Designing for Experience: What Makes a Luxury Vacation Rental Unforgettable??

Let’s be honest, the guest experience is extremely critical for creating an unforgettable luxury vacation stay. Guests remember how a space feels. We absolutely cater to that emotion through storytelling; we design for emotion, not just aesthetics. This amazing view of a mountaintop private villa creates an ambient mood for rejuvenation + reconnection, while the Bali villas creates connectivity with romance + intrigue. The mood has been set through the intended design choices within the built environment. I’m so here for that. Let’s gallivant through distinct architectural design choices that are intentionally shaping guest satisfaction + repeat bookings.



Let’s be honest, the guest experience is extremely critical for creating an unforgettable luxury vacation stay. Guests remember how a space feels. We absolutely cater to that emotion through storytelling; we design for emotion, not just aesthetics. This amazing view of a mountaintop private villa creates an ambient mood for rejuvenation + reconnection, while the Bali villas creates connectivity with romance + intrigue. The mood has been set through the intended design choices within the built environment. I’m so here for that. Let’s gallivant through distinct architectural design choices that are intentionally shaping guest satisfaction + repeat bookings.



Here’s stunning examples of how architecture + design play a front-seat role in evoking emotions for luxury vacation stays worldwide and why guests keep coming back.






I agree with Coco, luxury must be comfortable, otherwise, is it truly luxury?? As a seasoned design professional, intentionality is not just a buzz word, but the thread of what we do. Comfortable luxury is a given with textiles, thread counts, plush seating, light control….all these elements play a major role when curating for luxury vacation rentals. Think soft, plush, and lavish.




Setting the ambience is imperative. This is a majestic example of a short-term luxury villa that exudes comfort, unity, and relaxation. I can imagine guests sitting fireside with cocktails watching the sunset with loved ones…so chill. Team decompress for the win!



Other gorgeous case studies of purposeful connection with nature, loved ones, and even oneself. I adore how the design really creates intimacy as well as community. Such a beautiful balance done with precision.



There are so many variations and meanings of what is luxury. To me, luxury is the ability to disconnect with the day-to-day hustle and bustle and reconnect with indulgence to my inner soul and loved ones in seclusion. What does luxury mean to you? It could mean opulent dining, exquisite shopping, and exclusivity. Or it could mean quality services that rejuvenate, privacy, and bespoke dining experiences. It is different for every guest. Our job, as design professionals, is to create an environment that evokes various emotions based on location, proximity, and each space within the villa or chalet or chateau or hacienda.






Let’s get into these spaces…spatial great rooms are definitely a gathering spot for family vacations or maybe multiple couples retreat. Having great architectural design features like gorgeous fireplaces, stunning ceiling details and heights, and breathtaking views through marvelous + stately windows help lend guests into creating fabulous memories and unforgettable experiences, which in turn means more bookings for short-term rental owners. That’s a great return on investment if done in a spectacular but profound way.







Yassssssss!
— Renae


Now we are all aware that the kitchen is the heartbeat of the primary home, however, it remains true even in luxury vacation rentals. Fabulously designed kitchens actually book rentals quickly. Guests can either hire private chefs or gather together and cook for themselves, nevertheless, having the flexibility and functionality is key. Let’s wander through some beautiful examples of how great architectural design shapes guest satisfaction in a popular utilitarian space: the kitchen!










Depending on the type of vacation you’re embarking on or the vibe you’re creating, these are dope examples of various perspectives that will tickle your fancy! Love!



Impactful in so many ways! I’m here for all of it!



Yes indeed!
— Renae


Moving into the guest bedrooms, where guests want to feel pampered and relaxed. They also want the comforts of home, but to be reminded they’re on vacay. A luxurious vacay. A memorable vacay. So every detail matters. I have some illustrations of what I call excellent amenities for guests from the romantic couples to the fabulous singles trip to the marvelous family getaways. I have a lil’ something something for just about everybody to indulge in. For the luxury vacation rentals owners, these sublime spaces is what keeps luxe guests coming back for more!









Especially when you are surrounded in indulgence + opulence!










I’m telling you….I’m drawing the vision and making it plain. Yes, indeed. This passion has created purpose for me…to curate thoughtful + livable spaces that intentionally promote wellness + encourage curiosity. That, to me, is what good architectural design is all about.




Please do not dismiss the impact of a spa-like bathroom to indulge in as guests….it’s the ultimate pampering experience. Soaking in bubble filled tub with a glass of bubbly or enjoying a steamy shower in the state-of-the-art shower system, the pampering limits are endless. So good! Oh so good!








Extremely true, which is why, investing in luxury vacations is good for the soul and on the other hand for the owner of luxury vacations rentals, it’s a good return on investment. The right team of professionals will curate that unique story so that guests really remember how unforgettable their vacay truly was. It’s the emotion for me. A win-win for all parties involved.

Also, worldwide travel allows for exploration of different cultures, civilizations, and cuisines: the world’s ultimate education. Now elevate that with premium living quarters and then you can really have the best of BOTH worlds. Culture + Luxe! Winning!



My inner self has this mantra on repeat…it’s what makes me ME.



I hope you enjoyed all the vibes of designing for experience as I did. It’s a niche of design that I cater to because vacations are so essential and absolute vital getaways in my opinion. Refreshing oneself or reconnecting with loved ones or splurging on yourself and family is one of many ways to unplug, decompress, and rejuvenate before going back to “life”. Life definitely has a way of “lifing”…so you deserve to be pampered. Let’s do it elevated. Yassss!

Until next time,

Live.Love.Design!

xo Renae

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Some Design Love…Coming at You!

See what all the rave is about! The quality, the selections, the customized features, and yesss the pricing! Don’t shop your local furniture retailers feeling stuck in a box, imagining the space looking quite differently, but yet they do not offer those amazing options. I’m your concierge of interior decor and furnishings. I got you!

HIYA…GUESS WHAT?

Calling all SHOPPERS!! Sola Design is heading to Market in High Point, North Cacalacky! Yessss, THE biggest furnishings market WORLDWIDE! I’ve been before and it was bananas…or should I say bananas and cream!! Yum Yum Yum!

Hunti, anything you can dream up, I can assist you in executing. I can personally shop for your business or home curating each piece to build the desired aesthetic! Yesss! It’s CandyLand for designers and retail establishments! This is where we get our goods!

Shop with me wholesale and see what I can curate for you and your space!

See what all the rave is about! The quality, the selections, the customized features, and yesss the pricing! Don’t shop your local furniture retailers feeling stuck in a box, imagining the space looking quite differently, but yet they do not offer those amazing options. I’m your concierge of interior decor and furnishings. I got you!

I can show you variety that you have never seen before!! Do you want your space to look like Karen’s or Susan’s? Noooo, you want your space to reflect YOU personally OR your end users (your clients) commercially. Either way, I have your brand aesthetic in mind!

Save the date! And contact me if you’re looking for something special or something specifically for your needs! I got you! #Promise


Until Next Time,


xo Renae

Live...Love…Design!
(Photographs Courtesy of my iPhone Photo Album)

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Destination + Travel, Architecture Renae Walker Destination + Travel, Architecture Renae Walker

Travel Tuesday! Where shall we go?!

South Africa has SOOOOO much to offer! Culture, history, architecture, cuisine, views...the list goes on and on! I would absolutely die to see this country! Just leave me there a couple of months so I could see EVERYTHING! Well almost everything, I’m sure it’ll take me WAY longer than that! 

I’m all here for a journey across this planet! I’m a national traveler looking to be a world traveler like my hubby (prior to meeting him—-I dare him to go on a trip without MOI lol), my mom, and my sister! I’m ready to explore this world with you via Instagram! Here’s to my top 6 places I would LOVE to go in 2K18!! Grabbing my passport and suitcases, LEGGO!  



This beautifully stunningly gorgeous water, my island roots take me to Bora Bora instantly! This is my bucket bucket bucket list destination! The tiki huts with the glass bottoms and luxurious interiors...I’ll take a month for 400 Alex!  


Please transport me here NOW! The Maldives delivers a powerful and beautiful punch! Go go gadget TRANSFORM! Lol. The sunset alone is breathtakingly beautiful! Ahhhhhh! 



South Africa has SOOOOO much to offer! Culture, history, architecture, cuisine, views...the list goes on and on! I would absolutely die to see this country! Just leave me there a couple of months so I could see EVERYTHING! Well almost everything, I’m sure it’ll take me WAY longer than that! 




I’m all here for skyscrapers and architectural goodness! Here’s to Dubai! There’s more to it than dune buggies and camels! I bet the nightlife here is BEYOND!  




Tokyo, Japan is a desirable destination for me because of the culture, food, and history! I would love the experience and definitely the exposure!




We will briefly end our world tour in Australia. The land of the down under! So much culture there, I want to be absorbed into it. Beautiful!

You know my tropical senses has this list a little biased, but I do have an extensive list of places I would love to see! This was just this year alone!  

Until next time, 

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

(All photos courtesy of Instagram)  

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