A Coastal Airbnb Renovation
The key to a successful Airbnb isn't just about location; it's about creating a memorable experience. When a homeowner approached me about transforming their newly purchased beachside property, the goal was clear: to design a fun, family-friendly vacation rental with a retro coastal vibe. The house was a blank canvas, clean but lacking the character and warmth that would make it stand out in a competitive market. This was a project to turn a simple house into a destination.
The Design Challenge: From Basic to Bespoke
My client's vision was to evoke the nostalgia of a classic beach vacation while keeping the space modern and highly functional. The core challenge was to achieve this unique aesthetic on a budget, blending cost-effective solutions with curated, impactful design choices. This meant steering clear of expensive, custom pieces and instead focusing on smart shopping and strategic styling.
The initial state of the property was what I call "builder-basic." While it was a solid foundation, the rooms lacked personality. The kitchen, with its black and white color scheme, was sterile, and the overall atmosphere was devoid of the energy and life you'd want in a vacation home. We needed to inject character and color without overwhelming the senses.
The Transformation: A Strategic Blend of Old and New
My design philosophy for this project was "high impact, low cost." I began by creating a detailed shopping list for my client, featuring larger, more foundational pieces from affordable sources like Amazon and IKEA. This allowed us to allocate more of the budget to unique, locally-sourced items that would truly define the space.
In the kitchen, the black and white palette became the perfect backdrop for vibrant pops of color. I sourced colorful wall decor, coffee cups, and glassware, instantly bringing life to the room. To add warmth and organic texture, I incorporated woven baskets, wooden bowls, and a large wooden chopping board. A key addition was the large wooden dining table, chosen specifically to accommodate big family gatherings, making the space functional as well as beautiful.
The living areas and bedrooms featured existing murals, which became a powerful source of inspiration. Rather than competing with the art, I chose to complement it. I selected blankets, pillows, and curtains in bold colors that harmonized with the murals, tying the entire space together in a cohesive, playful way.
The end result is a home that feels intentionally designed and full of life—a place where every detail contributes to a fun, relaxing, and unforgettable vacation experience. This project proves that you don’t need an unlimited budget to create a stunning space; you just need a thoughtful approach to design.
Inspired to create your own unforgettable space?
Whether you're looking to transform a vacation rental or your forever home, I'd love to hear about your project.