10 Strategic Design Ideas That You and Your Guests Will Appreciate
- Citrus Velvet
- Aug 22, 2024
- 15 min read
Updated: Jan 3
Let’s address two important items here:
Do you seem to run through linens or furniture quickly?
It’s no question that furniture, linens, or other interior materials tend to wear down quicker in an STR. There’s much more foot traffic, and sometimes guests don’t want to keep it clean. I mean would you want to clean on your vacation? Respectful is one thing, but maybe you aren’t mopping all the time. Yeah, we’re looking you, unused, covered in dust mop over there.
It’s something at Citrus Velvet Interiors that we just understand from the guests’ side.
But what about the Host side? How do you keep the costs of your investment down, while making sure the guests are having a good time and an exceptional experience?
Or better yet, does something feel off in the room, but you can’t put your finger on it?
Do you just look at the design and you just hate it? You’re looking for opinions and help, but while you’re doing that, maybe guests are moving your furniture which ruins your floor, or complaining that something is missing? Automatically this is putting a damper on the guests’ experience, probably won’t give you that 5-star rating, and you still haven’t figured out what to do with the room.
Ayeee caramba!
People can subconsciously feel when a room is off. Maybe it’s something you can live with in your primary home, but it’s a heightened feeling when a guest is in a vacation home.
They have a fresh set of eyes on the environment, they came to relax, enjoy time with the whole family, I mean the list goes on. They are just going to notice things that you didn’t because you’ve grown accustomed to them.
Not your fault, it happens to all of us.
Sometimes you don’t have to do a full redesign. There are simple ways to help both you and your guests appreciate your STR, have a great experience, and keep the wear and tear down to a minimum.
This is a long post so for your convenience, you can skip to whatever section you need below.
Ottomans/Benches at the foot of the bed
Okay imagine you’re the guest in this situation:
You’ve just walked into your STR for your weeklong vacation after you’ve taken a taxi, drove up, or taken a flight. It was an exhausting travel! However, you’re in the STR and it’s looks so peaceful, everything you want for a week.
You start finding the bedrooms to put your stuff down because you’ve been holding it all day and, honestly, it’s heavy. You find the bedroom, maybe you lay on the bed first to see how comfortable it is, but then you want to unpack your things. You plop your suitcase on the bed and unload your clothes in the closet or dresser. You then take the suitcase off the bed to plop it the corner for the rest of the trip.
Next thing you know, your suitcase got the sheets dirty. You know you have to sleep on that! Ugh! Maybe you request more sheets from the host, but they say you’re going to get charged. That’s an inconvenience, and while minor, that puts a damper on the trip, and gets stuck in your head.
Okay this may be an extreme, but think about how many suitcases or bags will end up on those sheets. Quite a few. Some of them are bound to get the sheets dirty and stain them.
Yeah, it could be just part of the business, but I know that I don’t want to constantly buy sheets – that can be a costly expense from the business side.
Having an ottoman or bench at the foot of the bed automatically gives them a place that a.) they aren’t sleeping on and b.) a place to unload their things on a piece of furniture where you can find ones that are stainproof/easily cleanable.
Photography: Alan Wolf of WolfReel Visuals, LLC - Designer: Kayla Meggy of Citrus Velvet Interiors
Subconsciously, an ottoman or bench at the end of the bed represents storage or an utility item. A guest would be more likely to treat it as such and put their things there. If you didn’t provide it then, yeah, the luggage is going on the bed.
This is more for you as the host than it is for the guests, but if you wanted to make it for the guests, I would add some luggage racks around the room. Amazon has them for an inexpensive price.
((Any Amazon product listed is from our Amazon Affiliate store. There is no purchase necessary though. They are merely suggestions.))
BONUS – you can also leave your towels nicely laid out for the guests at the edge/end of the bed. No one is going to want to dirty those towels because they are going to want to use them for the remainder of the trip.
Benches by an immediate entrance
The answer to this one might seem obvious and you’re like well duhh Kayla. You know a place for people to sit and take their shoes off. Nice try – next! However, in ALL the STRs I have stayed in, not one had a bench by an immediate entrance to the outside. I’m not talking a deck or patio. I’m talking an entrance like a front door or back door where your guests can enter with their shoes on.
Going to paint a picture here too:
Say your STR is in the North.
It’s winter season. Ski and snowboard season – bring it on! Don’t forget the snow and slush too! You’re excited to enter your STR because it’s freezing outside and there’s snow on the ground. Now you’re excited to drop your things and take your boots off before you walk into the house. However, there’s no where to sit so you must sit on the floor (the one that’s wet from the melted snow and slush you just walked in), or a couch with a rug under it, and take your boots off. Great…Maybe you sit in it and now your butt is soaked, and at one point you forget and sit on the nice couch that is provided. Get that wet and probably dirty for the rest of your trip.
Or maybe you walk straight in with your boots because there is nowhere to put them or take them off. Now you get the entire floor wet and dirty from the snow.
Mmmm…yuppp…great…
Do you catch my drift here?
In Japan, everyone automatically takes their shoes off before they step further into the house from the entryway. It’s such a respectful way to show your appreciation and care to the home you’re about to enter. It's a concept we're in love with!
Taking your shoes off before you venture more into your home is pretty essential because shoes actually bring in many infectious diseases, bacteria, and dirt from the outside.
Now guests may not do that, and that’s fine.
It's more that you gave them that option to do that rather than not giving them one at all. More times than not a guest will use the benches rather than sitting on the floor.
Photography: Alan Wolf of WolfReel Visuals, LLC - Designer: Kayla Meggy of Citrus Velvet Interiors
It's really a win win for both you and the guest!
For you as the host, it stops the dirt from being tracked all over your STR, helping you or your cleaners with turnover, and keeps the furniture clean and stain-free.
For the guest, it a little attention to detail that helps make the guest feel welcome and makes the place feel spotless.
If you need any help at all trying to find the right materials or products, we have a consultation service that helps you select the right materials and furniture for your STR.
Hooks in Every Room
This design idea is just surprisingly nice to have for both you and the guests. It adds a nice and thoughtful touch, and bonus, can be used as a design element with your STR.
This one does help if you have the ability to stay in your STR because then you can figure out where you might need a hook. It’s not necessary though. You can absolutely look around and figure out where some may be needed. Mostly near doors of any rooms, hallways, bathrooms, or entrance ways. You don't have to go crazy with adding them either. 1-3 hooks near these spots above work well. How many you add will be based off what your space can fit.
Photography: Alan Wolf of WolfReel Visuals, LLC - Designer: Kayla Meggy of Citrus Velvet Interiors
It actually happened in our STR. We were staying in it before we opened it to hosting. We had no hooks near the front door, but we had a bench. I kept leaving my bag either on the bench or on the sofa. It just got in the way. Because there was no place for it, it contributed to the clutter around the place.
Forget the fact that clutter can cause increased stress levels, disrupted sleep, distractions…the list goes on, but that’s a blog post for another day.
It will contribute to your place looking messy even if you had the turnover. Once a guest is there, yes, the place being messy is out of your control, but what if you could help it stay clean even at the subconscious level? Anything up and off the floor will automatically give the feel and look of being clean.
Hooks can help with that. It surprisingly such a small touch, but it goes a long way and just gives your STR that luxury feeling.
Empty cabinets for food
This one is probably the most short and simple explanation. It similar to the above where the grocery items that a guest may have purchased for their stay can easily, EASILY make a place look cluttered.
Imagine this:
Guest wants to cook, but all their groceries are taking up space on the counter tops because they have no where to put the groceries. That is super frustrating!
As a mom, places don’t normally have kid’s dinnerware or cups so we usually have to bring them. That takes up space on the countertop as well. Sometimes we just had a frustrating time cooking. We just worked or were flexible with it, but what if a guest gets too frustrated.
Instead, why not minimize that complaint beforehand, and simultaneously, help to keep your place looking 5-stars worthy?
If you have the space, try to leave one or two cabinets and some drawers empty for them to keep their groceries.
More shelves than décor in the bathrooms
Okay this title probably isn’t the greatest. You don’t need an empty bookstore within your bathrooms. Please bring in SOME décor to make it cozy and bring life to a room that sometimes needs it.
People…well…people have a lot of things for the bathroom. They may not think it, but they do. Sometimes, more than one person is using that bathroom and that means multiple people are going to place their things in this bathroom. It can get overcrowded easily.
I know a person like this. I couldn’t believe the amount of bathroom necessities. This is when I knew…there needs to be more shelves. They can’t be the only one with an abundance of necessities.
Having bathroom necessities on the sink countertops isn’t unheard of, but don’t they just tend to get knocked over? If your sink is near the wall too, those things ALWAYS fall down that small crack between the wall and the sink. Whyyy??
It’s like a black hole that sucks like your travel size toothpaste into it and doesn’t give it back. Then it’s a lost item that the guest might want back. Depending on how the sink cabinet is designed, you might not get it back unless you renovate.
While a shelf just nice to provide for your guests, it is the same concept around clutter as mentioned previously, and helping to just put your STR into that top 1%.
These shelves are always great because they are easy to install and give some warmth to usually a cold room, but definitely go off your design concept. A shelf is a surprising and small way to bring in some cohesiveness to the rest of your rooms/design.
Fire exit map displayed as artwork
I should have put this first, but I LOVE THIS DESIGN HACK, IDEA, I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO CALL IT, BUT I'M IN LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN JUST THINKING ABOUT IT!
Maybe it's my anxiety calling for this one; however, you are responsible for the wellbeing of your guests.
If there is, god forbid, a fire in your STR, you will appreciate it. The guest will appreciate it. Their families will appreciate it. Your insurance company will appreciate it.
For this, I am talking about the YOU ARE HERE fire exit maps that demonstrate what's the best exit for them for where they are currently located.
I know proper insurance has been a guest in a podcast that mentions fire exit maps, but I can’t remember which one. Once I find it, I’ll post it. If someone else remembers, let me know!
If you've read anything about STR ads, some of them mention that you should add floor plans to take away any complaints of inaccuracy. You can use those floor plans to add a fire exit sign. If it’s too cold, you get a 3D drawing or rendering to look warmer within your STR. People can do this on Etsy or Fiverr for a relatively inexpensive price. Add a frame and VIOLA you have décor that looks good and is practical! Make sure you add where they are located within the space and where the best exits are.
Bonus if you can find a light that only operates in emergency situations that you can put above the map. I have never found one…maybe it doesn’t exist…maybe it does. Again, let me know if you find one!
Nightstands with no drawers that double as a charger
Photography: Alan Wolf of WolfReel Visuals, LLC - Designer: Kayla Meggy of Citrus Velvet Interiors
This takes a little searching not going to lie. I only found one that had matched the design within our STR, but having a nightstand with no drawers that doubles as a charger is exactly the design idea that both you and the guest will want.
Disclaimer (or maybe just personal opinion): you definitely need nightstands next to the bed. We’ve been in many STRs that didn’t have nightstands. This one I don’t understand, and maybe it’s just me. Maybe one isn’t needed, but what about an alarm clock? What about charging your phone near you? A cup of water? A book? Pick something, IDK?
Go into the bedroom design with the assumption that people are going to have things, and they need somewhere to put these things.
Say you decide on nightstands. You find some but they have drawers. No big deal, they usually come with drawers or cabinet like doors. Makes sense. Then your guest stays, and they put their charger or their maybe their identification cards in the drawers. Check out time happens, they forget they had put them in the nightstands, and they leave. You have to get them back to the guest, so you have the task of mailing them back.
That scenario may not seem like a big deal. It can be an inconvenience or a hassle though.
Why not try to eliminate that hassle altogether?
A nightstand without a drawer automatically puts all items in the open, reducing or eliminating the problem of forgetting anything.
This is coming from someone who forgets everything unless it’s written down. Goodbye to the greatest pillow that I brought to a STR in VT, and then forgot. SMH.
Additionally, if it’s a night stand that has USB ports or chargers, THAT IS SUCH A WIN FOR THE GUEST. They don’t have to bring their chargers. It’s a great amenity to add and gives such a great little luxury to your STR that guests will appreciate.
If you add chargers for them. You can use these ones that are relatively cheap.
Couch Protectors or blankets on sofas
Think about this scenario for a moment.
Guest brings in a pet(s) you may or may not have known about. It happens. Little did you know that those pets were on your furniture. I mean you can’t dictate what happens within your STR once a guest is there. I can 99% guarantee that those pets are on the furniture, sleeping in the beds, etc.
Maybe you got a leather sofa thinking you can clean it easily. You’re right, you can. What about those pet nails on the leather sofa though? Did it hold up then?
Blankets or sofa protectors can help protect against that, and just add that extra aesthetic layer to your design. Since it screams comfort, your guests will just want to stay at your STR.
This may not be important to you, which is completely understandable. It does add extra linens that have to be washed.
However, we’re all about protecting your investments, and here at Citrus Velvet Interiors we think sofas are an investment.
Photography: Alan Wolf of WolfReel Visuals, LLC - Designer: Kayla Meggy of Citrus Velvet Interiors
Think about it, sofas are one of the cornerstones for communication and connection. You watch movies as a family there, you play games with friends, or even just relax on it. You want a sofa that provides that but is also comfortable and stainproof (hopefully). Something like that can get costly. You will definitely want to put some money (not your whole budget – there’s no need) towards a sofa that will last.
With that being said, because of the amount of money you are going to put into it, I think protecting a sofa is essential. You can get a sofa cover, but you just bought a beautiful sofa so why cover that?
They have stain proof and washable blankets that are so comfortable you will never want to leave the sofa.
These one here I love because you support a small business, they’re washable, and even though they are for dogs, they work for kids! What a plus!
How do I know that? My kids. What happened, glad you asked. My kids love food. They love to eat food on the sofa. They lay down and get comfortable, like all they are missing is their servants (my husband and me) fanning them with a palm leaf. They were messing up our brand new sofas before we had even launched. Nope, no way. I found these blankets and our problem was solved.
The blankets or the sofa protectors don’t have to be expensive. Some of them are great quality for relatively cheap which is get a win, win for your STR.
Washable/Stain proof rugs
Do we sense a theme here? Washable and stainproof. Two words that are evermore important in the materials you need for your STR, especially for any rugs you use.
Rugs cannot be overlooked within your STR either. They help to bring a room together. If you have an open floor plan, rugs help to solidify different areas, almost as if you have closed rooms. The guests can know exactly what space it is and it feels cozy for them, even with everything open.
If you don know what size rug you need this article from Ruggable is perfect. They describe what size you need for each room and their rugs are washable. I think they are on the more expensive side (somewhat), but I have a mix and match of cheaper or relatively expensive in our STR. It helped to balance the budget.
You may not want a rug that is stainproof or washable. That’s completely fine! Maybe there wasn’t one that fit your design.
We only suggest it for two things:
1.) because it helps to save on having to purchase a new rug, say if, red wine spills on it or something similar. That could be a tough stain to get out of the rug.
2.) washable or stainproof help you or the cleaners during turnover. It’s so much easier if you need to quickly wash the rug between guests, especially knowing that the material for this rug is made to be washed.
If you don’t have this little green machine, I completely recommend it for all of your fabric furniture or décor.
Bonus if you layer the rugs (not necessary)! Layered rugs like a jute rug under a different material rug just give your design that magazine, hotel worthy edge.
2 to 3 feet between larger furniture
Woohoo the last one! If you’ve read the entire thing, I commend and appreciate you. There are many things we want at Citrus Velvet Interiors. There are two visions we have for you.
The second, is that you become one of top 1% hosts.
If you don’t want to install any of these design ideas into your STR, you don’t have to! These ideas are mostly to just put your STR over the edge of your competition and get you 5-star reviews.
So with that being said, let’s present the last idea: 2-3 feet between larger furniture.
This is something that they teach at any interior design school. 2-3 feet is the minimum comfort level that you can have between furniture and it won’t feel cramped.
Why is this important? Great question! Remember that first question that we asked way back in the beginning: have you ever walked into a room and it just feels off? This can be a contributor to that. If anything is closer than 2-3 feet, it will subconsciously feel off to whoever walks into the room.
This does not pertain nightstands, end tables, or even stool ottomans – those you can put right next to your larger furniture so people can place their things on it.
This idea is super budget friendly because it doesn't cost a thing! The best kind of cost!
...Maybe this was the shortest explanation yet.
Designing your STR shouldn't be a headache. It should be fun, and it's a chance to be extra creative! Having a clear end vision goes a long way though. Don't forget to bookmark these 10 strategic design ideas which will help you visualize how you design, stand out against your competition, and get those quality guests into your STR.
If you have any questions or comments (or just want to chat), don't be afraid to ask us!
We loved hosting you and glad you had a good stay! Come again soon!
x Citrus Velvet Interiors
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