Long-time vacation rental managers in Tampa/St. Pete Beach understand very well how good interior design can really increase your revenues. Most people looking for luxury condos and homes for rent prefer a stylish place over one without alluring décor, and, guess what: they will pay a little extra for it.
Whether it’s a luxury condo or a beachfront home, a well-decorated property will always outshine a plain one, even if it offers the same level of comfort. There are many older buildings and condos in St. Pete Beach listed as vacation rentals that could benefit from small updates, such as removing carpet, painting the walls in the right color, and replacing furniture.
To provide you with a practical overview, in this blog, we’ll share décor tips based on three of our beach properties next to each other in St. Pete: two with excellent décor, and one that could make some basic improvements. Let’s dive right in!
Case Study: three vacation rental condos in St. Pete Beach
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1. Pick the right furniture
In creating beautiful décor, the right composition of furniture matters, so choosing the right pieces is very important.
Most travelers prefer places with a modern touch, so it’s a good idea to opt for contemporary elements, such as simple, minimalist pieces with textured or solid-colored fabrics and slender legs. These choices will make the space feel lighter and more elegant.
Well-selected rugs are also good for creating a sense of space and can perfectly complement your furniture choices. For that modern look, soft colors or interesting textures work best.
The living room of Sand Castle.
The living room at Sand Castle features the right furniture choices. The sofa has a simple and clean design, with its neutral and monochrome color scheme creating an airy vibe in the space. The armchair and cushions showcase intriguing patterns that provide a delightful contrast to the sofa, adding a playful touch to the room.
To complete the atmosphere, the textured rug covers a large enough area to touch multiple pieces at once, creating a sense of spaciousness and sophistication.
The living room of Amadeus.
The living room at Amadeus is perfectly functional, but its ambiance could be enhanced with some updated furniture. Modern armchairs with sleek, straight lines, intriguing art on the walls, and a large carpet would make all the difference.
Extra tip: it’s always worth thinking about the design of your space to appeal to your desired clientele rather than solely expressing your personal preferences.
2. Choose a theme that relates to your location
Good décor doesn’t have to be all about modern pieces. Vintage and more artistic items can also work wonders. If you choose them well, they’ll add character to any living space. A good approach is to create a theme that matches the history or ambiance of your rental location and select a color palette and items that capture the essence of the area.
An overall theme will undoubtedly enhance your guests’ experience and make their stay much more memorable.
Bedrooms at Madeira del Mar.
Madeira del Mar incorporates a variety of clever artworks and statement pieces to capture the essence and culture of coastal Florida. For example, the choice of artwork for the bedrooms reflects marine and nautical themes, and you’ll also find many details that evoke seashells and marine life. Moreover, the color palette predominantly features blues and creams, which perfectly complements a beach-themed décor.
The dining room of Amadeus.
The décor in the living room of Amadeus, on the other hand, lacks a cohesive theme, making it appear bland and failing to evoke the embracing feeling of beach life.
Extra tip: not sure how to pick a theme? Start with the name of your rental and build from there. Choose something straightforward, such as a color or a reference to something in your area, and incorporate it throughout the condo. Also, avoid being too literal and aim to create a memorable atmosphere that people may not be consciously aware of.
3. Harness the power of good lighting
Whether it’s artificial or natural, lighting can enhance colors, textures, and the overall mood of a space. That’s why good interior designers and architects always strive for the right balance between natural and effective artificial lighting to achieve aesthetic results in a space.
When it comes to beach rentals, consider adding at least one option of indirect lighting to each room. Table and floor lamps can add an emotional impact to any space, making it cozier. Often, they are also designed with sculptural qualities, so it’s a great idea to choose pieces that relate to the theme of the rental. Similarly, beautiful hanging lights can add extra charm to the ambiance.
Remember that while natural light is wonderful, it can sometimes be too intense, especially in a place that’s consistently bright like Florida. Curtains and blinds are the best way to ensure that the room isn’t overly bright, and you can adjust their level of transparency to smoothly diffuse the light throughout the space.
Since curtains and blinds come in various materials, textures, styles, and colors, they can also work wonders for your interior design.
Dining at Sand Castle.
Sand Castle skillfully balances natural and artificial lighting, incorporating sculptural pendant lights and side lamps to seamlessly craft a beach-inspired ambiance, resulting in undeniable elegance.
Extra tip: it’s a great idea to offer your guests greater control over their lighting with dimmer switches or curtains, and always steer clear of LED ‘daylight’ bulbs or fluorescent lighting, as they emit harsh spikes that can be uncomfortable for the eyes.
4. Fresh up the space with flowers and houseplants
Incorporating indoor plants is a wonderful way to infuse character into your room. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, greenery has a positive effect on people’s well-being, even in a coastal home.
Both flowers and houseplants can create fresh focal points throughout your home, making spaces more inviting and radiating positive vibes.
You can consider decorating your walls with artwork featuring nature themes and select furniture and curtains with patterns inspired by the natural world. This isn’t limited to just plants; items like seashells and driftwood can also reinforce the beach theme we discussed earlier.
Pro tip: you don’t always need real flowers and plants. Artificial plants offer the same indoor freshness, are easier to manage, and nowadays, they look incredibly lifelike.
The living room at Madeira del Mar.
Madeira del Mar introduces freshness and color into the living room by placing a floor plant in the corner and a flower pot on the dining table. From a distance, it’s challenging to tell whether they are artificial or genuine, but they both work their magic!
Extra tip: when picking plants, real or faux, take your geographic location into account. Choosing winter-themed plants in a warm climate like Florida may not be the most suitable choice.
5. Spruce up your kitchen
Stats reveal that individuals who opt for short-term rentals over hotels often seek well-equipped kitchens, as they want to feel at home and unleash their inner chefs. With that in mind, it’s a great idea to enhance both the appearance and equipment in your kitchen.
Whether it’s in a rental condo or a beach home in the Tampa/St. Pete Beach area, kitchens typically serve as a focal point in any family vacation rental. They provide a space for people to come together, connect, and create lasting memories.
A fully-equipped, high-quality kitchen will undoubtedly enhance the overall appeal of your property.
The kitchen space at Madeira del Mar.
Madeira del Mar boasts a spacious and elegant design, featuring white kitchen countertops, white cabinets, and beautiful pendant lamps. All the hardware is also updated, contributing to the sleek look.
The kitchen at Amadeus.
Amadeus, on the other hand, lacks a modern and inviting touch. The cabinetry, appliances, and lighting appear outdated, and they don’t give off the impression of a high-end kitchen.
Boost your St. Pete Beach rental revenue with sleek interior design
As property managers in St. Petersburg Beach and the Tampa Bay area, we are well-versed in the best decorating practices for beach vacation rentals. These tips for beach rental décor are certain to create a more memorable experience for your guests. They will capture and share more photos with their loved ones and are also more likely to return for another stay.
Last piece of advice: no matter what you choose, enjoy the process of decorating your vacation home rental. This is a chance to appreciate and revel in the beauty of your fantastic beach rental property!
