3 Scroll Stopping Design Hacks to Take Your Short Term Rental from Desperate to Fully Booked

Interior Design

Mar 20

Two years ago, through a series of connections in the Rangeley, Maine area, our Surf Road team began designing, furnishing and decorating Short Term Rental properties for owner’s “from away”. When Stacy joined our team and brought with her the professional organizing background, we began offering full set up to STR clients. This means not only do we focus on the aesthetics, but we also go so far as to organize your kitchen and stock your pantry!

Through this process we have learned a thing or two about what makes a “scroll stopping” airbnb listing, and we’re not gate keeping any of it!

Create a Mood Board for a design that is cohesive, not kitschy: Our first ever Short Term Rental project was for a client in New Jersey who had just bought a property in Bethel. He was a seasoned airbnb host, with other properties in the Orlando area (i.e. Disney). Apparently he had gone fully Disney theme for his Orlando properties, and had similar ideas about the decor for the Bethel property. We quickly told him that while we were all in for making his listing stand out, we would not be doing any “kitschy” wall murals or other decor. If your Airbnb listing shows a well appointed home with beautiful furnishings and a cohesive design, it’s going to stand out. Trust us!

2. Invest in high end finishes: We’re not talking about countertops (for once), but actually linens. While we’re not suggesting you head to Parachute, we are suggesting your steer clear of the super cheap sheets and towels at Walmart. You want your guests to feel indulgent and relaxed, and not at all grimey or cheap.

3. Get personal with local decor and gifts: One of our signature decorative pieces we do in every Airbnb is a personalized pillow. Whether it’s trail names or some “Maine phrase”, letting people in on the culture while they are in your home leaves them feeling special and like they were fully immersed during their stay. We also like to leave local coffee and Maine maple syrup for them to use or take home with them.