Not sure which option is right for you? We always start with a Discovery Call in order to recommend the best fit based on your goals & budget.

How Much Does It Cost to Update Vacation Rental Decor?

Quick Answer: Most vacation rental owners spend between $5,000 and $15,000 to update their decor.

A small refresh may cost as little as $1,000.

A full makeover can cost $10,000 to $50,000+.

The final cost depends on:

Property size
Furniture needs
Market competition
Design goals

But cost is only part of the story.

Correct, specialized STR design typically helps properties get more clicks, better reviews, and higher nightly rates.

Is Updating Vacation Rental Decor Worth It?

For many owners, yes. It’s well-worth it.

Industry reports show that well-designed vacation rentals earn:

Higher nightly rates
More bookings
Better reviews
More yearly revenue

Some STR design companies report:

10%–30% higher nightly rates after a redesign
Higher occupancy rates
Thousands of dollars in additional yearly revenue

Every property is different, but good design can help your rental stand out.

How Much Should You Budget?

Small Refresh

Cost: $1,000–$5,000

Good for properties that need a few updates.

You might replace:

Bedding
Artwork
Lamps
Decor
Pillows
Accessories

This is often enough to make a property feel fresh again and look significantly better online.

Medium Update

Cost: $5,000–$15,000

This is the most common budget range.

You may update:

Living room furniture
Bedrooms
Dining areas
Decor throughout the home

Many owners choose this option if they have useable furniture, and need better photos and stronger booking performance.

Full Makeover

Cost: $10,000–$50,000+

This option is truly turn-key and includes:

Price of new furniture and decor
Space planning
Installation and styling

A full Makeover works best for:

Those local to Salt Lake City, Utah, who want to hand to project off to experts
Luxury properties
Highly competitive markets

Why Do Costs Vary So Much?

Two vacation rentals can look similar but have very different budgets.

Here are the biggest reasons.

Property Size

A one-bedroom condo costs less to furnish than a five-bedroom cabin.

More rooms mean more furniture, decor, and labor.

Existing Furniture

If your current furniture is in good shape, you may be able to keep some of it.

Replacing everything costs more.

Market Expectations

Guests expect different things in different markets.

A luxury rental in Park City may need a larger design budget than a budget-friendly cabin.

Amenities

Special features can increase both costs and revenue.

Examples include:

Pools
Game rooms
Outdoor spaces
Hot tubs
Unique design features

These upgrades help listings stand out above the competition.

Your decor should match the rates you want to charge.

How Much More Revenue Could Better Design Create?

No one can guarantee results.

But here's a simple example.

According to StayFi's 2026 vacation rental industry report, the average U.S. short-term rental earns about $247 per night.

If better design helped increase your nightly rate, here's how that could look:

Nightly Rate Increase	More Revenue Per Night	Additional Annual Revenue*
10%	About $25	About $5,000
20%	About $49	About $10,000
30%	About $74	About $15,000

NOTE: ROI for our clients at VR Decor has been an increase of 84%-153% more ADR

Sources

The statistics above come from published vacation rental industry reports and case studies, including:

AvantStay — Professional STR design and revenue performance
Bee Setups — 2025 STR Furnishing Benchmark Report
Techvestor — Airbnb interior design case studies
Cornell School of Hotel Administration research on review scores and pricing power
StayFi — 2026 Vacation Rental Industry Statistics

Is Hiring a Designer Worthwhile?

Almost always yes.

But, you may not need a designer if:

You love decorating
You have plenty of time
You understand vacation rental design (which is different from regular decorating to be most successful)

You should consider hiring help if:

You're overwhelmed
You're making expensive mistakes
You own multiple properties
You want expert guidance

*E-Design for luxury home in the Smokey Mountains, Tennessee*

Which Updates Usually Give the Best Return?

Better Bedrooms

Guests care about bedrooms.

New bedding, lighting, and furniture can make a big difference.

Better Living Rooms

The living room is often the first photo guests see.

A great first impression typically leads to more bookings.

Professional Photos

Even great design needs great photos.

Professional photography helps guests see the value of your property.

Unique, Standout Design

This is a BIG draw for people—they want a unique experience in a unique space.

Guests also remember when a place has a standout feature, leading to repeat bookings.

A rental that looks different from the competition is way more likely to get clicks and bookings.

The Bottom Line

Most vacation rental owners spend between $5,000 and $15,000 on decor updates.

The right design can do more than make your property look better—it has always helped our clients:

Get more bookings
Earn higher nightly rates
Receive better reviews
Increase annual revenue

A smart design investment pays for itself for years to come.

Would you like more info? Click below to talk with us—we’ll assist in what can work for you and your goals:

Book Your Free Design Discovery Call

And if you’d like to learn more about our services, just click below:

*E-DESIGN: if you’re ok to do some of the work yourself, very budget-friendly

*DESIGNER ACCESS: if you’d like the work done with you, our most versatile service

*PROFIT-PROMISE MAKEOVER: if you’d like the work done for you and you’re local to Salt Lake City, Utah; we guarantee ROI

How Much Does It Cost to Update Vacation Rental Decor? (2026 Pricing Guide)