Design & Construction
Design That Pays Off: Where STR Owners Should Spend (and Where They Shouldn’t)
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Design is not about personal taste.
It’s about conversion, comfort, and durability.
At Deal Room, we analyze thousands of guest reviews — and the same design factors come up again and again.
High-ROI Design Investments
1. Mattresses & Bedding (Non-Negotiable)
The mattress is the most reviewed item in any STR.
Spend here
- Hotel-grade mattresses
- White, layered bedding
- Extra blankets in closets
🔗 Related guide:
Best Mattresses for Airbnb: Keep Guests Sleeping and Reviews Soaring
2. Lighting That Photographs Well
Bad lighting ruins great homes.
Best practices
- Warm bulbs (2700K–3000K)
- Table lamps in every bedroom
- Statement fixtures in dining areas
🔗: Design to Dominate: How to Make Your STR Stand Out and Justify a Higher Nightly Rate
3. Living Room Seating for Full Occupancy
Every guest should have a seat — always.
This directly impacts:
- Group bookings
- Family stays
- Review sentiment
4. Outdoor Spaces That Add Revenue
Outdoor upgrades are ADR levers, not decor.
🔗 Next read: Backyards That Book: Outdoor Spaces That Drive Higher Occupancy
Where STR Owners Overspend
❌ Ultra-custom cabinetry
❌ Fragile decor
❌ Trendy furniture with poor durability
❌ Finishes guests don’t notice
Design should support reviews and photos, not Pinterest boards.
Design = Revenue Strategy
When done right, design:
- Improves listing CTR
- Justifies higher nightly rates
- Reduces negative reviews
That’s ROI — not aesthetics.
DealRoom Team
Deal Room is your trusted source for smart, actionable insights in rental property investment and management. From financing and tax strategies to design and operations, we help landlords and investors make confident, informed decisions.
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