I’ve Styled 19 Rental Properties—These Details Prompt Guests to Hit “Book”

Photography byAnne Rhett,ByLydia Geisel

UpdatedOct 12, 2018 10:42 AM EDT

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Domino Reno: Before + Afters, DIYs, and Advice From the Pros

Subscribe now to get our newsletter in your inbox.

Grass-free yards, washable slipcovers, off-street parking—Rebecca Ramsay’s priorities may seem somewhat different from most homeowners’, but that’s because she and her husband purchase, design, and manage short-term rentals in Charleston, South Carolina. “We try to make everything party-proof,” she says, laughing. Durability is a word you’ll hear her reference often, though that only concerns property upkeep. When it comes to inspiring people to click “book,” it takes far more than a charming pink pastel door, though curb appeal in the form of distinctive windows, shutters, and historic moldings is something she always keeps an eye out for.

“We want them to say, ‘Oh, I wish I had that in my house,’” says Ramsay. “People book off of aesthetics.” Given she’s overseen 19 rental units (64 bedrooms total) for Guesthouse Charleston, we regard her as an authority on the subject. We spoke with Ramsay about the details that drive reservations and why the refined touches matter.

While it may not be entirely budget-friendly, Ramsay frequently designs kitchens far larger than necessary. “Guests probably aren’t going to cook, but we install beautiful gas ranges in there for them if they choose,” she says. The dishwashers see considerable use, making them another appliance worth the splurge. Yet you’ll never find Ramsay opting for a fridge with a door ice-maker. “They break,” she says plainly. Because the kitchens receive constant deep cleaning, natural stone countertops are a perfectly sound choice (the luxurious feature pays dividends).

White and chrome finishes in the bathroom deliver a clean and classic look, though lately Ramsay has been exploring dark blue and green tiles in the shower. More significant than the aesthetics is the proximity to the bedroom. During every renovation, Ramsay endeavors to incorporate as many full en suites as possible. “No one wants to spend a fair sum renting a house and then have to walk down the hallway to use the bathroom in the middle of the night,” she explains. Whenever presented with the choice between a laundry space or an additional bathroom, Ramsay will always select the latter.

Ramsay’s aim is to provide enough dining chairs to seat everyone in the house, but if that isn’t feasible (due to space constraints), she compensates with an abundance of outdoor seating. While on the subject of dining chairs: steer clear of those with iron legs—they’ll ruin old pinewood floors.

Whether you personally prefer it or not, the TV should anchor your rental’s living room, meaning all furnishings should orient toward it. “We purchase ones that are sometimes larger than I’d like,” says Ramsay. Assume guests will want to catch a game or binge Netflix during their stay.

A king-size bed is the sort of feature that makes you feel as though you’re in a luxury retreat. “You’ve got this generous, cozy mattress; plush linens; beautiful pillows—something you want to dive into,” says Ramsay. Just be sure to forgo the skirt and opt for one with a footrail instead. “The fabric never looks right no matter how many times you adjust it; it’s always getting shifted around,” she notes.

“We never do grass, ever,” asserts Ramsay. A lush yard sounds appealing in theory, yet for a good portion of the year, it never appears as pristine as you’d hope. Ramsay embraces hardscaping, laying brick and bluestone in varied patterns to keep the patio space engaging. By the same token, she avoids plants with flowering seasons and selects evergreens. “Hydrangeas turn into sticks, and you don’t want to be in a garden with a bunch of sticks,” she says. It’s the little things that make for a memorable getaway.

Photography byAnne Rhett

Lydia Geisel has been on the editorial team at Domino since 2017. Today, she writes and edits home and renovation stories, including house tours, before and afters, and DIYs, and leads our design news coverage. She lives in New York City.

Learn more about Domino.comEditorial Standards