Interior Design For STR

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Interior Design For STR

Cameron Kidwell
Member since 2023 · 4 posts · 0 votes

Looking to purchase an STR in Nashville. Interior design quotes are coming in way higher than I have budgeted. Likely will try to furnish myself. Any tips tricks advice on how to maximize STR rental while staying cost conscious on furniture/design?

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Michael BaumPro Member
Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
3y

Hey @Cameron Kidwell. The days of throwing crap into a vacation rental and making great cashola is over, if it ever was a thing.

You can do a lot by just looking at the web for all the infinite number of ideas.

You can stretch your dollars by looking at Craigslist, FB Marketplace and OfferUP for used made in the USA furniture. You can get great stuff for pennies or even free. That is what we did and it still looks great today.

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  • Christopher Price
    Rental Property Investor · Seattle, WA · Member since 2022 · 25 posts · 15 votes
    3y

    How big is your place? Not sure what your budget is but it shouldn’t break the bank. Design is going to play a major role in your revenue so you know. Going cheaper on what you purchase isn’t the best option in most cases. If you want to stand out and demand top dollar you need to add a unique design and quality furniture.  I can send you my design people that do an amazing job, they have tiers as well where the design only and not the buildout(which is something you could do and save the $$ on that part). Just a thought. 

    Another option is Minoan. They also allow you to put er codes out for guests. So if they like the bedframe or couch, they can scan it and buy it-which you can get a cut of. 

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  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    3y

    Hey @Cameron Kidwell. The days of throwing crap into a vacation rental and making great cashola is over, if it ever was a thing.

    You can do a lot by just looking at the web for all the infinite number of ideas.

    You can stretch your dollars by looking at Craigslist, FB Marketplace and OfferUP for used made in the USA furniture. You can get great stuff for pennies or even free. That is what we did and it still looks great today.

    3Reply
  • Luke CarlPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Tennessee Florida · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    3y

    There are a TON of virtual STR designers these days. They came out of the woodwork with COVID. I think the word "Nashville" is your problem here for multiple reasons.

    Podcast Guest on Show From Surviving on $30/Day to 30+ Properties Thanks to Blue-Collar Skills
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  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    3y

    Look at other great STR'S online and copy ones you like. Interior design not required.

    1Reply
  • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
    Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    3y

    What were the quotes coming back at? I always budget $20 per sqft all in cost to furnish and outfit.  I would never hire a designer on the % upcharge model, and for simple selection it should be $2-3 per foot (at least what Ive seen in FL)

    [email protected]813-563-0877
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  • Cameron Kidwell
    OP
    Member since 2023 · 4 posts · 0 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Luke Carl:

    There are a TON of virtual STR designers these days. They came out of the woodwork with COVID. I think the word "Nashville" is your problem here for multiple reasons.


     Why is Nashville my problem?

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  • Cameron Kidwell
    OP
    Member since 2023 · 4 posts · 0 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Christopher Price:

    How big is your place? Not sure what your budget is but it shouldn’t break the bank. Design is going to play a major role in your revenue so you know. Going cheaper on what you purchase isn’t the best option in most cases. If you want to stand out and demand top dollar you need to add a unique design and quality furniture.  I can send you my design people that do an amazing job, they have tiers as well where the design only and not the buildout(which is something you could do and save the $$ on that part). Just a thought. 

    Another option is Minoan. They also allow you to put er codes out for guests. So if they like the bedframe or couch, they can scan it and buy it-which you can get a cut of. 

    Thanks for the reply! My place is a three bedroom at around 1250 Sqft. Would love to talk to your design people.

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  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Cameron Kidwell:
    Quote from @Luke Carl:

    There are a TON of virtual STR designers these days. They came out of the woodwork with COVID. I think the word "Nashville" is your problem here for multiple reasons.


     Why is Nashville my problem?

    There is a ton of restrictions in Nashville. Before you get rolling, you should make sure the property can be STR at all.
    1Reply
  • Cameron Kidwell
    OP
    Member since 2023 · 4 posts · 0 votes
    3y

    I haven’t seen any restrictions that would limit this property. I have been working with a property management company and they also have never run into restrictions. Do you have any more information on what I might be missing?

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  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    3y

    Maybe @Cameron Kidwell. Here is the land use table for Nashville - https://filetransfer.nashville.gov/portals/0/sitecontent/Cod...

    Non owner occupied STRs are subject to zoning requirements.

    Short term rental property (STRP) – Not Owner-Occupied

    • Are not owner-occupied or on a lot with an owner-occupied principal residence.
    • Rentals are limited to a single party of individuals.
    • Ownership information on the application must match the deed as recorded with the Davidson County Clerk's office.
    • New not owner-occupied permits will only be issued as a use permitted with conditions (PC) in RM2 through RM20-A, RM40 through RM100-A, MUN and MUN-A, MUL and MUL-A, MUG and MUG-A, MUI and MUI-A, OG, OR20 through OR40-A, ORI and ORI-A, CN and CN-A, CL and CL-A, CS and CS-A, CA, CF, DTC North, DTC South, DTC-West, DTC Central, SCN, SCC and SCR zoning districts.
    • Permits for Specific Plan (SP) zoned properties will be issued only if allowed by the SP. Please contact the Metro Planning Commission for questions regarding the conditions of the SP, 
    • New not owner-occupied permits are not permitted in R or RS zoned properties. Existing permit holders in these zoned districts may be eligible to apply for renewals, but those permits are not transferable if the property is sold.
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  • Bonnie LowPro Member
    Lender · Asheville, NC · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    Have you considered using AI to help you with your design? There are programs out there that will do this. It can help you with the concept if you give some direction, like 'I want something midcentury modern' or 'design me a cabin with modern rustic touches featuring a green and brown color palette.' If you feel like you would just be staring at a blank screen without some ideas, this could get you a rough design concept that you can then go search for. I'm not a professional designer myself but I've outfitted several properties so I can tell you it can be done even if you're not a professional. There are a few recent podcasts on this very topic you might want to listen to. 

    [email protected]
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  • Sarah KensingerPro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    For a STR property to do well in this market, it MUST be a well-designed property. Nashville has plenty of competition, so you'll need to be willing to spend a little extra in the design department, or the property well be passed over for another that gives the guest an experience. Minoan is a great way to get discounts on good quality furnishings! Besides if you cheap out on furniture, plan on replacing a good bit within a year or two at most. In the long run it's less expensive to get good quality items at the start!

    [email protected]330-557-3021
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  • Account Closed
    New to Real Estate · Corona, CA · Member since 2022 · 30 posts · 19 votes
    3y

    Hi Cameron!

    I'm an interior designer that has staged several units for an investor in the Disneyland area in California. If the STR is "turnkey" already meaning any structural or architectural renovations are done, there's generally 3 phases that need to happen to have a STR listing and hosting ready.

    #1 the design work - that can be done virtually (pretty standard in the design and arch world.)

    #2 the procurement- research, purchase, tracking, delivery and receiving of product (can be done virtually as well) 

    #3 the physical installment- this is where clients can save the most $$$ by doing this themselves. Since there is a lot of physical labor and assembly required, I suggest hiring a task rabbit or a handyman for a day or two to assist. Much, much cheaper than having the designer do the install. 

    DM if you’re interested in an estimate from me. Good luck! 

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  • Sara Frank
    Realtor · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2020 · 255 posts · 182 votes
    3y

    Pull up a picture of an airbnb that is successful, copy and paste the design into your own. No crazy design skills needed! 

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