Turning a dated rental into a five-star guest experience? Challenge accepted! This project took me to the World Golf Village area, where I transformed a newly purchased condo into a bright, inviting retreat that travelers can’t stop raving about.

The Challenge: A Dated Space in Need of a Refresh

When my client reached out, she had just closed on a condo she planned to split into two rental units. The space had good bones but needed a major refresh—think outdated décor, dull paint colors, and lighting that wasn’t doing the space any favors.

She wanted a functional, stylish, and guest-ready space that felt cohesive and welcoming, all while staying within a $20,000 budget—a tall order considering we needed to stock both units with kitchen essentials, fresh linens, updated lighting, and a more modern design aesthetic.

The Plan: A Fresh and Functional Upgrade

I started by focusing on high-impact changes that would immediately elevate the look and feel of both units. The goals?

✔️ Brighten the space with a fresh color palette
✔️ Upgrade lighting to enhance ambiance and functionality
✔️ Improve guest experience with thoughtful amenities and design details
✔️ Maximize comfort in both units, despite space constraints

What We Updated

🔹 Paint & Color Palette: We swapped out the outdated hues for a lighter, fresher color scheme that instantly made the space feel bigger and brighter.

🔹 Lighting & Ceiling Fans: New light fixtures and modern ceiling fans brought a contemporary touch while improving energy efficiency.

🔹 Window Treatments: Room-darkening curtains ensured guests could sleep comfortably, no matter what time zone they were coming from.

🔹 Art & Décor: She wanted a touch of tropical and coastal charm, so we curated artwork that reflected the beauty of the area. These small touches gave the rental a boutique-hotel feel.

🔹 Acoustic Tile Feature: Since the property was divided into two separate rentals, privacy was key. In the studio unit, I installed a decorative acoustic tile wall treatment—not only did it add color and texture, but it also helped absorb sound between units. The result? More peace and quiet for guests on both sides.

🔹 Stocked to Perfection: A rental property is only as good as its amenities. We fully stocked both units with:

• High-quality bedding and linens (because no one likes scratchy sheets!)

• A well-equipped kitchen, including an air fryer, coffee maker, and tea kettle ~ Click here for you curated list of essentials.

• Essential cleaning supplies and toiletries to make guest stays seamless

The Result: A Five-Star Guest Experience

The transformation was immediate—the updated space felt modern, cozy, and thoughtfully curated. More importantly, guests noticed the difference! This rental quickly earned rave reviews, with travelers praising the comfortable design, peaceful atmosphere, and attention to detail.

Takeaways for Vacation Rental Owners

If you’re thinking of upgrading your rental, here are a few lessons from this project:

✨ Focus on impact: Paint, lighting, and thoughtful design details can completely change a space.
✨ Prioritize guest comfort: Invest in quality linens, good lighting, and functional kitchen tools.
✨ Think about privacy: If you have a multi-unit rental, soundproofing elements can make a huge difference.

Looking to elevate your vacation rental with a designer’s touch? Let’s chat! I specialize in custom vacation rental design that blends local charm with modern comfort—without blowing your budget.

📩 Book your complimentary Discovery Call, and let’s create a space your guests will love!