above image: Meet Carol, the listening ear to all of your frustrations as an STR guest This is not the first blog I've started with the line "I was recently on vacation with my family, and we stayed in a short-term rental"... but, here we go.  I was recently on vacation with my family, and we stayed in a short-term rental. It photographed really well, but what I realized upon checking in is that 1.) the photographs must have been made a while ago because the rug and sofa looked new in the photos, and in person they were gross. And the sofa smelled. And 2.) it was designed t ..read more

(above photo taken in Essaouira, Morocco April 2023) This September 3, 2024, my family and I will embark upon a year-long round-the-world trip. We live in Cambridge England, where my husband is a business professor at Cambridge University, and where for the last 5+ years we've been raising our two daughters.  Every 7 or so years, professors are typically given a year without their teaching load or admin responsibilities. Because of the ages of our children, (7 and 13 at the time of trip take-off) we figured this is our shot to do this crazy thing as a family of four all liv ..read more

above image: The Nordroom As a designer who designs short-term rentals, I must admit I sometimes have a hard time staying in them.  It's not only the lack of good design that can be off-putting when staying in a vacation home, but some would argue that more important is the lack of attention to detail. Let's be honest, what is luxury if not having all of your needs met, AND MORE, by your host? Luxury is more than just really nice sheets and fluffy robes for after your dip in the hot tub. Luxury is feeling pampered. Luxury is having everything you could possibly need thought of a ..read more

If this time of year leaves you feeling a bit meh and longing for the balmy days of summer, then this blog is for you! Grab a mug of something delicious, put your feet up, and let me whisk you away to the gorgeous Captain's Cottage in Tasmania, Australia. This lovely cottage dates back to the mid-1800s and has been lovingly restored by owners Kylie and Sean. Small but perfectly formed, this lovely Airbnb is a masterclass in how to make a small space feel cozy and luxurious and how to use vintage items to maximize this effect. Be sure to keep scrolling to the end of the blog to shop m ..read more

image above: Anthropologie Whenever I talk about furnishing an Airbnb I emphasize the importance of the mattress and bedding. Comfortable guests are well-rested guests, and well-rested guests are happy guests, and happy guests leave good reviews and recommend your rental to their friends and re-book for future visits. All crucial to the overall success of your rental business!  If you need some inspiration for the design of the bed itself, head on over to this blog. Here, we're gonna talk about the way to achieve the highest levels of comfort for yo ..read more

(Shop the products on the board above further down in this post!)  If you love the clean lines of a modern interior, and your happy place is a comfy sofa with a mug of something warm and delicious, then "modern cottage" might just be design aesthetic you've been searching for. With a neutral color palette and a focus on line and form, over decor and accessories, modern cottage manages to be comfortable and inviting without ever being showy. Does it sound like this might be the design style you've been waiting for, then read on to find out more about... Modern Cottage Style. image abo ..read more

At the start of a new year, you'll see all the main design publications put out a "trends" article, about what's hot and what's not for interiors in the moment and in the year ahead.  I like these articles. They're fun to read and it feels like you're looking through a little interior design crystal ball. (Or as Jonathan Adler says, acrylic ball. ?) I've always shied away from writing a "trends" article for Airbnb or short-term rental interiors because I don't usually encourage strict trend following for rentals. I think it's more important to design around the location, id ..read more

Hi there, fellow interior design enthusiasts and Airbnb hosts! Turning your space into a cozy retreat for guests can either feel like an exciting endeavor, or rather overwhelming, depending on how much you love decorating. As an experienced interior designer, I'm here to share some friendly dos and don'ts to help you make your Airbnb stand out from the crowd. Let's dive in and start with the positives!  The Dos:   1. **Know Your Audience** Understand the demographic you want to attract. Is your Airbnb in a trendy city hotspot or a peaceful countryside escape? Tailor your decor t ..read more

image above: Bryan Patric Flynn If you've got hard floors in your vacation rental, you're going to need some rugs. The floor covering is (literally!) a room's foundation and a well-chosen rug can set the tone for the entire space. It can add color, tie in accent colors, or be a neutral force that allows other colors to pop. It adds texture and warmth underfoot, making a house feel more inviting and comfortable for your guests. That's a pretty big job for one object, especially one that often comes with a big price tag. And because they will inevitably go under (sometimes ..read more

(Shop the products on the board above further down in this post!) Nordic design is all about capturing the essence of classic Scandinavian style. With simplicity and functionality at its core, this style always maintains an air of space and calm. Think white walls, light floors, black accents, and unique little design elements. Done right, these deliver a minimalist but charming aesthetic.  Think this sounds like your design dream for your STR? Read on to find out more about... Nordic Style. image above: One Kindesign image above: R Brad Knipstein     Simplicity is key her ..read more