I love helping our clients refresh their spaces while maximizing their investment. When our repeat clients reached out for help updating their two Florida beachfront vacation rentals, they didn’t need a full overhaul—just a thoughtful refresh to elevate their properties to the next tier and attract more vacationers.

A Smart Refresh, Not a Full Remodel

These condos already had well-made, existing furniture that fit the space, but certain key pieces—like a worn sleeper sofa—needed to be replaced. The goal was to create a more inviting, upscale experience for guests without unnecessary overhauls. By introducing new artwork, lighting, and a few strategic furnishings, we gave both spaces a fresh, breezy feel that aligned with their beachfront setting.

I shopped locally for the items and only had two days to complete the selection process. The clients live in Alabama so I pulled together the renderings below to make the final approvals easy!

New bedside tables and oversized lamps flank the bed, while I placed a mirror behind each nightstand to make the room appear larger. I love placing mirrors adjacent to windows and glass doors because they do the heavy lifting of illuminating a room even when overhead lights are turned off. We also removed the old piece of art that was jammed under the sprinkler system. There was no need to add anything in its place.

The frame on the existing sleeper sofa was damaged so we replaced it with a new one. The smaller art pieces in the breakfast area were replaced with a statement piece. This small change introduced color into this beachfront studio in a big way. The existing breakfast table was sturdy and the clients wanted to keep it. The new additions certainly made it feel fresher.

The red furniture initially felt out of place in the two-bedroom beachfront unit, but with the addition of new artwork, lighting, and pillows, we gave it a stylish nautical twist.

The existing media console was too small for the living room, but upgrading to a larger one transformed the TV viewing area into a more stylish and functional space.

Here’s another perspective of the same living room. The breakfast area and kitchen are in the background.

Key Updates That Made a Big Impact

1. New Artwork for a Coastal Vibe
   Swapping outdated or generic wall art for pieces that reflect the oceanfront surroundings instantly enhanced the ambiance. We selected serene seascapes and abstract coastal prints to bring in soothing colors and a high-end feel.

2. Upgraded Lighting for Warmth and Functionality
   Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a welcoming space. We replaced dated fixtures with stylish table lamps and pendant lighting to enhance the condos’ ambiance, making them feel more luxurious and well-lit.

3. Replacing Key Furniture Pieces
   While most furniture was in great shape, the sleeper sofa had seen better days. We swapped it for a high-quality, durable option—perfect for vacationing families—ensuring both comfort and longevity. A larger media console also helped define the TV area, making the living space more functional and attractive.

How You Can Refresh Your Own Rental Property

If you’re looking to elevate your vacation rental without a full remodel, here are a few simple yet impactful changes you can make:

✔ Assess What Needs Replacing – Keep well-made existing furniture, but swap out worn or outdated pieces like sofas, dining chairs, or headboards.

✔ Invest in Statement Art – Choose large, eye-catching pieces that reflect the destination to create a curated, high-end look.

✔ Upgrade Lighting – Replace outdated fixtures with modern, stylish lighting to improve ambiance and functionality.

✔ Refresh with Textiles – New throw pillows, bedding, and rugs can instantly transform a space with minimal effort. The company that manages the properties doesn’t allow anything but white bedding but the illustration below shows that a duvet, throw pillows, and even the upholstery on a bench can make the room even more lively!

✔ Create a Cohesive Look – Stick to a consistent color palette inspired by the surroundings to make the space feel well-designed and inviting.

Refreshing a vacation rental doesn’t mean starting from scratch. By making strategic updates—like replacing worn furniture, adding new artwork, and improving lighting—you can elevate your property, attract more guests, and increase its value.