If you’re wondering how to decorate a vacation rental to attract more guests and increase bookings, you’re in the right place. At Cascadia Getaways, we know that first impressions matter. Your rental’s interior design can make or break a guest’s decision to book—and whether they’ll leave a glowing review or come back again. Here’s how to make your space stand out with smart, simple, and budget-friendly design tips.
Create a Functional and Durable Foundation
Start with the basics: your furniture needs to be both comfortable and sturdy. Vacation rentals see a lot of use, especially in high-traffic areas like the living room and bedrooms. Invest in quality pieces from trusted brands like Article, West Elm, or Williams Sonoma that balance style with durability. Choose stain-resistant fabrics, solid wood tables, and easy-to-clean finishes. If you want good reviews, higher ADRs and less replacements down the road go for quality.
Keep It Neutral, But Add Personality
Neutral tones appeal to a wide range of guests and make spaces feel larger and calmer. Stick with whites, beiges, and soft grays for larger pieces like sofas or beds. Then layer in personality with local decor: nautical details for beach homes, cozy textures for cabins, or boho touches for urban getaways. This keeps your rental feeling unique without overwhelming the space. When in doubt, think unexpected reds.
A well designed space feels relaxing and where the guest can envision themselves. For example Elk Ridge above, uses calming tones but has personality with the nature elements and telescope throughout the home.
Decorate with Purpose
Style every surface thoughtfully. Add useful but decorative items like coasters, trays, books, or pitchers. Keep things simple, clutter-free, and easy to clean. Don’t forget the walls—large, eye-level art instantly upgrades a space and looks great in photos. Support local artists by incorporating regional artwork, which adds both charm and character.
Elk Ridge above includes simple, clutter free decor that offer the eye something to look at. Avoid buying art from Ikea or Home Goods which can cheapen the feel. Design for the guest you want to attract to your home.
Design for Special Moments
Give your guests reasons to remember their stay. Create cozy corners: a reading nook by the window, a bistro table for morning coffee, or a bench with a view. These small spaces help guests picture themselves relaxing and making memories—exactly what you want when they’re scrolling listings.
Wild Haven has tons of spaces for people to imagine themselves in from a kids play room, to oversized chair and reading nook, to an office with white board, to the game room or private fire pit area.
Design for Little Explorers Too
Families with young kids are a huge part of the vacation rental market, and designing with children in mind can make your property stand out. Set aside a small, safe play area stocked with age-appropriate toys, puzzles, and books—for liability reasons make sure they’re free of small parts. Add a basket of games, soft floor cushions, or even a chalkboard wall to spark creativity. These thoughtful touches help keep kids entertained and happy, reducing those dreaded “I’m bored” moments. Just as importantly, they give parents a break—offering them the rare chance to relax while on vacation. A well-planned kid zone shows families that your space was designed with their needs in mind.
For larger homes, make sure to have multiple spaces for multiple ages. Iron Mountain (above) has a teepee in the kids room, mini kitchen for kids to “cook” while adults cook and a game room for the older kids. This gives the kids something to do and adults a break! Your future guests will breathe a sign of relief when they see these spaces!
Light It Up
Lighting changes everything. Use large windows to bring in natural light and pair them with adjustable blinds or curtains. Add layered lighting with floor lamps, bedside sconces, and dimmable bulbs to set the right mood. A well-lit rental feels bigger, cleaner, and more welcoming.
Lolowood Chalet offers many different lighting options, windows and shades to block our early summer sun. Even lighting in bathroom mirrors can change the vibe, check it out!
Keep Personal Items Out
Guests want to feel like the space is theirs—not like they’re intruding in someone else’s home. Remove personal photos, clutter, and toiletries. Use open shelves and labeled storage instead. A clean, neutral environment gives guests room to relax and make it their own.
Match the Decor to the Location
A great vacation rental reflects its surroundings. Use locally sourced materials and regionally inspired decor to give your space a strong sense of place. Whether it’s driftwood mirrors, lodge-style plaid, or desert tones, connecting your design to your destination makes your rental unforgettable.
Add Small, Easy-to-Replace Touches
Not every upgrade has to be big. Throw pillows made from traditional fabrics, nature-inspired accents, or updated hardware can all elevate your space without breaking the bank. Just make sure items are easy to clean and replace.
FAQ: How to Decorate a Vacation Rental for More Bookings
What design style attracts the most bookings?
Neutral and modern styles tend to appeal to the widest audience. Add personality with local and theme-based decor that matches your property’s location. Give a splash of color to grab the shoppers eye from time to time but dont make it overwhelming. Need help? Cascadia Getaways can assist!
How important is lighting in a vacation rental?
Very. Good lighting makes your rental look cleaner, bigger, and more inviting. Use natural light when possible and layer with lamps and dimmable bulbs. Give guests the options on how to light the space. As important as lighting is you can’t forget the window treatments for our early summers.
Should I decorate based on the location?
Absolutely. Local touches make your rental feel more authentic and memorable. Guests love decor that reflects the area they’re visiting.
How do I keep decor guest-friendly?
Avoid overly personal items, choose easy-to-clean materials, and opt for sturdy furniture. Keep things simple and clutter-free.
What are affordable decor upgrades that make a big impact?
Add large art, local crafts, updated lighting, or new throw pillows. These small changes improve guest impressions and property photos.
At Cascadia Getaways, we believe great design doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few thoughtful updates, you can boost bookings and create an experience your guests will never forget. Need help? Contact us today for expert advice on designing or managing your vacation rental!