I have many tenants that after seeing their decor, clothes they where, etc that I know we have a lot in commmon and could probably be friends, but I would never.

Unfortunately I cannot afford major renovations at the moment but I do plan on investing in nice decorations.

My only idea; "close it off" in a way that makes it Look like there is a full masonry lined block, when in reality it is just a piece of plywood with a sheet of concrete backer board over it... or something similarly easy to remove when the time comes to sell.Then tell them that it's fully closed and unusable to avoid any issues :D maybe you could even put some sort of decoration or fake fireplace setup to make it look nice?

I bought furniture and amenities and decorated, then listed on Airbnb What was the outcome?

And they all match.You can't ask the tenant to pay the price for what is a less-than-optimal decorating choice. $200 blinds (plus installation) do not belong in any sort of rental property, of any class.

If you go more medium term you  would not go overboard on decor and selling the area.

I am curious about decorations.

Nucor (Floor and Decor) and Lifeproof (Home Depot) are two great brands.Not all vinyl is waterproof.

On Dec 31st, she informed you that she doesn't have rent for Dec or Jan.... 

Remodeled the Master Bath // Removed an interior wall // Added 8+ Person Hot Tub // Outdoor paver Dining Area // Turf Cornhole run // Turf Putting Green // Decor // Decorations What was the outcome?