As the vacation rental market continues to evolve, so do guest expectations. Travelers today are not only booking based on price or location—they’re booking for experience, comfort, and style. And in 2025, design is more important than ever.
At Joseph Ellen Designs, we specialize in curating interiors that are both beautiful and profitable. We’ve helped transform over 150 properties since 2021, with an eye on maximizing bookings, guest satisfaction, and return on investment. Looking ahead to 2025, we’re seeing major shifts in what guests want—and how property owners can deliver.
Here are the top vacation rental design trends to watch—and actionable ways to incorporate them into your rental for a competitive edge.
1. Biophilic Design: Bringing the Outdoors In
Biophilic design—an approach that connects occupants with nature—is becoming a defining aesthetic in hospitality. In 2025, expect to see more interiors incorporating:
- Natural wood finishes
- Live plants or green walls
- Stone or earth-tone textures
- Large windows or light wells for natural lighting
Why it matters: Biophilic spaces reduce stress, enhance mood, and create a sense of retreat—exactly what vacationers are seeking.
How to implement:
- Add hanging plants or vertical herb gardens
- Use rattan, bamboo, or reclaimed wood accents
- Prioritize linen and cotton textiles for softness and breathability
Even in small spaces, a touch of greenery can transform the vibe from sterile to sanctuary.
2. Hyper-Local Inspiration: Design That Reflects Place
Generic interiors are out. In 2025, travelers are craving authentic, immersive spaces that reflect the destination’s culture and personality.
Instead of neutral, hotel-style furnishings, design choices are leaning into regional flair—without crossing into kitsch. Whether it’s coastal minimalism in Florida or desert modern in Arizona, tying design to location creates a memorable, share-worthy experience.
Why it matters: Local design storytelling enhances guest connection and boosts review potential.
How to implement:
- Feature art by local creators
- Use a color palette inspired by the local landscape
- Integrate regionally sourced materials (e.g., driftwood, stone, handmade ceramics)
At Joseph Ellen Designs, we always ask: What does this space say about where you are?
3. Multifunctional Spaces for Work + Leisure
With the remote work lifestyle still strong in 2025, many travelers are booking rentals for “bleisure”—a hybrid of business and leisure travel. This calls for spaces that adapt seamlessly to both modes.
Guests now expect:
- Desks or dedicated workspaces
- Comfortable, ergonomic seating
- Fast, reliable Wi-Fi (a design consideration, too!)
Why it matters: Properties that cater to remote workers can command higher rates and attract off-season bookings.
How to implement:
- Convert unused corners into compact workstations
- Add USB ports and outlets near all seating
- Include desk lighting and adjustable chairs
Our designs often include convertible spaces—like dining tables that double as workstations or built-in nooks that serve dual purposes.
4. Warm Minimalism: Less Clutter, More Comfort
Minimalism is still trending, but the cold, overly sleek look is being replaced by a softer, more inviting interpretation. Guests want clean lines—but with warmth, texture, and personality.
Think:
- Muted, earthy color palettes
- Rounded furniture edges
- Natural textiles like wool, jute, and linen
Why it matters: It creates a restful, high-end experience without overwhelming the senses.
How to implement:
- Replace glossy finishes with matte or textured surfaces
- Incorporate soft lighting (sconces, table lamps)
- Limit decor to intentional, meaningful pieces
A clutter-free environment doesn’t have to feel sterile—it should feel curated and calming.
5. Sustainable & Eco-Conscious Design
More travelers are booking based on a property’s sustainability profile. In 2025, guests are more eco-aware and appreciate spaces that reflect these values.
Why it matters: Sustainable design not only attracts eco-conscious travelers but also helps reduce long-term maintenance and operational costs.
How to implement:
- Use VOC-free paint and natural fiber rugs
- Choose energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting
- Opt for reclaimed, upcycled, or FSC-certified furniture
Highlight these features in your listing—guests often search for “eco-friendly” filters or keywords.
6. Spa-Like Bathrooms and Relaxation Zones
Vacation rentals are stepping up their bathroom game, offering spa-like amenities that rival hotels. For many guests, a luxurious bathroom is a top priority.
Design trends include:
- Oversized rain showers
- Earth-toned or marble tile
- Minimalist vanities with ambient lighting
Why it matters: A well-designed bathroom increases the perceived value of your rental and boosts guest satisfaction.
How to implement:
- Upgrade towels, robes, and toiletries
- Add teak benches or bamboo bath mats
- Include thoughtful touches like candles or essential oil diffusers
Relaxation zones extend beyond the bathroom, too. Think reading nooks, yoga corners, or hammock patios—all simple, thoughtful design features that cater to modern travelers.
7. Tech-Integrated Interiors (But Make It Seamless)
Smart tech continues to grow—but guests don’t want to feel like they’re in a sci-fi movie. In 2025, the key is discreet, user-friendly tech that blends into the environment.
What guests love:
- Smart locks and contactless check-in
- Voice-controlled lighting or thermostats
- Streaming-ready TVs and sound systems
Why it matters: Convenience enhances comfort, and comfort leads to better reviews.
How to implement:
- Hide cords and mount tech devices elegantly
- Choose neutral-hued devices that blend with the decor
- Provide simple, printed instructions for use
At Joseph Ellen Designs, we integrate tech without interrupting the aesthetic harmony of the space.
8. Color Trend Alert: Muted Jewel Tones and Clay-Inspired Hues
Color is cycling away from stark whites and grays and into soft, expressive shades like:
- Terracotta, clay, and rust
- Sage, olive, and deep forest greens
- Dusty rose, blush, and sand
These colors evoke nature and emotion, setting the tone for a restful or rejuvenating stay.
How to implement:
- Paint an accent wall or use colored plaster finishes
- Add throw pillows, bed linens, or art in trending tones
- Use muted tones to create a modern, grounded aesthetic
The right palette can make your rental stand out and feel inviting without being overwhelming.
9. Curated, Boutique-Hotel Vibes
Guests now expect vacation rentals to offer the same attention to detail as boutique hotels—but with more personality. This means every object, fabric, and fixture is chosen intentionally.
Why it matters: Cohesive, curated design communicates quality and trust—essential for short-term rentals.
How to implement:
- Avoid matching furniture sets—mix and layer instead
- Use statement light fixtures and locally made ceramics
- Provide extras like welcome baskets, branded notecards, or in-house guides
Creating a boutique experience doesn’t require a massive budget—just a strategic eye and design storytelling, something Joseph Ellen Designs specializes in.
10. Flexible Outdoor Living Spaces
The post-pandemic love for outdoor living is here to stay. In 2025, guests want private patios, cozy balconies, or backyard lounges where they can unwind, dine, or even work remotely.
Why it matters: Properties with outdoor living space book faster—especially in warmer climates.
How to implement:
- Add a small bistro table or hammock chair
- Use weatherproof cushions and textiles
- Create “zones” like a firepit area, reading corner, or outdoor kitchen
Outdoor lighting, string lights, and planters go a long way in making the space feel livable, not just functional.
How Joseph Ellen Designs Brings These Trends to Life
At Joseph Ellen Designs, we don’t follow trends just for aesthetics. We adapt them strategically to enhance your property’s appeal, performance, and profitability.
With each vacation rental, we ask:
- What does the target guest value most?
- How can we balance comfort, style, and durability?
- Which trends will create emotional connection and business results?
Whether you’re launching a new property or refreshing an existing one, our goal is simple: to design a space that books itself.
Final Takeaway: Design for What Guests Want—Before They Know It
Design trends aren’t just about being on-trend. They’re about staying competitive in a crowded market, creating unforgettable experiences, and building a brand that guests return to and recommend.
In 2025, successful vacation rentals will prioritize:
- Authentic, local-inspired design
- Functionality that meets modern needs
- Warmth, texture, and emotional appeal
- Sustainable and future-proof materials
- Boutique-like attention to detail
The result? Better reviews, higher rates, and fully booked calendars.
As you plan your next upgrade, remember that design isn’t just a visual decision—it’s a strategic one. Every thoughtful detail, from furniture selection to lighting temperature, influences how your guests feel and whether they choose to return. In an increasingly competitive vacation rental market, it’s not enough to be functional—you have to be memorable. Trends come and go, but intentional design tailored to your guests’ evolving needs will always set your property apart. Invest in your space, and your space will invest right back in you—with five-star reviews, repeat bookings, and rising revenue.
Let’s Make Your Property 2025-Ready
Designing your rental with intention is the smartest way to grow your revenue—and your reputation. Whether you need a full redesign or a strategic seasonal refresh, Joseph Ellen Designs is here to help.
📩 Book a free consultation today
About Joseph Ellen Designs
Based in Jacksonville, Florida, we specialize in interior design for vacation rentals, residential homes, and commercial spaces. Since 2021, we’ve helped over 150 clients transform their properties into highly rated, revenue-generating assets with elevated, purposeful design.