Must-Have Design Elements for a High-Performing Luxury Vacation Rental
Designing a luxury vacation rental isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about crafting an experience that delights guests, earns five-star reviews, and drives revenue. Whether you’re designing a sleek mountain retreat or a waterfront escape like The Water’s Edge on Lake Conroe, certain design principles always hold true.
Here are five essential design elements we incorporate to help vacation rental properties stand out, earn more, and stay booked.
Photo by Ellen Rene Photography
What Your Vacation Rental Interior Designer Should Be Prioritizing:
Exceptional Design
Functionality
Comfort
Easy to Maintain/Clean
Unique Elements
1. Exceptional Design That Stops the Scroll
Design is the first impression—and in short-term rentals, it's also your digital curb appeal. In a saturated market, professionally designed spaces with cohesive flow and a clear aesthetic rise to the top.
Exceptional design is about intentionality. It means each space has a purpose and seamlessly connects to the next. It means selecting color palettes, furnishings, and finishes that create a memorable atmosphere and a unified brand experience.
"Having a well-designed rental space has many benefits. Not only does it make your property more attractive in photographs, but it also enhances the guest experience. This leads to better reviews and more repeat bookings." —AirDNA, Feb 2024
At The Water’s Edge, we designed a home that flows effortlessly from indoors to out, emphasizing lake views and natural light. You can explore the full renovation in our blog post: Before & After: “The Water's Edge” Luxury Vacation Rental on Lake Conroe, Texas
“Having a well-designed rental space has many benefits. Not only does it make your property more attractive in photographs, but it also enhances the guest experience. This leads to better reviews and more repeat bookings.
Professional designers can create a unique and memorable environment that sets your property apart from others in the area. This can justify higher rental rates and ultimately increase your overall revenue.”
2. Functionality That Enhances the Stay
Luxury means ease. We make sure everything works beautifully, intuitively, and reliably.
From smart home tech and keyless entry to high-end appliances and space-optimized layouts, every element is chosen with the guest in mind. Thoughtful storage, quality cookware, and user-friendly systems all contribute to a seamless experience.
At The Water’s Edge, we installed integrated panel-front appliances, smart lighting, and tech-forward conveniences throughout—helping guests feel both cared for and impressed.
3. Comfort That Invites Guests to Stay Longer
Beautiful won’t matter if guests aren’t comfortable. We prioritize comfort in every detail—from premium hybrid mattresses and hospitality-grade linens to plush sectionals and thoughtful lighting.
We also consider how comfort affects maintenance and longevity. Inexpensive furnishings don’t just disappoint guests—they cost you more in the long run through replacements and refunds. Want proof? Read our post: How Much Does Cheap Furniture Really Cost?
For The Water’s Edge, every piece of furniture was chosen to support guest relaxation and durability: a generous sleeper sectional, custom window treatments, and well-designed bedrooms that feel like a retreat.
Ellen Renee Photography
4. Materials That Are Easy to Maintain
Luxury rentals endure a lot of turnover. That’s why our design recommendations always include surfaces and finishes that look great and clean easily.
We specify stain-resistant fabrics, commercial-grade finishes, and durable flooring like luxury vinyl plank. This helps your space stay pristine with less effort—which improves your reviews, speeds up cleaning, and protects your investment.
According to a Vacation Rental Designers Blog from April 2024 "A pristine property attracts more guests, commands higher rates, and gives you a competitive edge."
At The Water’s Edge, we chose quartz countertops, durable upholstery, and flooring that stands up to wet feet and sandy shoes—all without sacrificing style.
“To truly stand out, you need to offer more than just the basics.”
5. Unique Features That Create Moments Worth Sharing
In the world of vacation rentals, average doesn’t cut it. Unique design elements create lasting memories and social media-worthy moments that drive bookings.
Think beyond basics. We add custom art, signature lighting, and features that surprise and delight—like the suspended waterfront lounge net we designed at The Water’s Edge. It’s a guest favorite, perfect for lakeside lounging and Instagram posts.
Design for Performance, Not Just Style
The right design elevates your guest experience, boosts your RevPAR, and builds long-term brand value. Airbnb guests notice. Repeat visitors return. Revenue grows.
Properties with standout design elements often achieve higher nightly and occupancy rates, according to trends and insights shared by platforms like AirDNA and industry experts. Our goal is to help you craft a vacation rental that’s not only visually compelling, but operationally strong and financially rewarding.
Luxury Redefined, Vacation Perfected
By focusing on these five essential elements, you position your property to thrive in the competitive luxury rental market. These aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re strategic design decisions that influence guest satisfaction, drive occupancy, and support long-term profitability.
Great design builds more than a beautiful space—it builds a brand. It sets expectations, creates emotional connection, and delivers a stay worth remembering. In short: design isn’t just part of your rental strategy—it is your strategy.
Ready to elevate your space?
Start with a complimentary Discovery Call. Let’s create something exceptional together.
