✍️ Written by Melody Pokrzywinski, Lead Designer at Joseph Ellen Designs
Hey! I’m Melody — and I’ve designed hundreds of vacation rentals across Florida. Want to turn your STR into a scroll-stopper that also runs like a hotel? Here are my top 5 design tips that balance style and revenue.
Guests (and algorithms) love visual drama.
Try:
📸 Use your boldest corner as the first photo on your Airbnb listing.
Skip the 5-piece living room sets. Instead, pair:
Texture = depth = bookings.
Guests want to feel like they’re in St. Augustine, not Omaha.
Ideas:
Bad lighting = bad photos + low ambiance.
Add:
Warm bulbs only. Period.
Guests remember the little touches.
Include:
Design isn’t about price tags — it’s about intention. Build a space with personality, comfort, and story, and guests will come back and leave better reviews.
Need help turning your STR into a 5-star experience? Let’s chat: josephellendesigns.com
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