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With so many vacation rentals available, it takes more than just a nice location to make yours stand out. What really stays with people is how a place made them feel comfortable, inspired, and welcomed. The rentals guests remember tend to have something personal. A layout that flows naturally, details that feel considered, and a certain charm that sets the tone from the moment they arrive.
Boutique hotels do this incredibly well. They’re known for spaces that feel curated, full of personality, and effortless in their style. Bringing a few of those elements into your rental can turn an ordinary stay into something guests want to share and repeat.
Here are seven design ideas inspired by boutique hotels to help you give your space that extra layer of warmth and character.
1. Design a space that feels relaxed
This style picks up on the feel of Scandinavian and Japanese homes, spaces that stay simple, calm, and easy to enjoy without adding too much. The look is clean, the atmosphere is calm, and the details are few but intentional. It works especially well in smaller apartments or city rentals where space is limited and clarity makes everything feel more open.
Use soft, neutral colors like ivory, beige, or pale gray as your base. Choose furniture that feels light and unobtrusive—something with simple lines that doesn’t overpower the room. Incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, or linen to bring in warmth. Good lighting is key too—go for soft lamps, diffused overhead light, and avoid anything too harsh or cold.
What makes this style so effective is how everything has breathing room. Nothing feels cramped or cluttered. The space doesn’t try too hard, it just works, and guests can feel that the moment they walk in.
2. Bring in stories from around the world
Some guests love walking into a place that feels like it holds memories and meaning.This style pulls in bits and pieces from different places, things picked up on travels, handmade items, or anything with a bit of story behind it. It works well for guests who enjoy spaces that feel lived-in, personal, and a little unexpected.
You can layer in well-loved textiles, vintage rugs, and handmade items that have character. Use a mix of colors, patterns, and textures that feel playful but not chaotic. Add furniture with history or detail—wood pieces with a story or artisan-made décor that stands out in a quiet way.
The goal is balance. Let each object have space to breathe. When everything in the room feels chosen and purposeful, it starts to tell a story guests can connect with.
3. Let nature shape a quiet space
Many boutique hotels create a deep sense of calm by bringing nature into the experience. One way to bring in that same feeling is by turning your place into a quiet, earthy spot where guests can take a breath, unwind, and feel grounded.
Start with warm, natural tones—think terracotta, sage, sand, or soft olive. Use materials like bamboo, linen, cork, or reclaimed wood. Add plants in thoughtful spots and let natural light be part of the design by using light-filtering curtains or wide, open windows.
To build on that sense of calm, consider offering small extras like essential oils, a yoga mat, or a hammock if you have outdoor space. This kind of design fits beautifully in cabins, beach homes, or rentals surrounded by trees—places where the view becomes part of the room.
4. Blend mid-century style with something current
Mid-century modern has a way of staying relevant. The simple lines, warm woods, and well-made pieces still work just as well today as they did years ago. With a few small tweaks, you can keep the charm but make it feel right for how people live now.
Bring in a few classic pieces, like a walnut credenza, a tulip table, or a sculptural lounge chair. Play with bold colors like mustard, teal, or burnt orange in your accents. Use geometric patterns for textiles or rugs, and choose lighting that nods to the 50s and 60s without going full retro.
This style works especially well in older homes or modern apartments in creative neighborhoods. You can pair the vintage feel with modern touches like smart locks, speakers, or sleek kitchen finishes—to keep it both nostalgic and practical.
5. Create a calm coastal look
When your rental’s close to the water, it makes sense to lean into a coastal feel. The key is to keep it light and easy, something that feels lived-in and breezy, not overly themed. Think of it more like a calm home by the sea than a beach souvenir shop.
Use colors like soft white, sky blue, seafoam, and sandy beige to keep things light. Go for fabrics like linen and cotton that feel breathable and soft. Furniture in natural or whitewashed wood adds a sun-worn feel, and sheer curtains let in as much daylight as possible.
Avoid filling the space with coastal clichés. Instead, let the mood come from texture, light, and a few thoughtful details like a driftwood bowl or woven baskets. When done well, this style feels open and timeless. It invites guests to relax fully and enjoy where they are.
6. Let raw materials add personality in industrial spaces
This look draws from city lofts, converted factories, and creative urban spaces. It’s bold, stylish, and tends to attract guests who love a little edge in their environment. It works especially well in apartments with exposed details, big windows, or open floor plans.
Keep the character of the space visible. Let brick walls, concrete floors, exposed pipes, or steel beams be part of the design. Use industrial-style lighting like Edison bulbs or metal pendants. Bring in darker colors and balance them out with leather, wood, or layered textiles that add warmth.
A rug under the sofa, a few plants, or a modern piece of art can help soften the space just enough to keep it from feeling cold. This look is perfect for urban rentals that want to feel cool, comfortable, and a little unexpected.
7. Design a cozy escape made for two
Many guests book vacation rentals for special moments, anniversaries, honeymoons, or just a weekend to reconnect. When you design your space with romance in mind, it becomes a go-to spot for couples who want something warm and memorable.
Use soft lighting—lamps that dim, candles, or simple string lights—to create a gentle glow. Layer the bed with soft bedding, cozy throws, and maybe a canopy if the room allows. Choose warm colors like blush, ivory, or dusty rose. Add small details like a velvet chair, a vintage mirror, or fresh flowers on the table.
If you want to go the extra mile, include a welcome basket with wine and chocolates, or create a little breakfast corner with a view. These thoughtful touches make a big impression—and they’re often what guests remember most.
Why boutique-inspired design makes a difference
When people talk about a place they loved staying in, they almost always talk about how it felt. The spaces that stay with guests are the ones that feel cared for, a little unexpected, and designed with intention. That’s what boutique hotel design does so well and why it works beautifully for vacation rentals too. By leaning into this kind of design, you create:
- A strong identity that sets your space apart
- Beautiful photos that guests want to share
- Comfort that feels meaningful and memorable
- A deeper connection that brings guests back
You don’t need to redo everything to get there. Sometimes it only takes a few changes, better lighting, updated art, or some textured pillows and throwsto give the whole place a fresh, welcoming feel.
Choosing the right style for your property
Start by thinking about who your guests are. Are they couples on a weekend escape, families on vacation, solo travelers, or digital nomads who need a calm space to work? Knowing your audience helps shape the design.
Then consider your location. If you’re near the beach, surrounded by trees, or in the heart of the city, let that setting guide your choices. It also helps to set a clear budget so you know what’s possible without stretching too far.
Pick a style that feels timeless, something you can maintain easily between bookings. And once you’ve found the right direction, carry it through every part of the rental so everything feels connected and intentional.
Make your space one to remember
Designing your rental with intention adds something meaningful to every stay. Whether the space feels calm and simple or full of color and personality, the goal stays the same—to create a place that feels welcoming, personal, and easy to enjoy.
At Veranda Interiors, we help bring that vision to life. From full makeovers to simple updates, we guide each project with creativity, experience, and attention to detail. Let’s create a space your guests will love and never want to leave.