@Elegant-Homes-Retreat0 I beleive I answered to this some time ago so just republished it again here 🙂
The hosting adventure began back in 2009 when my husband and I were searching for a retirement home in sunny Florida—a place we could eventually enjoy in our golden years.
We stumbled upon a stunning home that completely captured our hearts, but it was priced at about three times our budget 😊. The Realtor assured us, "Oh, don’t worry about it. You can list it on VRBO and rent it out to offset the costs." At the time, I had no idea what VRBO was, so I did some research and thought, "Well, maybe this could work."
Fast forward to January 2010, and we found ourselves proud owners of a charming condo in Clearwater Beach, Florida, which we began renting out on VRBO. What started as a simple plan to secure a retirement home unexpectedly turned into the beginning of a hosting journey—and eventually, my full-time business.
The Clearwater Beach condo came furnished, but it wasn’t exactly a dream setup. It had dreary furniture, mismatched linens, carpets that had seen better days, and some outdated tile. Still, the space was lovely, and it didn’t take much effort to rent it out on VRBO.
Back then, the standards for design and amenities weren’t nearly as high as they are today.
Looking back now, I realize how much I’ve grown to love interior design. Every property I’ve worked on since that first condo has been a reflection of this passion. I’ve learned to create spaces that are not just functional but also visually appealing—perfect for both guests and photos.
When I take on a new space, the first step is ensuring it has "good bones." Often, this means addressing basics like flooring, paint, or other updates before diving into the design process. I enjoy the challenge of rehabbing spaces just as much as designing them. Once the foundation is set, I focus on creating a blank canvas that’s ready for transformation.
Here are some of the key design elements I’ve honed over the years:
**Furniture Scale:** Working with smaller spaces means being mindful of proportions. Oversized furniture can make a room feel cramped. I often use sectionals in living rooms but ensure they’re not too deep or tall. If I can’t find the right sectional, two love seats or small couches arranged in an L-shape work beautifully.
**Color Palette:** I lean toward a monochromatic style with varying shades of the same color and pops of brightness through pillows, artwork, or even a fun-colored interior door.
**Artwork:** Large-scale pieces make a big impact, even in smaller spaces. Instead of multiple small frames, I prefer one statement piece—like a 60x36-inch print over a bed or couch.
**Rugs:** Room-sized rugs are my go-to. They anchor the furniture and create a cohesive look. I don’t splurge on rugs and often use affordable indoor-outdoor options from Amazon in living areas.
**Lighting:** Lighting can transform a space. I use stylish ceiling fixtures in kitchens and hallways, under-cabinet lighting where possible, and pendant lights over sinks. Affordable options from Home Depot or Lowe’s work perfectly.
**Ceiling Fans:** In the South, ceiling fans are essential for air circulation. All bedrooms and living rooms feature fans with LED lights that can dim or adjust color modes.
**King-Size Beds:** Guests love the luxury of king beds when traveling. If you go this route, make sure to include four king-sized pillows per bed—nothing feels more disappointing than undersized pillows on a king bed.
**Nightstands and Lamps:** Every bedroom has nightstands on either side of the bed (or wall shelves if space is tight). Each nightstand gets a lamp for added functionality. Living rooms also feature floor lamps and small table lamps to create layers of light.
**Plants:** Whether real or artificial, plants add warmth and character to a space. Since I’m not always nearby, I mostly use artificial plants paired with good lighting to create shadows and depth.
**Minimal Décor:** Less is more when it comes to short-term rentals. Minimal decorations reduce clutter, simplify cleaning, and minimize breakage or theft risks. While we’re in beach locales, I avoid overloading spaces with seashell motifs or "beachy" word art. A subtle nod to the location is enough.
Finally, cleanliness ties everything together. Thanks to my 17 years in the cleaning business before becoming a full-time host, I know what truly clean looks like—and I hire only the best cleaning teams to maintain that standard. Freshly rehabbed spaces with clean lines and clutter-free designs make this easier to achieve.
The positive feedback from guests about my well-decorated, clean, and comfortable spaces is incredibly rewarding. What began as an unexpected journey has blossomed into a fulfilling passion for interior design. I’m excited to continue creating memorable experiences for my guests while pursuing something I truly love.
Karen
