Design Tips to Help Increase Your New Smyrna Beach Income

Patio at Sea Coast Gardens III 101


There’s a prevalent misconception among New Smyrna Beach rental property owners that investing in interior design is an unnecessary expense to be avoided.

However, consider this scenario: Picture yourself planning a NSB vacation with your family or opting for a workcation by the shore. Would you prefer a rental that appears dull and uninspiring or one that is stylish and captures the essence of the coastal environment you’re visiting?

Would you be willing to pay a bit more for the latter?

In New Smyrna Beach, most visitors lean towards properties that embody the coastal vibe. This principle holds true for any beach destination.

The reality is that adopting a design-centric approach can lead to higher nightly rates for your rental business. It’s not merely an expense; it’s an investment – one that yields a substantial return.

The visual allure of a beach rental significantly influences the decision-making process for potential renters, playing an integral role alongside factors like price, location, and convenience. A home with tasteful decor will likely outperform a comparable one that lacks an appealing aesthetic, even if both provide the same level of comfort.


1. Look for the Ultimate Composition

Sea View Play Living Area


Crafting the right composition can turn an ordinary and lackluster vacation home in NSB into a picture-perfect listing, ideal for sharing on Instagram. This transformation primarily hinges on your choices in furniture.

Consider infusing a modern touch to avoid giving the impression that your rental hasn’t seen a decor update in decades. Even in more traditional beach settings, there’s always room for sleek and contemporary design.

Incorporating contemporary concepts and design elements will inject style and elegance into your NSB rental. Opt for furniture with clean lines and minimal embellishments. For sofas and armchairs, selecting pieces with slender legs and textured, block-colored, or subtly patterned fabrics can introduce a sense of lightness to the space.

The choice of carpets is crucial. They contribute to creating a sense of space, especially when they extend under multiple pieces of furniture. To achieve a modern look, consider soft colors or focus on textured options.

It’s important to note that there is still a market for larger, more substantial furniture – think “beach house chic.” However, this audience tends to be smaller, older, and more budget-conscious. If the objective of your rental is to generate a solid passive income stream, it’s prudent to design with your ideal audience in mind rather than solely based on personal taste.

2. Narrate a Tale

While a modern touch is valuable, not everything has to adhere to contemporary aesthetics. Vintage, intricate, and pictorial pieces strategically placed can genuinely elevate and impart character to any home rental. A useful tip is to align these pieces with the history or ambiance of the coastal surroundings.

Consider selecting artifacts crafted by local artisans or artworks that vividly capture the essence of the beach locale’s nature or culture. There’s no more effective way to tell a compelling story through your rental space, eliciting an emotional response filled with meaningful connections for your guests.

3. Blend Nature with Artificial Light

Any seasoned designer understands that lighting stands as one of the most crucial components in interior design, directly influencing the perception of any space.

Whether natural or artificial, lighting has the power to enhance colors, textures, and the overall ambiance of a beach rental. Striving for the right equilibrium between natural light and effective artificial lighting is key to elevating your aesthetic.

Incorporating general indirect lighting across the entire space is always a good practice. Table and floor lamps not only illuminate but also imbue your home with emotional impact, often boasting sculptural qualities that can contribute a modern touch or make a bold statement. Additionally, beautiful hanging lights add an extra layer of charm, creating a cozy atmosphere.

For those seeking to amplify natural light within rooms, strategically placing mirrors near or opposite windows can be highly effective.

While natural light is beneficial, there are times when it can be overwhelming. In such cases, curtains and blinds come to the rescue, ensuring that the room is not overly bright. You can play with transparency levels, aiming to diffuse light seamlessly throughout the space. Considering their diverse materials, textures, styles, and colors, curtains and blinds can work wonders for your beach rental’s interior design.

Pro tip: Take into account the sunrise and sunset orientation in your beach rental; this will influence how you arrange lighting options in each room.

4. Infuse Greenery for Vibrancy

Sea View Play Bedroom


A fantastic method to inject personality into your NSB rental is by leveraging the benefits of indoor plants. Beyond aesthetics, studies indicate that people generally find living spaces more invigorating when adorned with beautiful pockets of greenery. This provides another compelling reason to introduce green elements.

House plants strategically placed create gentle focal points throughout the living space. They can enhance the allure of your coffee table and infuse a refreshing, feel-good green ambiance into your bedroom.

Interestingly, they don’t necessarily have to be real. Faux plants are a viable option, offering a refreshing vibe to your interior. These are not only easier to maintain but also, thanks to modern designs, often indistinguishable from the real thing.

Explore nature-inspired art for your walls, particularly in areas like bathrooms where they can evoke a spa-like atmosphere. Integrate natural patterns into furniture and curtains for a rejuvenating appearance.

Consider framing the natural surroundings outside with expansive glass windows to seamlessly bring nature indoors. This approach establishes a perfect connection between the vacation rental’s interior and the coastal landscape, fostering a harmonious blend of the indoors and outdoors.

5. Enhance Your NSB Coastal Retreat’s Outdoor Appeal

Hill Street Hideaway Relaxing Back Yard


When it comes to outdoor areas, whether it’s a balcony, rooftop, terrace, or porch, don’t underestimate their potential to elevate your rental’s value.

Regardless of size, these outdoor spaces provide opportunities to infuse personality. Consider their intended use – is it a social gathering spot or a serene nook for reading with a cup of coffee?

Align your outdoor space with the same interior style, incorporating a well-thought-out mix of furniture, plants, and accessories to impart character and functionality. The upkeep of your outdoor area reflects on the overall maintenance of your property.

By giving due consideration to these spaces, you provide your guests with the perfect retreat within their beach getaway. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook or a vibrant social hub, thoughtful design transforms these outdoor areas into valuable extensions of your beach rental.

6. Bonus Tip: Elevate Your Kitchen’s Elegance

Hill Street Hideaway Kitchen


In the heart of every family holiday rental lies the kitchen – a hub where not just meals are prepared, but where laughter echoes and memories are crafted. It’s more than just a cooking space; it’s the soul of the home, a place where bonds are strengthened through shared moments and the joy of preparing and enjoying meals together. Picture the warmth of a well-designed kitchen, fully equipped to inspire culinary adventures and family gatherings. Beyond the mere aesthetics, this kitchen becomes an invaluable asset, enhancing the very essence of your holiday rental. It’s about creating an atmosphere that invites families to not only cook but to connect, share stories, and weave the fabric of unforgettable moments. So, when you envision the soul of your rental property, consider a kitchen that resonates with the human experience, where the clinking of utensils becomes a backdrop to the joyous symphony of family holidays.

Boost Your New Smyrna Beach Nightly Rental Rates by Investing in Exceptional Interior Design

Always consider your guest profile when making design decisions. Families with children seek comfortable and secure spaces for shared enjoyment. Urban workationers, on the other hand, prioritize a comfortable workspace, perhaps with a captivating view.

Regardless of your approach, take pleasure in decorating your space. Cherish and celebrate it. This endeavor can potentially increase your gross revenues while elevating guest experiences and making their stays even more memorable.

Elevate Your NSB Vacation Rental for Unforgettable Stays and Increased Returns with Great Ocean Condos

The transformative power of thoughtful interior design extends far beyond mere aesthetics; it is a strategic investment that can significantly enhance the appeal and profitability of your beach rental. From blending modern and vintage elements to incorporating greenery and optimizing outdoor spaces, every design choice contributes to the overall experience for your guests. As you meticulously curate your space, keeping in mind the diverse needs of your target audience, remember that good design is not just an expense but a pathway to increased nightly rates and, ultimately, a more memorable and enjoyable stay for those who choose to make your short-term rental their temporary home. So, embrace the creative process, infuse your rental with character, and let each corner tell a unique story, creating an inviting retreat that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.