#122: Creating Standout Short-Term Rentals: Data-Driven Design Strategies with Brianna Amigo

Designing Spaces That Attract and Convert

Want to know how to make your short-term rental stand out in an increasingly competitive market? In this episode, I sit down with Brianna Amigo, an expert in short-term rental interior design, to uncover her proven strategies for creating spaces that not only attract guests but also drive more bookings.

Brianna takes us through her journey as both a short-term rental owner and a design professional, sharing how her personal experiences have shaped her unique design philosophy. She reveals how she uses in-depth market research to make informed decisions, ensuring that each property resonates with the right guests. You’ll hear about her process for sourcing the perfect products, balancing design with budget, and her approach to creating interiors that leave a lasting impression.

If you’re ready to elevate your short-term rental and deliver an unforgettable guest experience that keeps people coming back, Brianna’s insights will provide you with the tools to take your business to the next level. Tune in to hear actionable strategies, expert design tips, and the key to turning your space into a guest magnet—perfect for anyone looking to enhance their rental and increase bookings!

Why Design Matters for Short-Term Rentals

In an oversaturated market, a well-designed space can be the key differentiator that makes guests choose your rental over others. Brianna highlights the impact of strategic design choices, including:

First Impressions Count: Guests make booking decisions quickly based on visuals—a thoughtfully designed space increases conversion rates.
Function Meets Aesthetic: A beautiful rental is important, but functionality ensures a seamless guest experience.

Data-Driven Design: Market research helps align design elements with guest preferences, ensuring higher occupancy rates.

Key Takeaways

[00:03] Introduction: Meet Brianna Amigo and her journey to becoming a short-term rental design specialist.

[02:37] From Design to Ownership: How Brianna specialized in short-term rental design before purchasing her own rental property.

[04:02] Owner’s Perspective: How Brianna’s experience as a rental owner influences her design approach.

[05:58] Setup Logistics: Managing overwhelming packaging when furnishing a short-term rental.

[07:12] Product Selection: Ensuring quality and accuracy when choosing online furnishings.

[08:30] Market Research: How research helps create standout properties in competitive markets.

[11:31] DIY Research: The time and effort required to conduct your own market research.

[13:13] Budgeting for Data Insights: How third-party data scientists help analyze market trends.

[15:36] Actionable Design Strategies: Turning data insights into effective interior design.

[18:24] Balancing Client Preferences: Managing contrasting design preferences between property owners.

[23:25] Budgeting for STR Design: Navigating different expectations when it comes to furnishing a rental.

[25:20] Sourcing Materials: Brianna’s favorite places to find high-quality furnishings.

[29:15] Kitchen Styling: How to incorporate unique, personal touches to elevate the space.

[32:12] Family-Friendly Spaces: Why cozy and functional living areas matter for guest satisfaction.

[34:02] Bedroom Comfort: Creating a restful retreat that enhances the guest experience.

[36:12] Outdoor Appeal: Using data to optimize outdoor spaces and drive more bookings.

[38:27] Amenity Budgeting: Allocating funds to enhance outdoor features for better guest satisfaction.

[39:41] The Lightning Round: Quick insights and takeaways from Brianna.

Golden Nuggets

“I’m really focused on quality. I don’t want to fill your property with a bunch of inexpensive options that, of course, are going to fit the budget but also not withstand the wear and tear of short-term rental usage, that are not easily maintained, and potentially break on a guest because it’s poor quality.”

“Outdoors is definitely something that should not be neglected. It’s usually one of the top reasons why people book properties, and so we want to make sure we really highlight that throughout the design, and we’re fully amenitizing the space.”

“For me, one of the most important parts is having a community of people around me who get what I’m doing, who understand me, who support me, and can give me words of wisdom when I’m lost.”

Elevate Your Short-Term Rental with Smart Design

Whether you’re setting up your first rental or refining an existing one, Brianna’s insights provide a clear roadmap for making strategic design choices. By leveraging market data, prioritizing quality, and balancing aesthetics with functionality, you can create a standout short-term rental that maximizes occupancy and guest satisfaction.

Ready to transform your vacation rental business? Tune in now!