and comfortable space that meets their expectations.
• Efficient Turnover: Designers can help optimize the property for efficient turnover between guests. They may recommend durable materials and finishes that are easy to clean and maintain, reducing downtime between bookings.
• Stay Competitive: In a competitive market, professionally designed properties stand out among the competition. They attract more attention from potential guests browsing listings online and can help differentiate your property from others in the area.
• Long-term Investment: A well-designed property is a long-term investment that can pay off over time. It can help maintain or increase property value, appeal to a wider range of guests, and contribute to overall guest satisfaction and loyalty.

Overall, hiring a professional designer for your short-term rental can elevate the guest experience, improve occupancy rates and profitability, and position your property as a desirable option in the competitive vacation rental market.

Sarah Kensinger · Answer

It all depends on how heavy STR are in your area and if you want to do more than just break even. If there's thousands of STR, you must stand out to be successful! There are many STR designers and a number of them offer remote services, which are less expensive since you would be responsible for purchasing the items and setting the property up. Here are a few names we recommend.....

Somerled Design Hands down the absolute best but also pricey.

Brianna Michele Interiors

Hayes and Co