STR Design Tips

[Account Closed]

I wanted to drop a few tips to help guide STR owners just starting out. (and no this is not AI). I have been seeing lots of different questions popping up here and wanted to help.

1. Reach out to a STR designer (not an interior designer) before purchasing can help you also analyze the market from their perspective. I work a lot with owners who are ready to buy and send me the property to look at it to see how much work may be involved or how the space is positioned. A lot of STR designers will offer this in a free consult. 

2. Figure out your budget ASAP. Figure out what you can spend on furnishing the space (interior and exterior) — depending on how much is needed. Don't forget to factor in paint, wallpaper + flooring if needed. Then figure out how much you have to spend on design and photography and installation. 

This I find is the biggest hurdle — owners are often unprepared for the large amount of moving parts there are in an STR AFTER purchase.

3. Figure out your goals. If this STR is for guests only — then allow the designer to help guide you. Designers are partners and our job is to maximize your property so it gets high ROI. If it's your family property and an STR — then work with the designer on your goals for the property long-term.

4. And lastly — STR Designers work only in the vacation industry and we design for the guest, area and property. We mix durable pieces with color, flow and cohesiveness. We work remote and we work on-site. We are PM's, psychologists, designers and customer service. A property isn't supposed to be designed to just be pretty — it needs to be designed to be functional.

5. PS Amenities are great and exteriors should be considered but remember — who is your guest, where is your property and what does that area offer?

[Jules Aton]

Quote from @Nicole Riseley Ketchum:

Quote from @John Underwood:

AI  is amazing at generating  design ideas.

Also just look at top performers in your market and similar markets and copy the best ideas you like.

 AI versus what I do makes it seem dismissive. What we offer is more than that. I really don't understand why you made a comment like that when this what I do for a living. 

 While I can't speak for John how I read it was as another option particularly for folks who can't afford the services of a skilled designer.