Discover 5 smart design tips to boost your Destin and 30A vacation rental income. Learn how to create family-friendly, easy-to-maintain spaces that wow guests and increase bookings.
Are you a property owner looking to boost the rental income from your vacation home? Here's the truth: location matters, but design is what really grabs attention. A well-styled property, from the Rocky Mountains to the shores of North Carolina to the Emerald Coast, can turn casual browsers into eager bookers and help you earn higher nightly rates.
If your rental is in Destin or along 30A, you're in luck, but you also know the beach vacation rental market here is highly competitive. The good news is that a few simple design tricks can wow guests, appeal to a wide range of travelers, and make your property feel worth every penny.
Let's kick things off with a quick look at how to elevate your space:
- Keep It Simple with Bright, Universal Colors: A minimalist style with light, airy colors makes your rental feel spacious and welcoming. Stick to neutral tones and sleek furniture to appeal to a wide range of guests.
- Make It Family-Friendly with Light and Playful Spaces: Families are a big part of the Destin/30A market. Add kid-friendly touches like bunk areas, playful décor, and plenty of natural light to make your rental a go-to for family getaways.
- Highlight the View and Outdoor Living: Arrange furniture to frame beach views, add cozy outdoor seating, and make indoor and outdoor spaces flow together. Let the scenery be part of the experience.
- Add Full-over-Full Bunk Beds for Groups: Bunk beds are space-savers that families and groups love. Go for full-over-full bunks, include storage, and add personal touches like reading lights and privacy curtains.
- Use Hard Flooring for Easy Cleaning: Tile or hardwood floors make cleaning up sand quick and painless. Add easy-to-clean rugs for comfort and style without the hassle of trapped dirt.
At Real Joy, we've spent years managing properties right here in the Emerald Coast, and we know exactly what it takes to help them thrive. We're not shy about sharing what we've learned along the way!
Below, I'll share tips and tricks that not only make your rental more appealing but can also help you increase your nightly rates.
Let's dive in!
1. Keep It Simple with Bright, Universal Colors
Designing your Destin or 30A vacation rental with guests in mind can make your property both appealing and profitable. A clean, modern look with the right colors and furniture creates a space that feels inviting and comfortable. Thoughtful choices can also make small rooms feel bigger and more relaxing for travelers.
Valuable Tips
- Choose a minimalist design with comfortable, functional furniture that appeals to a wide range of guests.
- Use bright, welcoming colors to give the space energy and warmth.
- Incorporate neutral tones like white, cream, and soft pastels to make smaller rooms feel larger.
- Pick sleek, modern furnishings to create a cohesive, stylish look without clutter.
- Balance comfort and aesthetics so guests feel both relaxed and impressed.
Key Takeaways
- A minimalist, thoughtfully designed space attracts more guests and can increase bookings.
- Colors and furniture choices directly affect how spacious and welcoming your rental feels.
- Combining style with comfort leaves a lasting impression and encourages positive reviews.
2. Make It Family-Friendly with Light and Playful Spaces
Families make up a large share of visitors in the Destin and 30A vacation rental market. Designing your property to meet their needs can turn an ordinary rental into a family favorite. Bright, welcoming spaces and kid-friendly touches go a long way toward creating a stay that everyone remembers fondly.
Valuable Tips
- Maximize natural light: Large windows, glass doors, and skylights make spaces feel open, fresh, and inviting.
- Create a dedicated kids' area: Include bunk beds, playful decor, and colorful accents to keep younger guests entertained.
- Incorporate smart storage: Built-in spots for toys and games help keep the home tidy during busy family stays.
- Blend indoor and outdoor spaces: Let the scenery be part of the experience by connecting interiors to patios or balconies.
- Add fun, functional details: Small touches like reading nooks, activity corners, or chalkboard walls make the space more engaging for children.
Key Takeaways
- Family-friendly features make your property stand out in a competitive market.
- Bright, open spaces create a relaxing environment that appeals to parents and kids alike.
- A well-thought-out kids' zone can turn a good vacation into a great one for the whole family.
- Investing in family-focused design increases the chance of repeat bookings and glowing reviews.
3. Highlight the View and Outdoor Living
Your beach rental can be more than just a place to sleep. With a few thoughtful touches, it can become a true retreat where guests feel connected to the beach and its beauty. By highlighting the views, creating inviting spaces inside and out, and blending comfort with nature, you'll turn every stay into a memorable experience.
Valuable Tips
- Arrange furniture to frame the best views and create cozy nooks for guests to relax.
- Use large windows and glass doors as "living artwork" that showcases the beach and sky.
- Design outdoor spaces, balconies, patios, or decks, where guests can linger and enjoy the scenery.
- Add comfortable seating, soft outdoor rugs, and potted greenery for a warm, inviting feel.
- Make every indoor and outdoor space flow naturally, so the beauty of the beach feels ever-present.
Key Takeaways
- A property with well-thought-out views leaves a lasting impression.
- Blending indoor comfort with outdoor beauty makes a stay feel special.
- Thoughtful touches turn your rental into a true destination, not just a place to sleep.
4. Add Full-over-Full Bunk Beds for Groups
Bunk beds are a smart way to maximize space and comfort in vacation rentals, especially for families and larger groups. Choosing full-over-full bunks goes beyond the standard setup, giving guests more room to relax and making your property more appealing. With the right touches, bunk areas can become both practical and inviting, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Valuable Tips
- Opt for full-over-full bunks to accommodate more guests comfortably.
- Add built-in storage to keep belongings organized and the space clutter-free.
- Include individual reading lights for convenience and a personal touch.
- Install privacy curtains or small screens to give guests their own little retreat.
- Use durable, cozy bedding to make the sleeping experience memorable.
Key Takeaways
- Maximizing sleeping space makes your rental more attractive to groups and families.
- Thoughtful details like lights, curtains, and storage enhance both comfort and functionality.
- A well-designed bunk area can turn a simple room into a highlight of the guest experience.
5. Embrace Hard Surfaces for Easy Cleaning
Keeping a beach rental spotless can be tricky, especially with sand sneaking in from Destin and 30A's shores. Choosing the right flooring can make cleaning faster, easier, and more efficient. Hard surfaces like tile or hardwood not only simplify maintenance but also keep your property looking fresh and inviting for every guest.
Valuable Tips
- Choose hard flooring like tile or hardwood to make sweeping and mopping a breeze.
- Skip wall-to-wall carpet, which traps sand and is tough to clean thoroughly.
- Add area rugs in living spaces to soften the look and protect the floors.
- Pick easy-to-clean or replaceable rugs to keep maintenance hassle-free.
- Blend style with function by choosing modern flooring that complements your décor.
Key Takeaways
- Hard surfaces help you clean faster and cut down on turnaround time between guests.
- Area rugs add comfort and warmth without sacrificing easy maintenance.
- Smart flooring choices boost both the visual appeal and efficiency of your rental.
- A thoughtful balance of durability and design keeps your beach property guest-ready.
From Mood Boards to Guest Memories
Designing your beach vacation rental is all about blending coastal charm with comfort. Create bright, airy interiors, add inviting outdoor spaces, and include fun touches like bunk beds to make your property feel like a true getaway.
Smart design choices do more than look good. They attract guests, earn glowing reviews, and keep bookings steady year after year. Pair thoughtful design with solid property management, and your rental becomes a guest favorite in Destin and 30A.
Choose RealJoy as a Trusted Partner
Partner with Real Joy for expert property management in Destin, FL. From maximizing revenue to creating memorable guest experiences, we ensure your property thrives. Try our free rental projector today.