If you've ever searched for an vacation rental for yourself then you know that even when searching within your price range you are looking for those WOW properties. The photos that make you say - THIS PLACE LOOKS AMAZING! and will lead you to click on that property to see more details.
Here are 5 ways you can increase inquiries with interior design:
1. Have a Killer Master Bedroom
Your guests are looking to escape to a place that is MUCH nicer than their own home, a place that looks like it belongs in a magazine or on Houzz.
The master bedroom should be just that. Invest in super comfy mattresses, luxurious sheets and bedding, as well as decorative pillows and textures to create that hotel style look, such as in the photo below. Add a dramatic flare by using a dark color on the wall with a big art piece above to complete the look.
What to avoid: Over design - Keep it simple - there's no need to go overboard to create a feature such as the one below. It only subtracts from the appeal to a wider audience, increases your costs and does not add value to your property.
2. Don't be Blue - But Definitely add BLUE!Â
Did you know that 42% of all people, across the wide spectrum of earth, said that blue is their favorite color. Blue translates to trust, calm and friendliness. I mean even if you hate going to the beach (ie sand) it's rare to find someone who does not like looking at the ocean.
So go ahead and find a way to incorporate this color in your property. It can be as easy as adding some throw pillows, blankets, chair covers, pictures or go bold and use as a wall color.
3. Kitchen
Imagine your dream kitchen - Now Imagine your guest found theirs in your vacation rental - how long do you think it would take them to click "book"?
While remodeling a kitchen is a big expense here are some things to consider: in the long run it will contribute to the value of your vacation home. In the short run it will increase your listing appeal and help guests keep their costs down being able to cook at "home".
No one wants to cook in a gross old looking kitchen. So if you don't have the budget for a full remodel consider a mini one. This can include just painting the cabinets, replacing the electrical appliances, switching out the backsplash and/or lighting fixtures.
4. The Power of Rugs
Rugs help define a space and anchor furniture. Rugs are a great and cost effective way to add texture and make the space look more designed and thought out.
What to Avoid: It is crucial to use the correct size rug for your space. Otherwise it can throw off the proportion of your space and not have the affect you want in photos. If you're unsure you can download my free Don't mess it up -Â Rug size guide here.
5. Window Treatments
While there are many window treatments available, you really can't go wrong with the most basic and classic semi-sheer white floor length curtain. This will translate the best in any photo and is versatile with almost any design theme and color scheme.
What to Avoid: Don't hang curtains just above window height. In the example below you will see the same exact window when curtain hung above (wrong wrong wrong) and when hung as close to the ceiling as you can get (YES!)
As you can see even these small things can make a difference between spaces that look appealing to those that look just ok or in the worst case off-putting.
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