Not All Designers Get STRs—Here’s How to Hire the Right One

[Erica Dike]

Many investors tell me they’ve hired designers who either ignore practical needs (like cleaning) or just critique their space without a strategy. The problem? Not all designers understand vacation rentals. You need someone who designs for both beauty and profitability.

Here are 10 Must-Haves When Hiring an Interior Designer for Your Vacation Rental:

1. Data-Driven Approach – Design isn't just about aesthetics; it's about ROI. Choose a designer who understands what attracts high-paying guests and maximizes your revenue.

2. Proven Track Record – Experience in vacation rentals matters. Ask for case studies, metrics, or before-and-after results. You need more than a pretty space—you need profitability.

3. Understands Your Ideal Guest – Not all guests are the same. Your designer should be able to determine and understand your ideal guest, and curate a space that speaks directly to the clientele you want to attract. In other words, their design should attract ideal guests.

4. Function Meets Design – A stunning rental is useless if it doesn’t function seamlessly for guests. Look for a designer who prioritizes durability, ease of use, turnovers and guest experience.

5. Budget-Conscious, ROI-Focused – A great designer knows where to splurge and where to save. The goal? Maximum impact without unnecessary overspending.

6. Scalability & Longevity – Trends fade. You want a design that stays relevant, withstands high turnover, and doesn’t require constant costly updates.

7. Seamless Project Execution – A well-run design process minimizes downtime. Time is money—choose someone who can execute efficiently without disrupting your revenue.

8. Understands Hospitality Mindset – Vacation rental design isn’t just home design. Your designer should think like a host, ensuring guests feel welcomed, comfortable, and eager to return.

9. Clear Communication & Transparency – Delays, hidden costs, and unclear expectations can kill your investment. Work with someone who keeps you informed every step of the way.

10. Marketing-Ready Design – Your rental should look as good on camera as it does in person. A designer with an eye for branding and listing photos gives you an edge in a crowded market.

The right designer doesn’t just decorate—they elevate your investment. Choose wisely.

Have you worked with a designer before? What was your experience like? What do you wish they had understood better about vacation rentals?

[Mark Miles]

Quote from @Erica Dike:

Many investors tell me they’ve hired designers who either ignore practical needs (like cleaning) or just critique their space without a strategy. The problem? Not all designers understand vacation rentals. You need someone who designs for both beauty and profitability.

Here are 10 Must-Haves When Hiring an Interior Designer for Your Vacation Rental:

1. Data-Driven Approach – Design isn't just about aesthetics; it's about ROI. Choose a designer who understands what attracts high-paying guests and maximizes your revenue.

2. Proven Track Record – Experience in vacation rentals matters. Ask for case studies, metrics, or before-and-after results. You need more than a pretty space—you need profitability.

3. Understands Your Ideal Guest – Not all guests are the same. Your designer should be able to determine and understand your ideal guest, and curate a space that speaks directly to the clientele you want to attract. In other words, their design should attract ideal guests.

4. Function Meets Design – A stunning rental is useless if it doesn’t function seamlessly for guests. Look for a designer who prioritizes durability, ease of use, turnovers and guest experience.

5. Budget-Conscious, ROI-Focused – A great designer knows where to splurge and where to save. The goal? Maximum impact without unnecessary overspending.

6. Scalability & Longevity – Trends fade. You want a design that stays relevant, withstands high turnover, and doesn’t require constant costly updates.

7. Seamless Project Execution – A well-run design process minimizes downtime. Time is money—choose someone who can execute efficiently without disrupting your revenue.

8. Understands Hospitality Mindset – Vacation rental design isn’t just home design. Your designer should think like a host, ensuring guests feel welcomed, comfortable, and eager to return.

9. Clear Communication & Transparency – Delays, hidden costs, and unclear expectations can kill your investment. Work with someone who keeps you informed every step of the way.

10. Marketing-Ready Design – Your rental should look as good on camera as it does in person. A designer with an eye for branding and listing photos gives you an edge in a crowded market.

The right designer doesn’t just decorate—they elevate your investment. Choose wisely.

Have you worked with a designer before? What was your experience like? What do you wish they had understood better about vacation rentals?

 I will say this, in the first pic my eyes went right to the air vent in the upper right of the pic because there was nothing else to look at. I’m pretty sure if your eyes go straight to an air vent, that is bad design 😂