Q: How do you decide how to decorate it, and how much input does the property owner have?
A: This is highly personal and depends on the preferences of the host. However the most common process is that the homeowner/host has a vision for their property, and I as the designer pull it out of their heads and onto paper, then I flesh it out and bring it to life.
But owners come to me with everything from a one-sentence vision like ‘We just want a neutral, classy place that feels like a luxury hotel’, to something much more elaborate like ‘I want a family-friendly place inspired by nature with lots of natural textures that calls out the local attractions and emphasizes the spirit of the surrounding area by using custom photo prints of local hotspots!’ No matter their goals I use their initial vision to come up with a mood board that will show them the vibe I’m envisioning for their property, and once they sign off on it I take the reins on selecting furniture and decor that achieves that look. If the budget and timeline allows, homeowners have the option for one round of revisions on their shopping list and furniture selections before items are ordered and the design is locked in. I pride myself on my ability to bring my clients’ vision to life, and do my best to help them tailor their vision to their target guests.
Q: If the property owner wants the house to have a certain theme, is this something you can do?
A: I absolutely love working with themed properties! It can be so much fun to create an elevated space for guests that gives them a specific experience. Themes can be inspired by the location, the property, a certain vision the host has, or can be developed from Scratch. From subtle themes like ‘romantic getaway’ to more literal hemes like ‘Harry Potter’ or ’70s time warp’, I can help hosts figure out how elaborate they want to go and work with their budget to Oring their ideas to life! It’s all about figuring out what will appeal to their ideal guests and working backward from there.
Q: What’s the typical cost to design and furnish a short term rental?
A: I’ve worked with all kinds of budgets, however I recommend that for a typical 3-bedroom rental, a host have a minimum shopping budget of $15-$20,000 and a design fee budget of $5,000. That being said, every project is unique and can range from $10k to $50k or more! It just depends on your location, the size of the home, your goals, your timeline, and your needs. I’m always happy to talk through budgets with clients to help them figure out the best possible outcome for their budget!
Q: What kind of timeline should the property owner expect?
A: Projects typically take 2-3 weeks to source, plan & shop, but the size and scope of the project ultimately determine the timeline. I do my best to source from retailers and wholesalers who have quick delivery times. However if the homeowner is looking for updates on fixtures & finishes or a full renovation, typically the timeline will stretch to a month or more. Smaller projects can be completed more quickly, especially refresh projects for existing hosts who just need some tweaks and a few updated layers of decor in their rental. Virtual designs can also be completed more quickly for a rush fee if the timeline is tight and my schedule is open.
Q: Where do you get the furniture and decor from?
A: I purchase & source inventory from all over! I’m always looking for great pieces and fabulous deals so I can stretch my clients’ budgets as far as possible. From Amazon to Costco, HomeGoods to wholesale stores, I scour all available resources to maximize your design. I even use Facebook Marketplace and local consignment stores when it’s appropriate for hands-on installs to find gently used items for certain clients who want old-world charm or who have a smaller budget. Alternatively, if your budget allows for better quality pieces and higher-end design, then I’ll shop/source anywhere from Arhaus to Ethan Allen, Anthropology, or wherever your style and budget send me. For virtual projects I often use Amazon, WalMart & Wayfair as often as possible since they have reliable and quick shipping. But again, every project is unique, and each client may have preferences that I adjust to on a project-by-project basis. I’m always considering durability, usability, design coherence, and budget when selecting each and every piece.
Q: Why should a property owner hire you to design and furnish their short term rental rather than do it themself? Does hiring a designer actually make a difference?
A: I like to say that anyone can technically furnish an Airbnb, but it takes an expert to design & furnish a GREAT Airbnb. Hiring a designer can be the difference between a cohesive design, IG-worthy results, and a smooth process versus a high-stress process, disconnected jumbled style, and a forgettable or (God forbid) dysfunctional design your guests hate living in. There are thousands of details that go into the process, from selecting the right fabrics that will stand the test of time to knowing how many sets of sheets are needed for each bed. The right designer will take all those details off your plate so you can focus on creating the perfect listing for your property and getting your hosting and cleaning processes set up. An expert who has experience with designing for short term rentals will make sure you’re sourcing the right materials and quality of furniture and decor, craft an experience that will attract your ideal guests every time, nail down the right quantities and quality of stocking items, and will help you save thousands through thoughtful selections and strategic use of design concepts. Not to mention the thousands you’ll save due to your designer’s tried-and-true trade resources and access to wholesale pricing! If you’re interested in having a top-producing property that stays booked and gets rave reviews, then hiring a designer is a must these days!
Q: What’s the best way to get in touch with you?
A: My website roughdiamondstudios.com is always the best place to start! From there you can submit an inquiry, fill out my discovery questionnaire if you want to skip the line and get started, or book a call to talk through your project and see if we’re a good fit. I love brainstorming with new clients, so don’t hesitate to reach out – I’m always happy to help! I also publish a weekly-ish blog that anyone can subscribe to to stay in the loop with my current projects and to learn design tips & tricks from a pro. And for those who still have more questions but don’t want to chat, the link to my FAQ page has even more tidbits to help you understand the process!
www.roughdiamondstudios.com
Airbnb Design Discovery Questionnaire
New Client Discovery Call
Weekly-ish Blog
Contact Rough Diamond Studios
