Your rental has 3 seconds to hook them. A guest scrolls. Another listing. Another. Another.
Then, they stop.
Why? Because your space doesn’t just look nice—it demands attention. It’s warm, stylish, and impossible to ignore. They can already picture themselves there. Morning coffee in that sunlit nook. Late-night conversations around that gorgeous table. That’s it. They book.
Design isn’t decoration. It’s persuasion. And in Hillsborough, CA, where short-term rentals cater to high expectations, the right design choices separate the listings that sit empty from the ones that stay booked solid.
Want your property to be the one that stops the scroll? Let’s answer the five biggest design questions.
1. What Colors Make a Rental Look Luxurious?
The secret? Neutrals—but not just any neutrals.
Forget cold, lifeless white. Think soft, warm tones—creamy beiges, light taupes, rich charcoals. These shades feel upscale, expensive, and, most importantly—timeless.
Want to add contrast? Do it with texture, not color. Layer linen with velvet. Pair matte black fixtures with natural wood. Mix sleek metals with soft woven rugs. It’s that balance—cool meets cozy—that gives a space its this-place-is-amazing feel.
2. How Do You Make a Small Space Feel Bigger?
Your listing photos can’t just show the space. They need to sell the experience. Even if the square footage is tight, here’s how to make it feel open and expansive:
Low-profile furniture: The lower the furniture, the higher the ceilings feel.
Oversized mirrors: A full-length mirror? Instant depth. Place it across from a window, and boom—twice the light, twice the space.
Consistent flooring: One flooring type throughout = seamless flow. No visual breaks = no visual shrinkage.
Layered lighting: Overhead lights alone kill ambiance. Add table lamps, sconces, and dimmers for that boutique hotel glow.
It’s a tiny space with a big impact. That’s the goal.
3. What’s the One Furniture Piece You Should Splurge On?
Easy: The sofa.
Why? Because it’s where guests gather, where they unwind, where they judge the entire space in one glance.
A cheap couch ruins the vibe instantly. But a well-designed, deep-seated, high-quality sofa? It makes the whole room feel considered. Pro tip: Choose a stain-resistant fabric (guests will spill).
Other power pieces worth investing in?
A solid dining table: Whether it’s for dinner, work, or a late-night poker game, this is a multi-use anchor.
A hotel-quality bed: No one remembers the artwork, but everyone remembers a bad night’s sleep.
4. How Do You Add Personality Without Alienating Guests?
A short-term rental should feel unique but not like it belongs to someone else.
The trick? Curated character.
Oversized artwork: Think of one big statement piece, not a bunch of cluttered frames.
Books & magazines: A stack of coffee table books instantly adds style.
Local nods: A Hillsborough city map, a book on Bay Area design—subtle ways to make it feel rooted in place.
What to avoid? Personal photos, religious symbols, anything divisive. Guests should feel welcomed, not like they’re borrowing a stranger’s home.
5. What Are the Tiny Details That Make the Biggest Impact?
The difference between “nice” and unforgettable? The little things.
Lighting that sets a mood: Harsh overhead lights? No thanks. Soft, layered lighting? That’s the good stuff.
A signature scent: Guests don’t just see a space—they feel it. Light, fresh linen. Subtle citrus. Nothing overpowering, just an unmistakable ahhh moment.
Comfort everywhere: Thick, textured blankets. Pillows that aren’t just for show. Rugs that feel good under bare feet. These things matter.
Unexpected extras: A French press. A Bluetooth speaker. A cozy throw by the sofa. Little surprises that make guests feel like someone thought of everything. Because when they do? They leave five-star reviews.
Make Your Space Unforgettable
The goal isn’t just to create a rental. It’s to create a space guests never want to leave. A place that photographs beautifully. Feels even better in person. Gets shared, recommended, and booked again and again.
Because the best short-term rentals aren’t just places to stay. They’re places to remember.
