Return on investment (ROI) in interior design isn’t just about resale—it’s also about:
- Higher booking rates in vacation rentals
- Premium nightly rates
- Stronger guest reviews
- Faster sales cycles
- Long-term durability and reduced maintenance costs
Good design pays for itself. The key is knowing where to spend and how to design with purpose.
Start With Strategic Space Planning
Before buying a single piece of furniture or choosing a paint swatch, the first and most important investment is space optimization. Poor layouts are one of the biggest missed opportunities in real estate and rentals.
ROI Benefits:
- Increases usable square footage
- Improves guest flow and comfort
- Accommodates more guests = higher income potential
Smart Tips:
- Open up sight lines by removing visual clutter and bulky furniture
- Use furniture with built-in storage for small spaces
- Reconfigure layouts to prioritize gathering areas like kitchens and living rooms
At Joseph Ellen Designs, we always start with a layout strategy—because even the most beautiful finishes fall flat without flow.
Invest in Quality, Not Quantity
Cheap furniture might save you money upfront, but in the world of rentals and resale, it costs more over time. Scratched surfaces, stained upholstery, or broken pieces send a strong signal to guests and buyers: “this space isn’t maintained.”
ROI Benefits:
- Longer lifespan = fewer replacements
- More attractive photography = more bookings
- Fewer maintenance issues
Smart Tips:
- Opt for performance fabrics and commercial-grade materials
- Avoid fast furniture; choose durable, timeless pieces
- Use water-resistant and scratch-resistant finishes on frequently used surfaces
Remember: high quality doesn’t have to mean high cost. It means high performance over time.
Design Kitchens and Bathrooms to Sell
These are the money rooms. In real estate, kitchens and bathrooms are often what sell a property. In rentals, they’re what justify premium rates.
ROI Benefits:
- Upgraded kitchens and baths can boost resale value by 10–15%
- Guests are more likely to book properties with visually appealing and functional kitchens
- Increases guest satisfaction and perceived value
Smart Tips:
- Reface cabinets or replace hardware for a cost-effective refresh
- Invest in high-quality countertops (quartz or stone)
- Add ambient and task lighting for depth and functionality
- Upgrade plumbing fixtures to create a spa-like feel in bathrooms
Even minor improvements here pack major ROI.
Don’t Underestimate Lighting
Lighting is one of the most overlooked design features, yet it has enormous power to elevate a space. Bad lighting can make an otherwise beautiful room look flat and uninviting.
ROI Benefits:
- Enhances photography and listing appeal
- Improves mood and guest experience
- Highlights architectural features
Smart Tips:
- Layer lighting: ambient (overhead), task (reading lamps), and accent (sconces, pendants)
- Choose warm light bulbs (2700K–3000K) to create inviting tones
- Add dimmers for flexibility in mood and function
Great lighting design can turn a basic room into an emotional experience—which is what sells and books spaces.
Create “Instagrammable” Moments
Design is content now. In 2025, guests aren’t just looking for a place to stay—they’re looking for a space to share. Properties with visually striking, share-worthy elements stand out online and generate more organic marketing.
ROI Benefits:
- Increases visibility on platforms like Airbnb, Instagram, and Pinterest
- Encourages guest-generated content (free marketing!)
- Builds a memorable brand around your property
Smart Tips:
- Design one or two standout vignettes (a mural wall, styled bookshelf, cozy window seat)
- Use color blocking or bold art to create focal points
- Style each area with intention—no wasted corners!
When your property becomes a guest’s photo background, it also becomes part of their story.
Invest in Outdoor Living Spaces
In Florida and many warm climates, outdoor spaces aren’t just a bonus—they’re essential. A well-designed patio, balcony, or backyard increases usable square footage and significantly enhances guest appeal.
ROI Benefits:
- Expands entertaining space
- Increases rental and resale appeal
- Boosts perceived value without building permits or interior renovation
Smart Tips:
- Use weatherproof furniture with comfortable cushions
- Add string lights, fire pits, or vertical gardens for ambiance
- Create designated zones: dining, lounging, and activity
A $3,000 investment in outdoor furnishings and lighting can add $10,000+ to resale value and drive more bookings.
Smart Home Features: Tech That Pays Off
Tech is no longer a luxury—it’s an expectation. Smart home integrations make guests feel more secure, comfortable, and in control.
ROI Benefits:
- Allows for remote management (locks, thermostats, lighting)
- Reduces utility waste with automated controls
- Enhances guest satisfaction and convenience
Smart Tips:
- Install smart locks for keyless check-in
- Use smart thermostats for energy efficiency
- Add smart TVs, speakers, and voice assistants
Just be sure the tech complements the design, not distracts from it. Seamless integration is key.
Use Color Strategically
Color affects emotion, energy, and perception of space. The right palette can make a home feel larger, more peaceful, or more vibrant—depending on your audience.
ROI Benefits:
- Creates cohesive branding for your rental or listing
- Appeals to specific target demographics (e.g., soothing neutrals for retirees, bold contrast for millennial travelers)
- Enhances the mood and overall experience
Smart Tips:
- Use warm neutrals (taupe, sand, clay) as a base
- Incorporate brand colors in accents and art
- Avoid trendy colors unless they fit your long-term property identity
The best color schemes balance trend awareness with timelessness.
Furnish for Function
Design with your guest or buyer use case in mind. A beautiful sofa means nothing if it doesn’t seat enough people for a family trip or if there’s nowhere to eat dinner.
ROI Benefits:
- Reduces complaints and negative reviews
- Increases utility of the space
- Enhances overall guest comfort
Smart Tips:
- Choose a dining table that seats the max guest count
- Use ottomans with storage or nesting tables for flexibility
- Add convertible furniture in small spaces (sleeper sofas, Murphy beds)
Every square foot should work hard. If it’s not beautiful and useful, it’s not earning its keep.
Professional Design = Higher ROI
DIY works for Pinterest boards—but for real-world property performance, professional design ensures every inch is optimized.
At Joseph Ellen Designs, we design with your goals in mind:
- Who is your ideal guest or buyer?
- What is your desired price point?
- How can your space tell a story and work flawlessly?
We manage the design process end-to-end, ensuring your investment creates a return in bookings, value, and peace of mind.
Case Study: ROI in Action
A recent client in Jacksonville invested $20,000 in a full-property design refresh—including layout updates, durable furnishings, lighting upgrades, and local art installations.
Results within 6 months:
- Nightly rate increased by 35%
- Booking occupancy rose to 93%
- Property was featured on a travel influencer’s Instagram, reaching over 100,000 people
- Received consistent 5-star reviews on design and comfort
Design was the difference—not just in looks, but in performance.
Final Thoughts: Design with Purpose, Profit with Confidence
The most profitable design isn’t always the flashiest—it’s the most thoughtful. It’s built with intention, optimized for the user experience, and aligned with your financial goals.
If you want your property to:
- Earn more per night
- Sell faster and for more
- Stand out in a saturated market
then it’s time to invest in a design strategy that delivers long-term ROI.
Beyond ROI: Designing for Longevity and Lifestyle
While financial return is a compelling motivator, it’s important to remember that smart design also creates emotional and lifestyle dividends. A beautifully designed property doesn’t just attract renters or buyers—it creates joy, reduces stress, and enhances daily life. For property owners who plan to enjoy their investment themselves (even part-time), the benefits of a well-designed space extend far beyond spreadsheets.
Timeless design decisions—like neutral palettes, versatile furnishings, and multi-functional layouts—mean your property will stay relevant even as trends evolve. This longevity protects your investment and minimizes the need for constant refreshes, which can drain time and money.
When you work with a design firm that understands both style and strategy, like Joseph Ellen Designs, you’re not just improving your space—you’re building a resilient asset that supports your personal goals and financial future.
How to Get Started: Simple Steps Toward Smarter Design
Not sure where to begin? You don’t have to do it all at once. The smartest investments are often phased and prioritized based on budget and urgency. Here’s how to get started:
- Assess Your Space – Take inventory of your property’s current strengths and weaknesses.
- Set Clear Goals – Are you optimizing for resale, nightly rates, or guest satisfaction?
- Consult the Experts – A design consultation can uncover hidden opportunities and prevent expensive mistakes.
- Invest With Purpose – Allocate budget to the areas with the highest ROI first.
Designing for ROI is more than a design trend—it’s a mindset shift. And when you adopt it, you position your property for maximum performance, beauty, and value.
Need help designing your next smart investment? Let’s talk. Contact Joseph Ellen Designs to bring your vision to life.
About Joseph Ellen Designs
Based in Jacksonville, FL, we offer full-service interior design for vacation rentals, residential properties, and commercial spaces. Our signature approach blends aesthetic excellence with strategic thinking—creating spaces that are as beautiful as they are valuable.