Designing Comfort: How to Create a Welcoming & Functional Vacation Rental for Guests

When it comes to short-term vacation rentals, design is more than just aesthetics. It’s about creating an environment that feels like a retreat for your guests, while also being highly functional for a steady turnover of visitors. As an interior designer with a focus on hospitality, I’m here to walk you through how to thoughtfully style both interior and exterior spaces of your short-term rental for maximum comfort, usability, and easier turnovers.

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Interior Design: Where Comfort Meets Practicality

Start with a Neutral Base

A neutral foundation – think soft whites, warm taupes, and gentle grays – creates a clean, calming space that appeals to a wide audience. Use accents (like throw pillows, art, or greenery) to inject personality without overwhelming the eye. Then, a quick and inexpensive way to update your space over time is to swap out things like accent pillows and art, while leaving your neutral base furniture such as couches and side tables.

Design tip: Light, airy palettes help smaller spaces feel bigger and cleaner, which is key for guest perception.

Zone Each Room for a Purpose

Every space should have a clearly defined function:

• Living rooms need comfortable seating, good lighting, and at least a couple of places to set a drink down, such as a coffee table and/or side tables.
• Bedrooms should prioritize sleep with blackout curtains, plush bedding, and at least one nightstand with a lamp.
• Dining areas should feel inviting, even if it’s a counter with stools. Make sure you have at least one seat for every person your STR sleeps.

Pro tip: Include closed storage (like a cabinet or ottoman) to hide extra linens, supplies, or games.

Use Durable, Easy-to-Clean Materials

From upholstered sofas to flooring, choose materials that are guest-proof. Think:

• Performance fabrics for couches (like Crypton or polyester blends)
• Rugs with low pile or indoor/outdoor options that clean easily
• Wipeable dining chairs and stain-resistant finishes

Functional tip: Skip high-maintenance decor (like velvet or suede) in favor of materials that survive mystery stains, suitcases, and pets.

Curate the Kitchen Thoughtfully

Even if your guests don’t plan to cook much, a stocked, organized kitchen is a major selling point. We have personally received many reviews that included comments such as “we don’t cook much, but for someone who does, they will appreciate how well stocked the kitchen is.”

Include:

• A full set of matching dishes (at least one set for every person your STR sleeps)
• A coffee/tea station (with mugs, K-Cups, and a water kettle)
• Clear labeling for pantry and utensil drawers

Check out “Short Term Rental Kitchen Essentials.”

Layer Lighting for Mood + Utility

Good lighting isn’t just pretty – it’s functional. Aim for 3 layers:

• Overhead (general)
• Task (lamps near beds or reading chairs)
• Accent/night time lighting (LED candles, strip lights under cabinets)

Design detail: Use dimmable bulbs or smart lighting to allow guests to personalize their environment.

Exterior Design: Extend the Hospitality Outside

Create a “Wow” First Impression

The entryway is your rental’s first impression. Ensure it’s clean, well-lit, and has charm. Think a welcoming doormat, potted plants, and easy-to-read house numbers.

Smart upgrade: Install a keyless entry system like this Kwikset lock for convenience and security. I LOVE ours, and you can read more about the pros and cons in: “Ultimate Short Term Rental Turnover Checklist” and scroll down to “Going The Extra Mile.”

Design a Lounge-Worthy Outdoor Space

Even a small patio can become a guest favorite with:

• Comfortable, weatherproof seating
• An outdoor rug to define the space
• String lights or solar lanterns for ambiance
• A table for morning coffee or evening wine

Optional extras: Add a small fire pit, hammock, or grill if space allows (just be sure to follow safety guidelines).

Think About Function Outdoors Too

Just like the interior, the outside needs to serve a purpose:

• Dining area? Include outdoor dishware and placemats.
• Relaxation zone? Provide blankets or cushions in a weatherproof box.
• Games? Store cornhole or lawn games where guests can easily access them.
• Dog potty area? Be sure to provide some bags for guest’s dog waste, too.

Outdoor rinse-off tip: If your rental is near the beach or lake, consider installing an outdoor shower to reduce mess inside.

Final Touches That Guests Love

• Local artwork or photography for a personal touch
• A few low-maintenance live plants or quality faux greenery (check out “Should an STR Have Live Plants?“)
• A welcome basket with snacks or local goodies
• A clearly styled guest binder or tablet with Wi-Fi info, house rules, and local recs

Ready to Design Like a Pro?

Your short-term rental doesn’t need to be big to be beautiful, or expensive to feel luxurious. Focus on intentional design choices that make your space feel like home, while being practical for hosting.

Let every corner, from the bedroom to the backyard, tell a story of comfort, care, and hospitality.

For more ways to create comfortable spaces and amenities for your guests, read my other article “5 Amazon Finds Under $50 That Guests (and You!) Will Love; I Use All of These in My Airbnb or Home.” You just might want to buy some extras to have in your home, too!