Some Do's and Don'ts for Painting Your Short-Term Vacation Rental

Posted on: 7 February 2022

The decor of your short-term vacation rental unit is key to improving occupancy and charging a good price. But what should you know before you start painting the interior? Here are a few important dos and don'ts.  

Do Use a Simple Palette.

The three-color palette is a great choice for rentals, as it provides sufficient variety but makes it all look cohesive. Start with a primary color for the majority of walls, then opt for a complementary second color that supports it on trim, doors, and even some furnishings. Finally, a third accent color provides fun contrast, such as on an accent wall or to liven up the front door. 

Don't Be Too Neutral.

A smart rental owner uses a somewhat neutral color palette to avoid decorating with anything that causes strong negative reactions in potential guests. But don't go overboard with neutrals and end up with a washed-out or boring look. A home that's all white, all beige, or all grey may not stand out among competing rental options. 

Do Take Local Inspiration.

When travelers book a private rental home, they want something that feels homey and has a local flavor. After all, they can get a generic lodging experience from any large hotel chain. So use the local community and environment as your inspiration. A coastal cottage might use an ocean palette, for instance. And a rental next to a popular sports stadium might even incorporate the team colors. 

Don't Let Dirt Be the Enemy.

Avoid colors and paints that won't hold up over time. Renters may not treat your home as though it were their own, so work with this instead of constantly fighting scuffs, chipping, dirt, and streaks. Darker shades, for example, might be better than lighter ones in terms of hiding wear and tear. 

Do Use a Whole House Approach.

Think about your rental in terms of the entire space rather than separate rooms. A whole-home approach coordinates the entire home with a single unified color style and palette. You can mix up the use of these colors — including substituting one of the three core colors in rooms or changing their hues — but stay consistent overall. 

Want more tips for deciding on and executing the color palette for all interior spaces? Start by meeting with an experienced painting contractor in your area. With their recommendations for popular color schemes, quality paint, and integrating contrast colors, you're sure to create a rental that visitors will love to call their temporary home. Contact a company like Carvey Painting & Decorating Inc to get started. 

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