Do You Need a Designer for Your STR? 5 Signs It’s Time to Call in a Pro

Design can make or break your short-term rental (STR). While a DIY setup might get you up and running, it often lacks the polish, strategy, and wow-factor today’s guests expect. The truth? A beautifully designed space doesn’t just look good it performs better. Higher rates, stronger reviews, and a brand guests remember all start with standout interiors.

Why STR Design Matters More Than You Think

Short-term rentals aren’t just competing with each other, they’re competing with boutique hotels, curated experiences, and influencer-worthy spaces. Guests don’t just want “clean and comfy” they want “memorable and Instagrammable.”

If your STR isn’t performing the way you’d hoped, or if reviews often say “nice, but…” your design may be the silent dealbreaker.

Here’s what we see go wrong with DIY STR design:

• Mismatch of style and audience – Design that doesn’t align with your guest demographic = bookings left on the table.
• Poor furniture layout – Cramped or awkward layouts hurt flow and function, even in beautiful spaces.
• No brand identity – Generic or mismatched decor makes your listing forgettable.
• Wasted upgrades – Owners often overspend on the wrong things, while missing high-ROI design features.
• Underwhelming photos – Even with a pro photographer, a bland space makes for bland photos and underperforms on Airbnb.

Pro Tip from Signature Partners: STR design isn’t just about style it’s about strategy. Design is how you command attention, justify pricing, and deliver a guest experience that leads to repeat bookings and 5-star reviews.

When to Call in a Pro

• You’re Not Standing Out in Search Results
  If your listing photos look “meh” next to your competition, a designer can help craft a space that grabs attention and clicks.
• Guests Aren’t Raving About the Space
  You’re getting 4-star reviews, but no one mentions the decor. That’s a sign your space lacks the “wow” factor that guests share, post, and remember.
• You’re Overspending Without ROI
  Invested in furniture or decor but not seeing a performance bump? A designer helps you spend smarter on upgrades that actually increase perceived value.
• Your Space Feels Disjointed
  If rooms feel randomly styled or mismatched, guests notice. Cohesive design boosts flow, comfort, and perceived quality.
• You Don’t Know Where to Start
  You’re overwhelmed by Pinterest boards, shopping lists, and layout decisions. A professional streamlines the process and delivers a design tailored to your goals, guests, and market.

STR Design Should Be an Investment—Not an Expense

• Strategic design drives bookings, pricing power, and 5-star reviews.
• DIY design often leads to overspending, underperformance, and guest indifference.
• If you’re not seeing design-led ROI, a pro can help you elevate results not just aesthetics.
• A well-designed STR tells a story guests want to be part of and that’s what gets shared, saved, and rebooked.

Want Your STR to Look—and Perform—Like a Pro?

Whether you’re launching your first rental or refreshing an underperforming one, our design partners can help craft a space that’s equal parts style and strategy. Signature Partners connects you with trusted STR designers who understand the balance of guest appeal, function, and financial return.

Here’s how to take the next step:

• • Subscribe for monthly STR insights, including design trends and transformation tips.
  • Book a free Discovery Call to talk through your property and whether design support is your next smart move.