Profitable STR Makeovers: Before-and-After Renovations in Northeast Florida”

You’ve heard it before: “Design drives demand.” But what does that actually look like in real life? In this blog, we’re diving into real-world short-term rental transformations across Northeast Florida — from tired, underperforming homes to eye-catching, high-revenue properties.

Whether you’re working with a modest budget or planning a full cosmetic overhaul, these before-and-after case studies will give you inspiration and strategy for turning any property into a top performer.

📍 Why Northeast Florida?

From St. Augustine to Fernandina Beach, this region is a goldmine for STR investors — but competition is growing fast. What sets high-performing listings apart?

• Scroll-stopping design

• Clean, cohesive branding

• Outdoor amenities

• Localized guest experience

Let’s look at how three different properties used smart design and light renovations to stand out and command a premium nightly rate.

🏖️ Case Study 1: St. Augustine Cottage Flip

Purchase Price: $395,000
Rehab Budget: $28,000
Design Fee: $4,000
Before ADR: $165/night
After ADR: $245/night
Occupancy Increase: +18%
Annual Net Revenue Lift: +$17,000

🔨 The Problem:

The bones were good — 3BR/2BA with charm — but it was tired. Yellow walls, tile floors from 2002, and mismatched furniture gave it a “budget rental” vibe. The listing sat at a 4.4-star average and struggled to stay booked.

🛠️ The Rehab:

• Repainted interior in warm white (Sherwin-Williams Alabaster)

• Replaced tile with LVP flooring throughout

• Added a navy accent wall in the living room and updated art

• Swapped a clunky dining set for a modern round table with cane chairs

• New light fixtures (Amazon + West Elm mix)

• Outdoor: Added café lights, firepit, and gravel seating area

📸 The Results:

Once re-launched with new photos, the property saw a 40% increase in page views. It quickly hit Superhost status, and average nightly rates rose by $80/night — thanks to elevated design and outdoor ambiance.

📌 Design Tip: One accent wall and a curated color palette can make a room feel intentional without major cost.

🌴 Case Study 2: Fernandina Beach Bungalow

Purchase Price: $495,000
Rehab Budget: $18,000
Furnishing/Design Budget: $12,000
Before ADR: $190/night
After ADR: $260/night
Booking Lead Time Increase: +3 weeks

🔨 The Problem:

This property had been a long-term rental and showed it — stained carpet, outdated kitchen, and zero beach vibes. The owner wanted to make it STR-ready without a full renovation.

🛠️ The Rehab:

• Installed LVP flooring in main living spaces

• Painted the entire home crisp white with pastel accents

• Replaced cabinet pulls and painted cabinets light seafoam green

• Added rattan light fixtures and cane headboards

• Created a built-in coffee bar with a Keurig and open shelving

• Staged a “beach day” setup with chairs, cooler, and towels

📸 The Results:

The home now screams “Instagrammable beach bungalow.” Guests love the curated details, and it gets rebooked by returning guests. The updated listing ranks in the top 10% of similar properties by RevPAR on AirDNA.

📌 Design Tip: You don’t need to gut the kitchen — just paint, hardware, and staging can make it Airbnb-ready.

🛠️ Case Study 3: Jacksonville Modern Loft Conversion

Purchase Price: $345,000
Rehab Budget: $35,000
Before ADR: $140/night
After ADR: $215/night
Weekly Booking Rate Increase: +22%

🔨 The Problem:

Located in Historic Springfield, this property had cool architecture but was bland inside. The owner wanted to attract business travelers and couples, but the space lacked identity.

🛠️ The Rehab:

• Created a bold black-and-white theme with gold accents

• Added custom board-and-batten walls for texture

• Installed modern lighting + smart thermostats

• Built a reading nook with floor-to-ceiling bookshelf

• Converted an unused hallway into a “remote work” station with a desk and task light

• Upgraded bathrooms with matte black fixtures and arch mirrors

📸 The Results:

With new listing photos and branding as a “Modern Historic Loft,” the property now appeals to digital nomads and city weekenders. It performs well year-round, even during Jacksonville’s off-season.

📌 Design Tip: If your property has architectural character, lean into it — not everything needs to feel coastal to be memorable.

🎯 5 Key Takeaways From These Rehabs

1. Design is the ROI engine
   In all three case studies, the biggest gains came from visual upgrades — not structural changes. Paint, lighting, and staging move the needle.

2. Photos are half the game
   All transformations included professional real estate photography. Don’t skip this. Beautiful design means nothing without photos that show it off.

3. Small outdoor upgrades = huge payoff
   Even simple setups like string lights and firepits added major value and drove more bookings.

4. Define your guest profile before renovating
   Beach family? Romantic couple? Digital nomad? Design choices (and amenities) should serve your ideal guest.

5. You don’t need a massive budget
   Strategic updates in the $20K–$30K range drove significant revenue increases across the board — far better ROI than traditional renovations.

🧠 Bonus: Questions to Ask Before You Renovate

• What’s the average nightly rate of the top 10% in my market?

• Will this change improve guest experience or photos?

• Can I recoup this upgrade in 12–18 months through increased revenue?

• Will this lower my turnover or maintenance costs?

• Does this design reflect the location and target guest?

If the answer is yes to 3+ of those — it’s probably worth doing.

💬 Final Thoughts

Renovating an STR is more art than science — but smart design choices, local knowledge, and a clear vision can help you create a space that books itself. Whether you’re reviving a tired bungalow or adding Instagrammable flair to a dated condo, the opportunity is in the details.

In Northeast Florida’s competitive STR market, great design isn’t just a perk — it’s a profit driver.

Want help with your STR design and rehab project?
👉 Reach out to Joseph Ellen Designs — we help investors like you create profitable, memorable homes across Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and beyond.