Why Now Is the Time to Update Your Rental Property

How Smart Kitchen, Bath & Design Updates Can Increase Bookings and Nightly Rates

If you own a short-term rental along the Emerald Coast, timing matters just as much as design. With peak rental season approaching, the next few months are a critical window to make updates that can directly impact occupancy, nightly rates, and guest reviews.

In today’s competitive rental market, updated properties don’t just look better — they perform better.

At Maison Vue, we help rental owners make strategic, revenue-driven updates that attract more bookings and help properties stand out before the season hits.

Updated Rentals Earn More — and Book More Often

Travelers are no longer just comparing locations — they’re comparing design, finishes, and listing photos.

According to short-term rental analytics from AirDNA, professionally updated and well-designed rentals can generate 20–30% higher annual revenue than comparable outdated properties in the same market. These homes also tend to book faster and farther in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Research from Vrbo shows guests are willing to pay higher nightly rates for rentals that feel modern, clean, and thoughtfully designed — with kitchens and bathrooms ranking as the most influential spaces in booking decisions and guest satisfaction.

💡 In short: design directly affects your bottom line.

Kitchens: The Top Revenue Driver in Rental Homes

The kitchen is often the first photo guests notice — and one of the biggest reasons they book (or scroll past).

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), kitchen updates consistently rank among the highest-impact renovations for property value. In rental properties, that value translates directly into higher nightly rates and stronger demand.

High-ROI Kitchen Updates for Rentals

• Cabinet painting or refinishing

• Quartz or stone countertops

• Updated lighting and hardware

• Tile backsplashes that add durability and style

These upgrades photograph beautifully, wear well with frequent turnover, and immediately signal quality to potential guests.

Cabinet Painting: The Fastest, Smartest Kitchen Refresh for Rentals

Full kitchen remodels aren’t always necessary to see real performance gains — especially when rental season is right around the corner. Cabinet painting and refinishing is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a dated kitchen without the time or expense of replacement.

For rental owners, this update delivers maximum visual impact with minimal downtime.

Why Cabinet Painting Works So Well for Rentals

• Instantly modernizes outdated wood or dark finishes

• Creates a brighter, cleaner look that photographs better

• Costs significantly less than replacing cabinetry

• Keeps existing layouts, plumbing, and appliances intact

• Can often be completed between bookings

Updated cabinets help kitchens feel intentional rather than tired — and that difference is immediately noticeable to guests.

Design refresh without a full remodel

This type of transformation is often the difference between a listing that blends in — and one that stands out.

Before:

• Heavy or dated cabinet finishes

• Dark kitchens that feel smaller on camera

• “Good enough” impressions that limit nightly rates

After:

• Light, modern cabinetry with broad guest appeal

• Kitchens that photograph brighter and cleaner

• Higher perceived value and stronger booking interest

💡 For many rental owners, cabinet painting is the highest-return kitchen update they can make before peak season.

Bathrooms: Small Spaces That Drive Big Reviews

Bathrooms are one of the most commented-on spaces in guest reviews. A clean, modern bathroom builds trust, comfort, and confidence.

NAR data shows bathroom remodels typically recover 50–70% of their cost at resale — and in rental properties, the payoff often comes sooner through:

• Better reviews

• Fewer guest complaints

• Increased repeat bookings

Walk-in showers, updated vanities, modern fixtures, and thoughtful lighting help create a hotel-level experience guests expect.

Wallpaper: A Design Detail That Sets Your Rental Apart

Wallpaper is one of the most overlooked — and most effective — design upgrades for rental homes.

In a sea of neutral rentals, wallpaper adds:

• Personality

• Memorability

• A boutique, designer feel

Strategically placed wallpaper in powder rooms, entryways, wet bars, or accent walls creates moments guests remember — and photograph. Well-designed rentals often receive higher engagement, stronger reviews, and better platform visibility.

💡 Design that photographs well doesn’t just look good — it rents better.

Why Timing Matters: Peak Rental Season Is Approaching

Here’s what many rental owners underestimate:

✔ Updates completed before peak season impact revenue immediately✖ Updates delayed until after the season mean lost income you can’t recover

Kitchen refreshes, cabinet painting, bathrooms, and wallpaper upgrades require planning — and reputable contractors book quickly this time of year.

Starting now allows you to:

• Avoid rushed decisions

• Control costs and scope

• Be fully market-ready when demand spikes

Smart Updates = Smarter Rental Revenue

Updated rentals don’t just protect property value — they perform better every season.

If you’re preparing your rental for the upcoming season, focus on:

• Kitchens that sell the booking

• Cabinets that instantly modernize the space

• Bathrooms that earn five-star reviews

• Design details that differentiate your property

📍 Serving Fort Walton Beach, Destin, 30A, Santa Rosa Beach & surrounding areas📩 Contact Maison Vue to plan updates that help your rental book more often and earn more