Design Tips to Increase Your Rental Rates in Destin

Discover 5 smart design ideas to help your Destin vacation rental shine. Learn how to create bright, family-friendly spaces that attract guests, boost reviews, and increase your nightly rates.

If you are a vacation rental owner in Destin, you already know competition here is fierce. With so many properties vying for attention, design is the secret ingredient that helps yours stand out. A thoughtfully styled home, inside and out, can turn first-time browsers into repeat guests and give you a real reason to charge premium rates.

Here's a quick look at how to elevate your space:

1. Keep It Simple with Bright, Universal Colors: Create a light, airy look that appeals to every type of guest.
   
2. Design with Kid-Friendly Spaces in Mind: Make families feel right at home with playful, practical touches.
   
3. Maximize Your View and Outdoor Living: Turn scenic views and outdoor areas into showstoppers.
4. Add Full-over-Full Bunk Beds for Families and Groups: Offer flexible, cozy sleeping arrangements that wow.
5. Embrace Hard Surfaces for Easy Cleaning: Keep your rental spotless and stylish with low-maintenance flooring.
   
   

At Travel Live Vacations, we've managed homes across Destin and the Emerald Coast for years. We've seen firsthand what it takes to keep properties performing at their best, and we are not shy about sharing our knowledge and insights into vacation rental property management.

In this blog post, we will bring you 5 design tips to increase your rental rates in Destin.

Let's dive in.

Create bright, playful interiors that capture the joy of family vacations—from sunlit rooms to cozy bunk corners that make every stay unforgettable.

1. Keep It Simple with Bright, Universal Colors

When you picture your Destin vacation home, think fresh and uncluttered. A minimalist design paired with comfortable furnishings appeals to almost everyone.

Choose a clean palette of bright, inviting hues to give your property a sense of warmth and light. Neutral tones such as whites, creams, and soft pastels make smaller spaces feel airy and open, while a few vibrant accents add personality without overwhelming the room.

Opt for sleek, modern furniture and coastal-inspired décor that create a cohesive, stylish atmosphere. A well-balanced, thoughtfully designed space makes guests feel right at home and more willing to pay for it.

Design Secrets from the Pros

• Choose light, welcoming colors to create a sense of space and calm.
• Use minimalist décor to appeal to a broad range of guests.
• Add pops of coastal-inspired color to make your space memorable.
• Mix comfort with clean design for a relaxed yet polished look.

Key Takeaways

• A minimalist, cohesive design appeals to more guests and boosts bookings.
• Light colors make interiors feel larger and more inviting.
• Balancing comfort and style increases perceived value and your nightly rate.

Kid-approved spaces and parent-friendly layouts create a sense of comfort that stands out in Destin's busy rental market. Because when the kids are happy, everyone's happy.

2. Design with Kid-Friendly Spaces in Mind

Families make up a large share of Destin's visitors, so designing with them in mind is key to maximizing your property's appeal.

Sunlight is your best friend here. Large windows, skylights, and glass doors create bright, happy spaces that families love. Add a kid-friendly corner with playful décor, vibrant colors, and practical touches such as full-over-full bunk beds and built-in storage for toys and games.

These thoughtful additions make your home more functional, fun, and family-focused, turning a simple rental into a repeat booking favorite.

Design Secrets from the Pros

• Use natural light to create an uplifting, open feel throughout.
• Designate a kids' zone with colorful décor and cozy bunk beds.
• Add practical storage to keep family stays organized and stress-free.
• Choose durable materials that can handle energetic little guests.

Key Takeaways

• Family-friendly features set your property apart in a crowded market.
• Bright, inviting spaces appeal to parents and kids alike.
• Thoughtful design leads to better reviews and repeat guests.

Every window, balcony, and patio is an opportunity to showcase what makes your property special. Frame those Gulf views, invite the outdoors in, and let nature become your best design partner.

3. Maximize Your View and Outdoor Living

Your property is more than a place to stay; it is a front-row seat to Destin's natural beauty. Whether your view overlooks the Gulf or a tranquil neighborhood, make it a focal point of your design.

Rearrange furniture to frame windows and create cozy spots where guests can relax and enjoy the scenery. Think of those glass doors as living artwork that captures the beach beyond.

Take the experience outdoors too. Add inviting patios or balconies with comfortable chairs, outdoor rugs, and a touch of greenery. When guests can sip their morning coffee or toast the sunset outside, you have given them something priceless: an experience that feels like pure escape.

Design Secrets from the Pros

• Highlight your best views by arranging furniture strategically.
• Use glass doors and large windows to frame the outdoors.
• Create cozy outdoor living areas that extend the guest experience.
• Blend indoor comfort with outdoor charm through textures and colors.

Key Takeaways

• Great views make a lasting impression and justify premium pricing.
• Thoughtful design connects guests with nature and relaxation.
• Outdoor living areas turn your rental into a destination in itself.

Add a little ingenuity to your sleeping spaces. Bunk beds with built-ins, reading lights, and privacy curtains give guests comfort, convenience, and a sense of care they'll remember.

4. Add Full-over-Full Bunk Beds for Families and Groups

Bunk beds are more than a space-saver; they are a smart investment. Families and larger groups appreciate flexible sleeping arrangements, and full-over-full bunks strike the perfect balance of comfort and function.

Include built-in storage compartments to help guests stay organized, and individual reading lights for a personal touch. Curtains or privacy screens can also make shared sleeping spaces feel more comfortable.

These small design details add real value, making your home feel tailored to group stays and family comfort alike.

Design Secrets from the Pros

• Choose full-over-full bunks to increase your guest capacity.
• Add built-in storage for convenience and clutter-free stays.
• Include reading lights or privacy curtains for a personal touch.
• Use durable materials and cozy bedding for added comfort.

Key Takeaways

• Smart sleeping solutions make your property more versatile.
• Bunk beds enhance your family-friendly appeal.
• Well-designed group spaces encourage longer stays and better reviews.

Beach days bring sand, and lots of it — but the right flooring keeps your space spotless without losing its charm. Hard surfaces and washable rugs make cleanup a breeze and design effortless.

5. Embrace Hard Surfaces for Easy Cleaning

Beach living comes with sand, and lots of it. That is why hard flooring is a must for any Destin rental. Tile and hardwood floors not only look stylish but also make cleaning quick and painless between guest stays.

To soften the look, add washable rugs in high-traffic areas. They introduce warmth without compromising easy maintenance. The result is a polished, low-hassle space that stays beautiful no matter how many sandy feet walk through.

Design Secrets from the Pros

• Install tile or hardwood floors for durability and easy cleaning.
• Avoid wall-to-wall carpet, which traps sand and moisture.
• Use area rugs that are easy to clean or replace.
• Choose finishes that balance practicality with coastal charm.

Key Takeaways

• Hard surfaces streamline cleaning and turnover time.
• Washable rugs add comfort while keeping maintenance simple.
• Functional flooring enhances both aesthetics and efficiency.

At a Glance: Design Tips to Increase Your Rental Rates in Destin

Elevate Your Ownership Experience with Travel Life Vacations

Partner with Travel Life Vacations for expert property management in Destin and along the Emerald Coast. From maximizing revenue to creating memorable guest experiences, we ensure your property thrives. Try our free rental projection today.