As Pensacola Beach professional vacation rental managers, we meet many owners who view the interior design of their vacation condos and homes as a cost. At Pensacola Beach Properties, we beg to differ; we see interior design as an investment that yields great returns.
Rental industry insights show that most travelers seeking short-term rentals are looking for a place that exudes character and style relevant to the location they are visiting.
In other words, people are not interested in staying in uninspiring homes.
In this business, a rental with an appealing interior design will invariably perform better than a plain one, even if they objectively offer the same level of comfort.
If you're wondering how to enhance the decor of your Pensacola Beach rental, this blog is for you.
In the following paragraphs, we'll provide some excellent interior design tips for rental condos and homes in Pensacola Beach, accompanied by a case study analyzing some of our properties to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Get ready for a design masterclass!
These three rental condos are located in close proximity to each other in Pensacola Beach, and they provide an equivalent level of comfort along with very similar amenities. Each of them boasts great decor elements that contribute to their overall appeal, yet there are some key aspects that could be improved.
Let's delve into the specifics of their interior design.
When it comes to designing your vacation rental, choosing the right mix of furniture makes a big difference. Most people looking for short-term rentals nowadays prefer spaces with a modern, contemporary appeal, rather than ones that boast intricate or ornate furniture.
Even if you have a traditional setting, you can still add sleek and stylish pieces to your space.
Here are some tips to achieve that modern touch with your decor:
It's a great idea to pick minimalist pieces with textured or block-colored fabrics and thinner legs to make the place feel elegant (avoid too many ornate or intricate designs).
Neutral color palettes with whites, grays, or other muted tones evoke a sense of sophistication.
Integrating different materials such as metal, glass, and wood makes the space more visually interesting.
Open shelving is also great to showcase some nice artifacts and design objects.
Aim to declutter your space, choosing pieces that serve a purpose.
Hard surfaces, such as tile or hardwood floors, make it easier to clean and maintain, especially in beach settings where sand tracks into homes.
Maximize your view with large windows, especially if they open to the sea.
Pro tip: carpets are also an important element in creating a sense of space and can be used to complement your furniture choices. For a modern look, opt for carpets with soft colors or interesting textures.
The living room at Portside Villas Unit 13.
Portside Villas boasts a great furniture mix. They chose more muted tones for their walls, couches, and carpet, which helps build an airy vibe and a sense of timeless elegance. This color scheme also goes extremely well in beach surroundings, especially with the sea views from the window incorporating the ambiance.
To complete the atmosphere, the discreet rug covers a large enough area to encompass multiple pieces at once, enhancing the sense of spaciousness and sophistication.
The living room at White Sands 459.
White Sands was a little bolder in its color scheme choices, opting for stronger shades of blue. Still, it's a smart move in a beach setting and, once again, it relates well with the view out the window.
Another strong point in its decor is the mix of materials, such as wood and metal, which helps make the space more dynamic and interesting.
Pro tip: if your goal is to earn a good amount of income from your rental, it's better to design your space to cater to your target audience rather than solely reflecting your personal taste. Most people nowadays prefer modern and contemporary touches over intricate and antiquated decor.
When designing for investment purposes, remember that less is more. Opt for universal and bright colors that appeal to a large group of people. Keep the design clean and versatile to attract a broader audience, enhancing the property's market appeal.
We strongly recommend you take a more contemporary approach to your rental, but that doesn't mean you can't experiment with some vintage pieces. In general, when chosen thoughtfully, they can really elevate and give character to your rental, especially if you pick them to match the history or allure of your surroundings.
Objects made by local artisans, as well as artworks that evoke the essence of Florida, are excellent for creating a theme in your Pensacola Beach rental. A more themed experience helps to create a more memorable stay for guests.
The living room of Sans Souci 405.
The living room at Sans Souci incorporates a variety of clever artworks and statement pieces to capture the essence and culture of Florida. For example, the choice of paintings reflects a beachy culture and the world-famous Florida sunsets.
Moreover, there are many details that evoke seashells, marine life, and elements like driftwood. Driftwood is, interestingly, incorporated in sculptural lamps (something we'll discuss in more detail a bit later).
Also, once again, the color palette predominantly features light blues and creams, perfectly creating a beach-themed decor.
Picking a theme for your beach property works very well when designing the space for families with kids. You can get even a little more playful when designing their rooms - what about designing a room that kids would love to walk into?
Family room at White Sands 459.
White Sands allows itself to be quite playful with its family room, making the most of its mezzanine. Both the ladder with the "off-limits" touch and the internal window add extra charm to the room's nautical-marine decor.
For bedrooms, we suggest choosing a bunk bed design where both the top and bottom bunks are full-sized beds. This configuration provides more sleeping space and is also suitable for adults.
Extra tip: when picking your theme, a good way to start is with the name of your rental. Choose something simple, like a color or a reference to something around you, and then carry it through the different spaces of your rental. But avoid being too literal and aim to create a memorable vibe that people are not consciously aware of.
Most interior designers will tell you that light is a crucial element in creating a decor that's on point; it can enhance colors, textures, and the overall mood of any space. For rental properties in Pensacola Beach, there's a good way to go about it, and that's balancing natural light with artificial light.
For artificial lighting, try to provide the entire room with indirect options, such as table and floor lamps and pendants. These have a great effect, especially when they relate to your theme and bear a sculptural quality. Besides, they'll make your ambiance a lot more cozy.
Concerning natural light, it's great to have it coming through large glass windows. Still, too much of it can be uncomfortable for some people, especially in the Sunshine State! Hence, it's a great idea to give guests the power over how much light comes in from outside with blinds and curtains. They not only help them control their preferences but also add an extra layer of charm to your decor if you play with textures, styles, and colors.
Mix of natural and artificial light in Sans Souci 405.
Sans Souci does a great job balancing between natural and artificial light. They boast beautiful table lamps that relate to their beach theme and a rather sculptural pendant above the dining table. Moreover, they have a nice curtain to block the sunlight from coming in if it ever becomes too much.
Pro tip: steer clear of LED 'daylight' bulbs or fluorescent lighting as much as possible; they can be very uncomfortable for the eyes and can ruin the ambiance of any room.
Industry insights show that people who choose short-term rentals over hotels often do so because they want to exercise some culinary creativity in the kitchen. As a vacation rental owner in Pensacola Beach, you can leverage this insight to enhance the appeal of your rental.
Kitchens are important gathering spots in any family vacation, and they offer the perfect excuse for people to create some splendid memories together. For that reason, a pleasant, fully equipped, high-quality kitchen will unquestionably enhance the appeal of your property. It's also great to have them integrated into the living space to enhance sociability.
The kitchen at White Sands 459.
The kitchen at White Sands is spacious, integrated into the living room, and very well equipped. The cabinets are in soft white color, and the countertop, although it could be in a more luxe material, is in a color that doesn't interfere with the overall decor of the condo.
Great interior design will boost the revenue of Pensacola Beach condos.
As a professional rental management company in Pensacola Beach, we'd say that, in general, the closer your cabin resembles a genuine, well-crafted home with unique and considerate details, the greater the chances guests will enjoy it and take good care of it.
Final pro tip: decorating your space is your opportunity to celebrate it, so whatever you decide to do with it, have fun in the process!
For more insightful tips to manage your vacation rental in Pensacola Beach, head to our blog. We love sharing the insights gained from years of experience in the industry.
