Investment property on Kiawah Island or Seabrook Island is a smart and effective way to own the vacation home of your dreams while also making some extra money on the side. But, before you start pulling in money from your investment, you must attract potential guests. Properly furnishing your rental property is one of the best ways to make your vacation home stand out from the competition. If you aren’t sure where to start with your home decor and all the furnishings, read on. And, when you are ready to take the next step and purchase, contact us at Pam Harrington Exclusives.
Our team spent over 44 years managing vacation rentals and selling vacation homes and villas. Our real estate sales team continues to offer consultation for Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and Charleston buyers. We work closely with interior designers and industry pros. Let us refer you to someone who can bring your vacation property vision to life!
6 Tips for Furnishing Your Vacation Rental Home
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Identify Your Target Guests
Always keep your target audience in mind when preparing your vacation home for short term rental. This will ease your purchasing decisions. The majority of vacation rentals are offered fully furnished, down to the bedding and throw pillows! Most travelers choose a property based on the location and vacation rental furniture. Hence, the location of the vacation rental can significantly influence the pricing associated with the furnished property and attract incoming visitors. These are important factors to consider in order to be successful at owning a vacation rental property.
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Add Soothing Colors Throughout The Vacation Rental
When it comes to furnishing your vacation rental, it is important to create a theme that reflects the environment. But, don’t let that stop you from adding your personal touches to your investment home. Colors such as driftwood gray, blue and green ocean hues, and crisp whites tend to evoke feelings of the ocean and deep relaxation.
If you are wondering how to decorate a vacation rental property with crisp, white walls, try adding a pop of color with an accent wall.
Beach-themed and Charleston-themed artwork is also a wonderful touch that out-of-state guests will appreciate.
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Fully Furnish Each Room with Items that Wear Well
Quality furniture is well worth the investment when you furnish a vacation rental. When you choose comfortable items that look good and wear well, your guests will notice. These items will also withstand the test of time as visitors come and go from your vacation rental over the years.
When guests have a comfortable experience in your home, they are likely to book your home again in the future when it’s time to plan their next beach vacation!
Buy furniture that is easy to clean and only consider buying secondhand furniture if it matches your overall theme and you think it will last several seasons.
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Invest in Quality Lighting for your Vacation Rental Home
Lighting is an important consideration that is often forgotten in a vacation home. As you furnish each room in the vacation rental, remember that light adds to the overall ambiance. For bedrooms with night stands, remember to provide table lamps for those who may like to read in bed at night. Your guests will notice and appreciate a well-lit room. Often considered nice to have items, we consider quality lighting essential in a vacation rental.
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Hire a Professional Window Treatment Expert
Window treatments are one of the most important, but often overlooked areas of furnishing your rental property. This is an area where function is as important as form. Vacation rentals on the beach get a lot of sunlight. While the views from the sun are wonderful, the added heat and wear on interior furnishings are not. Plus, vacationing guests may want to sleep in. Light-blocking window treatments in the bedroom are a must.
Finding the right shades, shutters, or blinds takes professional assistance. Partner with Tailor Made Shades - a custom blinds, shades, and shutter company. Jeff features such brands as Hunter Douglas, Graber, and Norman International and regularly services Kiawah and Seabrook Islands.
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Hire a Professional Interior Designer
Sometimes, we simply don’t have the time to take on an interior design project for a rental home. In this case, consider hiring a professional. Whether you are unsure of how to make an old rental house look nice, or you are simply updating a rental property, hiring a design professional is a smart and efficient way to execute your vision, attract guests and maximize bookings. It is also an excellent way to strike a balance between creativity, comfort, and functionality for a top notch guest experience.
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Don’t Neglect the Outside of the Vacation Rental Home
Remember that the outside of your home is just as important as the inside! If a busy schedule interferes with your ability to maintain lawns and gardens, then consider hiring a professional landscaper. However, if you do have the time, some popular plants that thrive in Charleston’s climate are jasmine vines, crape myrtles, and azaleas.
Outdoor space should offer durable furniture that will withstand the elements. Your interior designer can help you select the best outdoor furniture for your rental unit.
Your Charleston Investment Property Realtors
Now that you have a complete checklist for decorating your rental property, consider these additional tips for property management of your investment property.
Are you still searching for your piece of paradise? We can help!
We have access to top properties on Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and the Charleston area.