In the era of Airbnb, Vrbo, and boutique vacation rentals, the market is saturated—and travelers have more options than ever. But while location, price, and amenities matter, one often underestimated factor makes the difference between a browsing guest and a booked calendar: interior design.
As a property owner, you may think of design as “the finishing touch.” At Joseph Ellen Designs, we’ve seen firsthand how it’s the starting point of profitability. Since 2021, we’ve transformed over 150 vacation rentals, helping clients increase occupancy, earn higher nightly rates, and generate better reviews—all through intentional, revenue-driven design.
If you own a vacation rental, here’s what you need to know about how design affects bookings—and how to leverage it to your financial advantage.
1. First Impressions Are Made in 3 Seconds
When guests scroll through listings, they’re making snap judgments. A traveler may spend less than 3 seconds evaluating your property’s thumbnail photo before deciding whether to click—or keep scrolling.
In that instant, your design:
- Communicates value and quality
- Signals cleanliness and professionalism
- Evokes emotion—relaxation, excitement, luxury, etc.
A well-designed, photo-worthy space grabs attention, increases click-through rates, and gets your listing in front of more potential guests. Poor lighting, cluttered spaces, or outdated decor? That’s the quickest way to get passed over.
Tip: Invest in a professional design and professional photography. They work hand in hand to create a compelling listing.
2. Design Sets Guest Expectations—and Influences Price
Guests use visual cues to assess how much a space is worth. When your rental is tastefully designed, with cohesive colors, modern furnishings, and thoughtful details, it creates the perception of luxury—even if the space is modest in size.
This perception does two powerful things:
- Justifies a higher nightly rate
- Increases guest satisfaction (and better reviews)
On platforms where pricing is compared side-by-side, properties with elevated aesthetics command higher rates without guests questioning the value.
Real Example: One Joseph Ellen Designs client was able to increase their nightly rate by 28% after a full design refresh. Bookings increased—not decreased—because the space visually reflected the new value.
3. Guest Comfort Is Your Best Marketing Tool
Yes, style matters. But the most successful designs are as functional as they are beautiful.
When guests feel at home, they leave better reviews, return for future stays, and recommend your property to others. And it’s the small details that make a big difference:
- Comfortable mattresses and seating
- Proper lighting for both ambiance and reading
- Adequate storage, hooks, and outlets
- High-quality linens, towels, and kitchen essentials
Joseph Ellen Designs Approach: We design with both comfort and efficiency in mind. Our spaces are curated to encourage 5-star reviews by making every moment—from morning coffee to bedtime—effortless.
4. Design Differentiates You in a Crowded Market
Let’s face it: many vacation rentals look the same. White walls, gray sofas, and a few generic prints on the wall won’t help you stand out.
Designing with intention—especially using local inspiration—can give your space a distinctive personality. Guests often look for an experience, not just a place to sleep.
How to stand out:
- Incorporate local art, color palettes, or regional materials
- Create one or two “Instagrammable” moments (statement walls, styled reading nooks, etc.)
- Use bold accents or unique furniture pieces to break the beige monotony
Guests don’t remember generic. They remember experiences—and thoughtful design creates them.
5. Design Impacts Booking Rates AND Booking Frequency
You may get guests through the door once, but design is what keeps them coming back—or recommending your property to others.
Consider the following:
- Well-designed rentals are easier to market (think social media shares, influencer stays, and brand collaborations)
- Beautiful interiors get better reviews, which boosts your property’s visibility in platform search results
- Design builds trust, which encourages repeat bookings and longer stays
According to Airbnb data, listings with high-quality photos and curated design outperform others in booking volume.
The Result: More nights booked per month, better occupancy rates, and a healthier bottom line.
6. Seasonal Design Keeps Your Listing Fresh
Even if your rental is beautifully designed, keeping it relevant matters—especially in return guest-heavy areas.
Rotating throw pillows, wall art, or even area rugs seasonally keeps your listing photos fresh and engaging. Joseph Ellen Designs offers seasonal refresh packages to help clients keep their properties in line with trends and guest expectations.
Think:
- Coastal themes in summer
- Cozy textures and mood lighting in winter
- Minimal, airy tones in spring
These small, cost-effective updates show guests you care—and that translates into more bookings.
7. Staging Is Not Just for Homes—It Works for Rentals Too
Real estate agents know that staging a home for sale can lead to faster offers and higher selling prices. The same principle applies to vacation rentals.
Before photographing or listing your property, it should be “staged” with:
- Artfully arranged furniture
- Layered textures (rugs, blankets, pillows)
- Kitchen setups (styled coffee stations or dining tables)
- Subtle decor that avoids clutter but suggests life and comfort
We stage every rental we design as if it’s a product launch—because it is.
8. Good Design Minimizes Wear and Tear
Design isn’t just visual—it’s strategic.
Vacation rentals see more wear than private homes. High turnover, frequent use, and inconsistent care from guests mean your furniture, fixtures, and surfaces must be durable and easy to maintain.
What we recommend:
- Performance fabrics on sofas and chairs
- Quartz or laminate counters instead of high-maintenance marble
- Washable area rugs
- Quality over quantity when it comes to decor (less to break!)
Smart design choices reduce maintenance costs, downtime, and replacement expenses—protecting your revenue long-term.
9. Design Helps You Tell Your Story—and Sell Your Brand
The most profitable vacation rentals feel more like boutique hotels or lifestyle brands. Guests remember—and rebook—places that tell a story.
Maybe your property has a mid-century flair, a coastal retreat vibe, or a modern boho aesthetic. Whatever the theme, it should be consistent and intentional from room to room.
Joseph Ellen Designs helps hosts:
- Define a visual identity
- Create moodboards and design plans to match
- Carry that theme across all spaces and marketing materials
Your rental becomes more than just a listing. It becomes a brand.
10. Professional Design Pays for Itself—Fast
Many hosts hesitate to invest in professional design services, fearing the upfront cost. But the truth is: good design is not an expense—it’s an asset.
What you gain:
- Higher nightly rates
- Increased occupancy
- Reduced guest complaints
- Fewer maintenance issues
- Stronger reviews and better rankings
In most cases, clients who work with Joseph Ellen Designs see a return on their investment within 3 to 6 months. Beyond that, it’s profit.
Final Thoughts
Interior design isn’t fluff—it’s fuel for your vacation rental business. Every decision you make, from wall color to furniture layout, affects how your space is perceived, booked, and reviewed.
Whether you’re launching a new rental or looking to refresh an existing one, the key to driving bookings is simple: design with purpose.
At Joseph Ellen Designs, we don’t just make spaces beautiful—we make them profitable. Our strategic design services for vacation rentals combine aesthetics, comfort, and function to transform properties into high-performing assets.
What You Can Do Today to Start Improving Bookings
You don’t have to tear your property down to the studs to start seeing a return. Even small updates, when guided by design principles, can create a big impact. If you’re not ready for a full-service design overhaul, here are a few actionable steps you can take right now:
- Declutter your space. Remove excess furniture, personal items, and visual distractions.
- Add layers of texture. Think throws, pillows, rugs, and curtains to warm up the environment.
- Upgrade your lighting. Swap out harsh overheads with soft, ambient lighting and accent lamps.
- Style your surfaces. Keep them minimal, but not empty—think books, plants, or a decorative tray.
- Neutral doesn’t mean boring. Use warm neutrals and mix materials (wood, metal, linen) for depth and balance.
Once you make these changes, update your photos immediately. A fresh visual presence can re-engage old interest and attract new guests quickly.
Why Work with a Professional Like Joseph Ellen Designs?
DIY can take you part of the way—but professional design ensures every inch of your space is optimized for aesthetics, durability, and performance. At Joseph Ellen Designs, we approach each project with a strategic lens. We don’t just ask what looks good—we ask:
- Will this material stand up to repeat guest use?
- Does the layout maximize both flow and function?
- Is this design creating a memorable experience that translates into revenue?
From initial consult to final staging, we make sure your investment pays off—visually and financially.
Ready to Increase Your Bookings?
Let’s design a rental that guests can’t stop raving about—and you can’t stop profiting from. 📩 Schedule your consultation today.
About Joseph Ellen Designs
Based in Jacksonville, FL, Joseph Ellen Designs specializes in strategic interior design for vacation rentals, residential homes, and commercial spaces. With over 150 transformations completed since 2021, we help property owners increase bookings, improve guest satisfaction, and boost revenue through beautiful, functional design.