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Every guest staying at your property has the right to feel at home. That sentiment extends to vacation rentals. It might seem like a simple idea, but vacation rental owners are hesitant to invest time and money into spaces they don’t own. From the social media platforms, rental hosts come to realize the joy in turning a rental into a personal haven.

In this article, we will explore the 10 important tips that can help the rental hosts in transforming the vacation rental property. Following these tips, we are sure that your vacation rental will feel like home for the guests. Let’s find out.

Tips for Vacation Rentals That Feel Like Home

But many of us get involved in exploring inspiring transformations from websites like Apartment Therapy and Instagram. Despite living in a high-cost city like Washington, D.C., where the average rent exceeds $2,200. We have now learned to find beauty within our budget constraints. Growing up in a working-class family instilled a knack for making every dollar count.

This way rental owners are pushing us to be resourceful in our decorating endeavors. Even if your priorities include paying off more rental property loans, you can still make your rentals feel unique and welcoming. Here are some tips rental owners can use in their own space.

1. Remove the blinds

After settling in, one of our first tasks is to take down the blinds. Even when pulled up, they often dim the light. Once removed, we can notice an immediate difference in brightness and beautiful scenes from outdoor space. This change is usually simple, requiring only a screwdriver, and you can store the blinds away for your move-out date.

While you still need some form of privacy, the ubiquitous mini blinds do little for aesthetics. Instead, consider hanging curtains (we love the selection at IKEA). Applying frosted window film to maintain privacy while enhancing natural light.

3. Upgrade the Lightbulbs

One of the most impactful design choices we can make is swapping out the harsh fluorescent bulbs in my bathroom. The difference will be remarkable—the new light made the space feel calming and inviting. You should replace nearly all the bulbs in your rental property with LEDs, which have become more affordable and can last for up to twenty years. Adding floor and task lamps creates a cozy atmosphere long after the sun sets.

Proper lighting in your property helps in setting the mood of a space. This is the reason many rental hosts usually upgrade the lighting in their rental. They replace the harsh and bright lights with warm and inviting ones. Rather than replacing the light fixture, try swapping out the standard bulbs with smart bulbs.

These upgraded bulbs can dim or change colors to suit your guests’ needs. If that is insufficient, consider adding lamps to soften the lighting. Instead of installing overhead lighting, lamps spread light and create a cozier, more welcoming atmosphere.

4. Embrace the Unique Features

Rentals often come with quirks, especially in older buildings. Instead of viewing these as inconveniences, rental hosts should also see them as opportunities for creativity. For instance, place a marble shelf atop your radiator.

Now, transform it into a multifunctional surface that serves as a nightstand or bookshelf. Be mindful of heat; choose materials that don’t conduct heat well for areas that can get warm during winter months.

A lot of our guests staying at short-term rentals like to have bookshelves. Many of them are fond of books. Some women love to have open shelves in the kitchen, where they can keep cookbooks. So, rental owners may seek assistance from carpenters and place bookshelves in several rooms of the rental. 

5. Incorporate Sentimental Items

To make any space feel like home, it’s essential to include items that have personal significance. Whether it’s a cherished side table or a favorite photo, these pieces can make a space feel more personal. For an exceptional guest experience, this includes a gallery wall filled with art that many hosts have collected over the years. While your enthusiastic guests will display their extensive non-fiction book collection. Ensure these meaningful items are featured for the most enjoyment.

Many rental owners attach the nature-inspired art sceneries to the walls of every room. This includes pictures of forests, mountains, or beaches, creating a calm look for guests. Also, framed quotes that offer welcome messages for guests make the rental feel more welcoming.

6. Add Some Greenery

Bringing in plants is one of the easiest ways to create a lively atmosphere. You don’t need to create a jungle; even small pothos can add color and warmth to your apartment. Vacation rental owners should love propagating plants. Many of them have a little green accent throughout their properties. Sometimes, a bunch of eucalyptus from Trader Joe’s can refresh a room with new energy.

7. Focus on One Special Corner

Designing a rental can be daunting, especially when wondering if it’s worth the effort. Hosts and guests may believe it! Start by focusing on one small corner of your space. For instance, your bar cabinet serves as a joyful spot that is easy to set up. Create a special area that resonates with you—whether it’s an altar, a reading nook, or a beautifully arranged nightstand. This small touch can enhance how you feel in your home.

8. Change Out Light Fixtures

While not free, swapping light fixtures can be a cost-effective way to elevate your rental’s appearance. The first time every rental owner should consider replacing the bland flush mounts with something more stylish. It feels like a world of options opened up. Many of the fixtures may come from IKEA’s “as-is” section at half price, and you can also find treasures at thrift stores or salvage shops.

You can also hire a TaskRabbit for the electrical work and save the original fixtures for when it’s time to leave. Well-chosen fixtures can transform the mood of your home after dark.

9. Clean Throughout

The most effective tip is to clean your space well. For the first time you move in, there might be noticeable marks on the floors and surfaces. A deep clean can change the feel of a space. For example, cleaning windows allows more light to enter.

Also, you will be amazed at the difference after washing both the inside and outside of your property. As winter approaches and we navigate ongoing challenges, maximizing natural light is invaluable.

10. Well-Equipped Kitchen

David Holyoke is working as the global head of Airbnb for Work. He spends about half of the year traveling for both business and leisure and chooses Airbnb accommodations. David suggests that “No matter whether it’s just one night or two weeks, I like to feel at home.” Also, having access to a full kitchen is essential. It allows the guests to prepare meals that make them feel grounded.

Similar to how your guests eat at home in Marin County, California. Upon arriving at your vacation rental, many guests may head to the local grocery store. They pick up their go-to items, including pre-washed salad greens, fish to roast, chocolates, and peanut butter ice cream. Your rental should include basic kitchen essentials, such as olive oil and spices.

These necessities are listed in the amenities section of the listing. Mr. Holyoke always checks for these items so he can limit the number of groceries he needs to purchase.

Conclusion

Renting a vacation apartment for potential guests allows them to travel with multiple family members or friends. Your rental property should be appealing because it is a common space where everyone can gather and socialize. Unveil the curtains in your property so that your guests may get a glance at beautiful scenes outside. Upgrading intense lights with mild and soft ones to look in all the rooms of your rental property. Also, introduce greenery, bookshelves, and a kitchen with all essentials. By implementing these ideas, you can create a vacation rental that feels yours. Proving that we can even fill the vacation rentals with personality and warmth.