Before-and-After Case Studies: Profitable STR Rehabs in Northeast Florida

Designing short-term rentals isn’t about HGTV magic or endless budgets — it’s about intentional upgrades that lead to real revenue jumps.

In this post, we’re pulling back the curtain on real-life before-and-after transformations of STR properties right here in Northeast Florida — including:

• The upgrades they made (and why)
• What it cost
• How it affected nightly rate, occupancy, and reviews
• Takeaways you can use in your next STR rehab

Let’s walk through three profitable case studies from the Deal Room network to show you how smart design = more dollars.

🏡 Case Study #1: Beach Bungalow in St. Augustine

Property Type: 3BR / 2BA
Purchase Price: $460,000
Renovation Budget: $28,000
Before: Beige everything, dark rooms, tile countertops, tired furniture
After: Bright, coastal-boho aesthetic, open concept, new furnishings, styled outdoor lounge

🔧 Key Upgrades:

• Painted entire interior in Chantilly Lace white
• Removed upper cabinets to open up kitchen sightline
• Replaced dated furniture with clean-lined wood and rattan pieces
• Added vinyl plank flooring throughout
• Built a backyard fire pit area with string lights and Adirondack chairs

📸 Photos Before:

• Poor lighting, zero staging, dated decor

📸 Photos After:

• Clean, airy, and full of life — designed with photography in mind

💰 Results:

Payback Period: 6 months
Standout Feature: The photo of the fire pit at sunset — it tripled clicks on Airbnb.

💡 Takeaway:

When in doubt, go light, bright, and design for the lens.

🏙️ Case Study #2: Historic Home in Jacksonville’s Springfield District

Property Type: 4BR / 3BA
Purchase Price: $515,000
Reno Budget: $42,000
Before: Good bones, but dark wood paneling, mismatched furniture, outdated bathrooms
After: Mixed old and new — preserved charm but added STR-ready function and polish

🔧 Key Upgrades:

• Painted interior a mix of white and sage green with black accents
• Added wallpaper in the dining room for a wow moment
• Upgraded all lighting to brass + matte black fixtures
• Refreshed both bathrooms with vanities, mirrors, and subway tile
• Created a second living area with a sleeper sofa and games

💰 Results:

Payback Period: Under 7 months
Standout Feature: The mix of modern lighting with original fireplaces — massive review mentions.

💡 Takeaway:

Preserving character while adding STR functionality creates high-end vibes without full gut renos.

🌴 Case Study #3: Pool Home in Palm Coast

Property Type: 3BR / 2BA with pool
Purchase Price: $540,000
Reno Budget: $55,000 (including backyard and furnishings)
Before: Plain-Jane 90s stucco home with cracked tile and dead landscaping
After: Modern desert-meets-coastal oasis with a photo-perfect backyard

🔧 Key Upgrades:

• New LVP floors throughout
• Converted dining nook into office space with sleeper sofa
• Entire backyard makeover: pavers, pool resurface, pergola, and lounge furniture
• Created 3 Instagrammable vignettes (swing chair, mural, bar cart setup)

📸 Featured in:

• “Top 10 Airbnbs in Palm Coast” travel blog
• Booked 18 weekends in a row within first 3 months post-launch

💰 Results:

Payback Period: 5–6 months
Standout Feature: Poolside mural + boho swing chair — both featured in multiple guest photos and IG shares.

💡 Takeaway:

Designing Instagrammable moments = free marketing and higher booking velocity.

🔍 5 Design Patterns from High-ROI STR Rehabs

Across these case studies, 5 clear patterns emerged:

1. Design for the camera. Every standout listing had 3–5 photos that made you stop scrolling.
2. Build to your guest avatar. Family-friendly touches, bachelorette vibes, or remote worker setups — it was never generic.
3. Lean into location. Local art, surfboards, coastal colors — guests want to feel like they’re somewhere unique.
4. Create “zones” instead of filling rooms. Reading nooks, work-from-home desks, outdoor dining zones — function equals value.
5. Style the details. Every case included curated books, styled open shelves, custom welcome signage, or color-coordinated kitchens.

✋ Want to Run Your Own Reno?

Here’s what the best rehabbers we work with do first:

• Audit the property’s revenue potential → Use our Deal Analyzer
• Walk through with an STR lens → Will this improve photos? Experience? Ratings?
• Set your max budget and ROI goal → e.g. $30K cap for $15K annual revenue boost
• Work in phases → Prioritize photo-first upgrades before full gut renos
• Book photos at least 1–2 weeks after final install → Buffer time saves stress

🏁 Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Being Fancy — It’s About Being Strategic

The most profitable STR rehabs aren’t the most expensive.
They’re the most intentional.

Design to your audience. Create camera-ready moments. Upgrade where it counts. And measure the results like a business owner — because that’s exactly what you are.

Want Help Planning Your STR Transformation?

We offer:

• Before-and-after audits
• Vendor referrals in Northeast Florida
• Full-service design and furnishing packages

👉 Get your free STR Design ROI Worksheet
👉 Book a call with the Joseph Ellen Designs team