Design Tips, Investment Properties
Shauna Lynn Simon
Expert Advice for Your Vacation Rental Property

If you own a vacation rental property (or are looking to invest in one), you know that designing a short-term rental cottage that stands out from the competition is key to attracting renters and earning repeat business. With the growing popularity of short-term rentals and Airbnb properties, it's important to create a space that not only looks beautiful but is also functional and comfortable for guests.

In this article, we'll provide you with expert tips and insights on how to design a short-term rental cottage that will have guests raving and coming back year after year. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to update an existing space, this guide will provide you with the inspiration you need to create a truly exceptional vacation home.


Start with the Basics

Before you start decorating, make sure you have all the basics in place. This includes…

Expert Advice for Your Vacation Rental Property

Let the light shine in...

Cleaning your windows means not only will they look good, but you'll actually save on energy costs. Studies show that cleaner windows let in more sunshine and light, and help to keep your energy bills down. Here are some tips to help make them sparkle:

1. Washing windows should be done on a cloudy day, to help prevent streaking. The sun dries the cleaning solution faster than you can clean it.

2. Newspaper really does clean windows best and it also applies a film that makes them resistant to dirt

3. Clean windows with a solution of water and vinegar (2 parts water to 1 part vinegar). If you have previously cleaned with commercial cleaners, add a 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap to the bottle for the best clean. Commercial cleaners often leave a wax type film on the windows that can't be removed with vinegar alone.

4. Use a cotton swab to get into the corners of the windows

5. When cleaning the exterior of windows, wash first with a squeegee or sponge and a bucket of water/vinegar to get the bulk of the dirt off, then wipe to a sparkling shine with newspaper

Humane Society Redesigned Education Room Coming Soon!

The Education Room at the KW Humane Society is almost complete, compliments of Beyond The Stage Homes! A fresh coat of paint and some updated accents are putting a fresh inviting feel into the room. Come check it out this weekend! They are having their adoption drive tomorrow 10:00-4:00. Already have a cat that you would like to have microchipped? Stop by between 10:00am and 1:00pm to have it done for only $25:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=115885315163525

For those that have been following my facebook posts, Baloo is still looking for his forever home! He is a sweet, 2 year old male neutered black cat that has been at the centre since May 11th. Did you know?? Black cats have the lowest adoption rate! If you know of anyone in the KW area looking for a great addition to their home, please send them to KW Humane Society to meet Baloo, or send them the link below:

Houseplants for Natural, Fresh Air

In staging, I always advise my clients to remove any artificial air fresheners from their home when they list. While you want your home to smell wonderful, you want it to be light and inviting scents, however artificial air fresheners can be strong and overpowering, and for anyone sensitive to strong scents, these can actually be offensive. The other reason that I advise this is that these strong scents have a way of hiding other odours, and you want to your home to smell fresh naturally, so that potential buyers don't think they're in for any surprises.

The best way to achieve this is with houseplants. Houseplants with sweet-smelling blooms include gardenias, jasmine, and citrus. Herbs are also a great alternative, such as Basil or Rosemary. Houseplants will also help to clean the air that you breathe in your home. The natural filtration process within plants can remove up to 87 % of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from the air, according to NASA research.
So go ahead - breathe easy!

Painted Ceiling and Wallpaper Create a Fantasy Bathroom

Is it wrong to say that my powder room is now my favourite room in the house? Often when I start a design project, I fear that the vision that I have won't translate into reality. Other times, it's better than I imagined it. Thanks to an amazing colour match by the team at Colour Your World in Waterloo, the ceiling turned out the perfect colour, and my first attempt at hanging wallpaper, while not exactly flawless, turned out spectacular. Although I chose a bold design route with this, you can achieve similar effects with a more subtle colour than pink. Dare to break from the norm - ceilings don't need to be white, and wallpaper is great is any room when done right. It is also easier than ever to apply and remove. Check out the amazing transformation of this small powder room in the before and after pictures!

Bathroom_-_before Bathroom_-_after
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