Architectural Design Secrets to Higher ROI in Short-Term Luxury Rentals…..Yes Indeed!
This has been the buzz phrase for quite some time now. Curating your luxury short-term rental around quiet luxury is ideal to appeal to the masses and the wealthy. The sophistication and refinement allows for comfortable elegance, which is always at the top of my list as a design professional. Plush fabrics, comfy upholstery, and various layers of lighting help set the tone.
Keeping it real…as within my habitual candor. Great design isn’t an expense- rather an investment. It’s all about the flow of the space, how the space reads + feels, and the dope materials utilized to help tell “the” story. I’m ready to spill the tea on some lil architectural design secrets to higher return on investment just for my owners of short-term luxury rentals. If you’ve been wondering what it takes to transform your ordinary vacation rental to extraordinary luxe accommodations using tangible measurables, well let me share some of my secrets with you. I got you!
Soooo, here’s the situation at hand: most STR (short-term rental) owners misinterpret how simple architectural design decisions, like for example, layout, lighting, and material selection can translate into measurable profit and 5-star reviews.
Now, we’ve already discussed how we, as design professionals, intentionally design for an emotional + unforgettable guest experience, which encourages repeat bookings. Yesss! However, you must first get guests to book that luxury accommodation with you. You ask, well how do I do that? That part is actually simple: hire an experienced luxury architectural designer! First secret is out! Now, why should I invest in an experienced luxury architectural designer when I’ve been getting bookings with my own design scheme? Hmmmm… let’s get into that, shall we?
From a design perspective, we can pinpoint the full potential of the short-term rental and maximize it to the fullest utilizing design principals + elements to intentionally promote wellness, unity, and rejuvenation while encouraging curiosity. Through thoughtful imaginative planning and curating of elevated materials, we create classic but rather unique spaces that flow effortlessly evoking a positive feeling of balance, harmony, + order. Those simple design decisions is the difference between a 3 star review and a 5 star review or repeat bookings annually versus no repeat bookings at all. Luxury is always in. Luxury is always plush. Luxury is always ideal. It’s a lifestyle. It’s in high-demand. You can have it for your short-term rental. Yes, YOU CAN!
This has been the buzz phrase for quite some time now. Curating your luxury short-term rental around quiet luxury is ideal to appeal to the masses and the wealthy. The sophistication and refinement allows for comfortable elegance, which is always at the top of my list as a design professional. Plush fabrics, comfy upholstery, and various layers of lighting help set the tone.
A neutral color palette mustn’t be boring or monotonous; the use of varied textures, patterns, and shapes create excitement while maintaining tranquility in the best sense. In the best purpose. Just for your VIP guests. These secrets are exactly how we translate the tangiable measurables for your ROI. Your villa is now known for the having the best spa bathroom in town or the best great room to get cozy with family and friends or the best outdoor space or the best kitchen to chef it up with friends….remember, you’re selling the experience and giving the luxe accommodation to partner that exclusive experience.
“AbsoFreakingLutely!”
I cannot stress this enough: quality will never fail you. Quality over quantity, dahling.
Ensuring that you’re strategically maximizing your architectural design potential with key decisions will separate you from the pack. Especially, if your villa or chalet or bungalow is not themed out, but rather classic, stylish, and plush. Those luxurious details will not be overlooked….and will highlight your investment in many ways for many years. Trust. I promised to share some secrets….and yes indeed I shared; let’s do a quick review:
Hire an experienced luxury architectural designer.
Curate around comfortable refined luxury aka quiet luxury.
Use textural neutral color palettes.
Utilize high quality materials.
As always, it is my complete joy to share my passion and educate as well. Hoping you guys enjoyed the spilling of the tea…I spilled some drops here and there. Most short-term rental owners really do not know what we do and how we do “it”, nevertheless, I love sharing and answering any questions regarding design processes and/or expectations. I wholeheartedly mean that. I’ve always felt that I was born to create, it’s in my blood…it’s my purpose.
Until next time,
Live. Love. Design.
xo Renae
(Pictures courtesy of my Pinterest)
Relaunching of Website Alert + MY Top Architectural Design Trends in Luxury Home Renovations for 2025! Hello November!
Serving professional clients who value and appreciate the expertise + talent of design professionals is half the battle. Luxury architectural design is an art form as well as a science. There are, of course, the basic design principles along with design elements, however, the overall space planning and flow of how a family lives in that space is just as important if not more than the principles themselves. I stand by that. Curating the space to elevate + capture the spirit of the client is premium as well as respecting the architecture. Designing with intention. Designing to promote wellness + serenity. YES!
First, let me say…..HEY LOVES! I’ve wholeheartedly missed you guys and yes, we have lots to catch up on, nevertheless, I am excited to reveal the relaunching of our studio’s website! Welcome! Welcome! God is faithful. He provided me a voice + talent to share and betcha by golly wow, I will be in obedience and share with passion + purpose!
This last year has been a tremendous mindset shift for me. I’ve had to pivot my entire perspective and my business model as it relates to whom we serve. I had long deep talks with God for months and months and months. I’ve learned a lot about myself and honestly, still learning. This shift has become a re-emergence of my mind, body, soul, and business acumen. I’ve re-aligned myself completely with God’s will for my life and re-centered every aspect of my being. I’m humbly grateful of how God has used me. When I once thought I was buried, I was actually being planted…and although they initially feel the same, they’re actually quite the opposite. Yes, you are under the dirt + feel isolated, however, when you are buried, there is nothing but death and stagnation. On the contrary, when you are planted, yes, you are still under the soil + feel isolated, however, God is nurturing you, strengthening you, feeding you, watering you to grow + to completely surrender to Him. Eventually you will sprout beyond the soil and see the light again….so yesssss, I’m a working progress, but aren’t we all? Absofreakinglutely!
So I’m re-emerged and stronger than ever! Like I’ve said before, God is faithful. Our shift in our business model is not much of a shift to us, we are actually pivoting back to how we conducted business prior to Covid. Yup…Covid was overwhelming for our industry as a whole and most of us were booked + busy, but not in a positively healthy way. We were on serious BURNOUT, sometimes taking on clients we would NEVER take on prior to Covid. I’ve wholeheartedly learned my lesson of the power of “no” and I’m sure my colleagues worldwide have many fiery stories of lessons learned within their firms + studios….nevertheless, the saying holds true: what does not kill you, can only make you stronger.
Serving professional clients who value and appreciate the expertise + talent of design professionals is half the battle. Luxury architectural design is an art form as well as a science. There are, of course, the basic design principles along with design elements, however, the overall space planning and flow of how a family lives in that space is just as important if not more than the principles themselves. I stand by that. Curating the space to elevate + capture the spirit of the client is premium as well as respecting the architecture. Designing with intention. Designing to promote wellness + serenity. YES!
I couldn’t agree more with this quote from Albert Hadley.
Which leads me to my top architectural design trends in luxury home renovations for 2025! Every home holds untapped potential…it just takes a visionary eye to reveal it. Smart sustainability, quiet luxury, and spaces that seamlessly blend sophistication with plush comfort, I am here to walk you through some fave trends we’ve been seeing this year and will continue to see in the coming year. Yessssss to this neutral bombshell! Highlighting architectural features such as the fifth plane (the ceiling) is always a must, especially if you have amazing ceiling heights. Capitalizing on natural light with the fabulous window/door combination allows your circadian rhythm to stay intact which promotes wellness. Utilizing natural materials enhances the overall warmth and aesthetics of the space, creating a sense of calm + peace. Let’s face it; peace is the new luxury. Can I get an AMEN?
This is absolutely correct for me!
Another stunning example of architectural design featured through window and door placement. So good. You will definitely continue to see this trend…it’s a classic.
Again, the fifth plane allows for robust potential with lighting and defining spaces creatively. Natural lighting for the win! The artificial lighting is on point as well, let me add. All the details is what makes the design so essential, so layered, so luxe. We cater to those tiny and plentiful details. For example: one customized piece, whether it’s cabinetry, fabric, upholstery, lighting, etc. has a minimum of 101 check points of decisions and tasks that a design professional must complete.
So true, Charles Eames, so true!
Luxury home renovations are uprising and stable, even in a down market. The kitchen typically is the starting point of the renovation, so making sure to capitalize on all untapped and most times hidden potential is crucial to creating value and longevity for the client and the luxury home resale market. It’s a win-win! Ensuring that you are winning is choosing wisely. The right team of professionals is key: the right luxury architectural design professional, the right architect, the right general contractor + the right landscape architect as well as the right luxury real estate agent if needed will make a huge difference in your before and afters. Trust!
Gathering loved ones together creates unity and fond memories. I know that is the case for my family, and I bet that is the case for yours. A great family room has great flow, comfortable plush seating with layers upon layers of various fabrics + patterns, maybe even an awesome focal point of a sublime fireplace that centers the space, and dope layers of lighting to create a mood and experience for your loved ones to vibe in. There’s also fabulous layers of fabrics through draperies, rugs, and pillows that harmonize the space with saturated hues or graphic patterns or textural beauties. Accessories are the icing on the top. The minuscule details tell the story of a well-designed family room + dining room….your talented architectural designer will assist you with telling your family’s story. Here are a few stunning examples of great use of highlighting architectural features such as fireplaces, windows/doors, the fifth plane (ceilings), built-ins, and cased openings. Yessss!
Great views, plush seating, textural fabrics, majestic lighting, and a cozy feeling is the right mix of indulgence for me. What about you?
My top architectural design trends also extends to the exterior….as clients are definitely utilizing their outdoor spaces with intention. Collaborating with talented landscape architects and pool designers assist in telling the story of the interiors. The vision remains consistent and always intentional. Always intentional.
Remaining authentic to strategic design decisions and of course to myself is what grounds me + drives me. These exterior and landscape trends aren’t really trends, but classics and essentials to families. They allow for time together outside enjoying one another + creating more memories. That’s always my goal. Creating more memories with the people I love in a space that feels welcoming and creative and functional. Even if it’s the great outdoors! Those were awesome examples of strategically utilizing the landscape with the architecture of the home beautifully. Ohh la la.
Of course, wellness is on the top of most of our minds, especially since COVID. My top architectural design trend for luxury home renovations include curated home gyms housing all the wellness bells + whistles: infrared light saunas, steam showers, ice plunges, meditation areas, natural light, greenery, etc. This is by no surprise, but definitely well-thought out spaces reflective of the needs and wants of our exclusive clients. Wellness is priority. It’s intentional. It’s wealth.
Primary suites are great investments for luxury home renovations included in 2025. The homeowners desire a refuge from the hustle and bustle of life’s busyness. Their suite becomes their sanctuary and deservingly so. Here are a few great examples of architectural design features that add value, but more importantly create restful dwellings utilizing bold designs. Elevated material choices + inspiring space planning create luxe primary suites to enjoy for years to come….and for me + our clients, that’s timeless + magnetic!
That’s a mouthful of truthfulness! Say that!
We cannot forget about our little ones in the top trends for luxury home renovations in 2025. I will say that I have noticed more focus in secondary bedrooms with secondary homes for our clients, like lake homes, beach homes, chalets, etc. Also we’re noticing more influx of projects with short-term vacation rentals within this area of secondary bedrooms, especially with bunk rooms. I did not want to disappoint in this well-sought out space that’s highly valuable to many residences. It’s an environment of playfulness, laughter, games, and pure enjoyment for children, teens, and even adults, young and mature. These elevated spaces are designed to incorporate the same character of the rest of the home with thoughtful design choices that highlight the architecture and promote unity within the environment. They add value with the built-in bunk beds and amenities. That’s a winning strategy for sure! Love!
Excellent, thoughtful design development is critical to achieve success in a project’s outcome. Our studio utilizes various techniques with design development, however, our most successful approach is through storytelling. We explore and curate around a diverse amount of details gathered from our clients, their lifestyle, and their architecture. Those conclusions are showcased to highlight our clients, their exclusive lifestyle, and their respective architecture in a harmonious + balanced way. An authentic way. An intentional way. A unique way that speaks to you. I love that about architectural design. It’s unique darling.
Not only in design, but within also. There’s only one of you. Remember that. I’m speaking from experience….
Lastly, let us not forget about our utilitarian spaces that are the workhorse of our homes. Great design extends to these necessary areas as well. Done with finesse. Done with boldness. Done with intention. I cannot say that enough. It’s a core value. Let’s take a look at some stunning examples of lavish laundry rooms for luxurious home renovations for 2025!
I like. I like.
That rounds out my top architectural design trends for luxury home renovations for 2025. These vital spaces: kitchens, great rooms, outdoor living spaces, home gyms/wellness areas, primary suites, bunk rooms, and laundry rooms are in high-demand. They create value and promote wellness in myriad of ways exploring creativity, functionality, and indulgence. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with you loves. I know it’s been a long break since last time we chatted, however, I’m genuinely back! God has big plans for me and I am wholeheartedly walking in obedience.
It’s the first week of November! A new month! New opportunities! New blessings! New mercies! I wanted to share a prayer that has gotten me through this year; hopefully, it can encourage you as well.
God, I am so grateful that I’m called by Your name. Even though I am imperfect, You still call me Yours. Each day, I want to live up to that calling and become the person You created me to be. Please help me to be more humble, to seek You more, and to turn away from things that are wrong. Thank You for Your willingness to forgive and restore. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Until next time,
Live.Love.Design!
xo Renae
Pics courtesy of my Pinterest.
dark + moody….and oh so good!
Well, I hope you kinda shifted your perspective on what is ‘too dark’. However, if you haven’t, I’d like to add that just a touch can go a long way. You do not have to go to deep end to simply enjoy a dark + moody aesthetic, but you can definitely see that the amazing use of these customized color palettes can successfully impact different effects while creating the desired emotions in your space.
One thing I constantly hear as a professional architectural designer from many residential clients besides the need of transformation + change of course is what they think and perceive as being too dark as it pertains to their home’s color palette. I hear ‘that’s too dark’ sooooo much, that I just had to speak on it, plus completely provide another design perspective on just how beautiful and fabulous a dark + moody aesthetic can actually be in your dwelling. Just how appealing and comfortable and livable a dark + moody aesthetic can precisely deliver, is exactly the reason I want to share some inspiration your way.
Yes, darkness is a mood. Issa vibe. But, did you know that with any and everything in life and beyond requires balance? Of course you knew! So with darker aesthetics, designers, including myself have to balance the space with lighting, contrast, movement to create an arrangement in a way that does not allow any one element to overpower another….and that is strategically accomplished through the design principles.
Let’s say bye bye to the all white kitchens. Yesssss! Even the most beautiful white kitchen needs some type of contrast to make it pop, make it sing, make it timeless. I mean let’s be completely honest, what exactly were we thinking, an all white kitchen is not even practical. But, I know that most love white kitchens, so what I propose is simply adding layers, contrast, and textures to give depth and set a mood. White upper cabinets will do the trick. It will help create a light and airy space, but ground that baby with darker base cabinets and if you have an island, try a dark + moody color to ground the island as well. Your cleaning routine will thank me later.
I mentioned textures + contrast before….when you are creating a dark + moody aesthetic, offset with mixing textures throughout the space as well as adding contrast with the furnishings to make the space pop.
This also applies to the exterior of your home. Dark + Moody strikes again! #Yessssss
The energy that exudes from these darker hue palettes is calming, sensual, relaxing, chill….and I am hear for all of it! Grown + Sexy.
Would you live here?
Ok, so when I create a custom color palette for my clients, I can specifically determine and curate where a dark + moody aesthetic can play well in your home. It may be in small batches, like furnishings or accessories, or on your trim and molding, or simply as an accent wall, but if you are open to creating drama using a darker hue, I will find the perfect solution for you. Oh snap! I rhymed.
Color saturation, shades, hues, and tones all play critical roles in selecting your perfect dreamy moody palette for your space. Based on natural or artificial lighting, architectural features, existing interior materials, I will most definitely assist you with selecting the perfect color balance that will deliver that mood or that vibe you are seeking to achieve. In design school, color theory was extremely important and still is. I use the science of color theory every single day, because particular hues and colors can create different types of feelings, emotions, moods, etc. so I’m strategic in where and what intensity I propose the color to be utilized. As your design professional, I can set the mood you are wanting to achieve in the space and there is a darker hue for almost every mood, hence, dark + moody aesthetics. See, we are definitely going full circle.
Well, I hope you kinda shifted your perspective on what is ‘too dark’. However, if you haven’t, I’d like to add that just a touch can go a long way. You do not have to go to deep end to simply enjoy a dark + moody aesthetic, but you can definitely see that the amazing use of these customized color palettes can successfully impact different effects while creating the desired emotions in your space.
Say hi Jaedon!