Preparing Rental Property: Landlord Design Etiquette

Whether preparing a fully furnished apartment building for annual rentals or decorating a lakeside cottage to be rented by the week, there are certain considerations that should be kept in mind before you begin.

A recent article in the ABC News Travel section inspired this post, as the piece discussed a common travel issue of etiquette.  Three related couples set off for a holiday getaway, but there is immediately a disagreement about which couple will get the king size bed. 

While it is not uncommon for resorts and apartment buildings to make use of varying bed sizes, this does raise an interesting point for landlords around the world.  How will your space welcome guests?  As stated above, this same principle can be applied to a basic studio apartment in the middle of a congested city or to a 50-acre resort property in the Caribbean.  The first impression can make or break your chances of enticing clientele.

So, if you are going to furnish a space for others to stay in, stop to consider the problems that could be caused by a poorly executed décor choice.  If you believe that couples will come together in the space, then provide them equal living arrangements, so battles do not ensue.  Stop to consider what you would want in a space.  Obviously, a design budget will limit what you can provide your guests, but a comfortable bed does not have to be expensive.  Discount bedroom sets can give the space a homey feel without breaking the bank.  Even the extras, like a bar space for enjoying time with friends can be made special through unique bar stools and beautiful artwork.

While the bedroom layout is undoubtedly important, there is also the matter of setting the mood as soon as the person steps in the front door.  A small room with bulky furniture will give the space a cramped feel and a large room with too few, or too small pieces can become overwhelming or all-together uninviting.  Attention should be paid to color choices, fabric textures, and layout.  Be sure that the first room a guest sees paints a picture of what life could be like while staying at your property.