From our 25 years of experience in corporate housing, we’ve learned that guests love certain key elements in their accommodations.
When it comes to furnishing and decorating a space for short-term stays, comfort, functionality, and style are key.
In the competitive landscape of short-term corporate rentals, how can you ensure that you’re decorating your space in a way that leaves a positive impact on your guests? Here are the most desired décor and design trends that short-term rental guests want that will really pay off.
Local Influences
Enhance your rental property by incorporating elements that reflect the local culture, offering guests a genuine connection to the city they’re visiting. One way to achieve this is by adorning your space with artwork crafted by local artists, showcasing the region’s talent and creativity. Whether you use paintings, photographs or sculptures to decorate your property, these pieces will infuse authenticity and local charm. Integrating accents such as handcrafted pottery, woven textiles, or ceramics sourced from local artisans further enriches the indoor ambiance and strengthens the property’s ties to the community. 85% of travelers value local experiences, so incorporating these regional aesthetics ensures a more memorable and immersive stay.
High-Quality Furnishings in Strategic Areas
They say comfort is the new luxury, which is precisely the kind of luxury short-term rental guests are looking for. While this can be costly, we recommend a strategy that will have the biggest payoff and smallest hit to your wallet.
The key to strategically creating a comfortable and luxurious environment for your guests while not breaking the bank is to prioritize high-use spaces. Invest more in furnishing areas that will be used most often (i.e., living rooms or primary bedrooms) versus rooms that are used less frequently (i.e., a home office).
Comfortable and durable materials not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the property but also contribute to a restful and rejuvenating stay for your guests. High-quality mattresses, pillows, and bedding are upgrades guests notice and appreciate as well as roomy, comfortable well-made living room furniture. The added benefit to upgrading these pieces is that they tend to last longer so you’re saving on replacement costs.
Check out our blog on High Return Staging Tips for Corporate Rentals to learn more about how to decorate your unit.
Functional Kitchens With Modern Designs
The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it’s important to have a well-equipped space for cooking and dining. Eating out can have a negative impact on your waistline and your per diem or food allowance when you’re away for an extended work trip. Nothing beats a home-cooked meal and cooking one in a beautiful, modern kitchen is always something guests are looking for. Evidence suggests that a chef’s kitchen can boost a guest’s inclination to book a property. Studies further indicate that this influence extends to the design of the space.
According to a recent report by The Modern Space, incorporating appealing design elements can increase a property’s sale price by an average of 12%. While this is far less glamorous, having access to essential cookware, utensils, and appliances allows guests to enjoy home-cooked meals and dine together with family and friends, fostering a true sense of home away from home. A well-equipped kitchen also offers guests the flexibility to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, empowering them to tailor their culinary experience to their tastes and needs. That’s the recipe for a memorable stay.
Tech Options That Are Easy On The Eye
In today’s digital world, high-speed Wi-Fi and access to entertainment options are non-negotiable. Seamless Internet enables guests to stay connected with loved ones, work remotely, and access any essential information they might need during their stay. The trick is to choose tech that also looks great, even if all you’re doing is hiding wiring and wall mounting a television and surround sound speakers in an attractive manner.
So yes, provide access to streaming services like Netflix or Hulu. With a whopping 98% of Gen Z and Millennial guests using streaming services daily, having these entertainment options is a simple way to ensure a stay where there’s not a dull moment. But if you really want to kick it up a notch, guests love tech that also adds to the aesthetic of a space. From beautiful speaker systems like Libratone to air purifiers that look like artwork, there are so many attractive tech options that can enhance the vibe of your space.
Outdoor Areas and Views
Sometimes, fresh air is the best amenity of all—and 62% of travelers agree, according to VRBO’s 2020 Vacation Rental Trends Report. Outdoor spaces offer your guests the opportunity to relax, unwind, and enjoy the surroundings of their rental property. Whether it’s a balcony overlooking the city skyline, a cozy patio with garden views, or a spacious terrace by the lake, outdoor areas provide a retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life and work.
Speaking of views…guests pay more for those, too. According to a study done by Terrapin Bright Green, guests are willing to pay 58% more for a property with a view of a waterway, or as much as 127% more for a lakefront property.
Flexible and Multi-functional Spaces
Flexibility is key when it comes to accommodating the diverse needs of your guests. Multi-functional spaces that can adapt to various activities, such as remote work, dining, or relaxation, offer guests the freedom to customize their experience in your rental property. Try incorporating innovative details such as multi-purpose furniture or rooms (think: a dining area that doubles as a game room!), built-in storage, or sliding doors that can open up spaces when needed. These versatile spaces cater to the evolving needs and lifestyles of modern travelers.
By embracing these top design trends, you can create a rental property that not only attracts guests consistently but also leaves a lasting impression on them. From additional touches to functional spaces and everything in between, each element plays a vital role in shaping the ultimate guest experience. A little personalization, comfort, and flexibility go a long way in making your property the talk of the town…and the travel forums.
If you’re still not sure what to do with your rental property, give us a call. We’d be happy to offer you a free rental analysis and provide you with our best recommendations on how you can earn the maximum rental income while doing less.
Reach out to us today to book yours:
1.800.928.1592
Global@AvenueWest.com
