Turn your Breckenridge vacation rental into a high-earning showpiece. Learn how thoughtful interior design, from furniture selection and lighting to local-themed decor, can elevate guest appeal, boost nightly rates by up to $30K a year, and make your property truly unforgettable.
Many Colorado vacation property owners often perceive interior design as an avoidable cost. As long-time vacation rental managers in Breckenridge, we beg to differ.
At Great Western Lodging, we view decor not merely as an expense but as a crucial investment that yields substantial returns. It stands on par with considerations like price, location, and amenities.
A significant number of travelers are more than willing to pay a premium for an aesthetically pleasing space. They seek the idyllic alpine atmosphere that epitomizes the essence of Colorado.
The truth is, adopting a design-focused mindset leads to higher nightly fees.
Below, we've prepared a case study evaluating four of our rental properties in Breckenridge. While all of them perform incredibly well and offer exceptional comfort, one stands out, thanks to its design-focused approach.
CaseStudy
All four properties do excellent work in decor, and there's much to learn from each of them. However, Scenic View Lodge rises above all the other rentals in that regard.
In this blog, we'll highlight what makes Scenic View Lodge an interior design champion and, based on all properties, also share more valuable decor tips for your Breckenridge vacation rental.
1. Selecting the right furniture composition
Making the right furniture choices can transform any dull space into a beautiful one.
Even in our alpine environment, which typically calls for more rustic and warm pieces, introducing modern elements and contemporary design touches can infuse a feeling of airiness to your rental.
It's a good idea to select pieces that are less ornamented, such as clean-lined modern sofas, minimalist wooden coffee tables, and sleek pendant lights. These choices will undoubtedly contribute to a sense of lightness in any space.
Rugs play a crucial role in enhancing the sense of space, especially when they extend beneath multiple pieces of furniture at once. Opting for textures and more muted colors is the way to go.
Pro tip: if your goal is to make substantial income with your rental, it's essential to think of your decor in terms of the preferences of your target audience, rather than in a way that solely reflects your personal taste.
How does Scenic View Lodge get it right?
- The furniture at Scenic View Lodge is thoughtfully selected and beautifully balanced.
- The brown sofa, though traditional in color, features a minimalist design with thin legs for a lighter look.
- Gray textured cushions introduce a modern contrast to the warm tones.
- Leather accents across several pieces add a refined, luxurious feel.
- The large rug anchors the space, extending beneath all living room furniture to create a cohesive sense of openness.
- Two coffee tables replace a single one, adding balance and visual interest.
- Distinctive decor items, such as the red dice sculpture, bring a playful and dynamic touch to the room.
- Settlers Creek 6525 offers a warm and inviting living room that feels cozy and welcoming.
- The lit fireplace and forest views create an emotional connection and strong visual appeal in photos.
- The overall furniture arrangement could benefit from more variety and visual balance.
- The sofa, though similar in color to Scenic View Lodge, lacks the clean, minimalist lines that enhance modern spaces.
- The armchair design could be improved with sleeker, slimmer legs to give the room a lighter, more open look.
- Updating the ceiling fan to a more contemporary design would add a stylish finishing touch.
2. Pick a theme that relates to your area
We prefer an interior design that leans towards something more contemporary, but that's not to say that there's no room for more intricate or vintage items, which can infuse character into the decor.
In the case of vacation rentals in Breckenridge, CO, it's a wonderful idea to pick pieces that link to the natural backdrop and local culture.
Here are some decor ideas:
- Reclaimed wood and stone accents: introduce reclaimed wood or stone accents to evoke the rustic charm of Breckenridge's historic architecture.
- Victorian-inspired furniture: add furniture pieces with Victorian-inspired details, such as ornate patterns or antique-style furnishings, paying homage to Breckenridge's architectural heritage.
- Mountain motifs: include decor elements with mountain motifs, such as artwork, throw pillows, or textiles, to bring the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains into your space.
- Ski resort memorabilia: display vintage ski equipment, maps, or photographs as wall decor to celebrate the town's association with the Breckenridge Ski Resort.
Remember, the key is to capture the essence and unique elements of Breckenridge that resonate with you.
Whether it's natural beauty, historical architecture, or cultural events, incorporating these elements can help create a personalized and cozy space.
This offers a wonderful opportunity to use your decor to evoke emotional connections with your guests both before, during, and after their stay.
How does Scenic View Lodge get it right?
- The game room at Scenic View Lodge showcases art inspired by the local environment, featuring stylized depictions of native wildlife.
- A retro pair of skis on the wall adds character and tells a visual story connected to Breckenridge's alpine heritage.
- The sculptural ceiling light introduces a modern, artistic element.
- Its contemporary design balances the weight and presence of the pool table below, creating harmony in the room's overall aesthetic
3. Blend natural and artificial lighting
Lighting is a key aspect of interior design and influences anyone's perception of a space. Be it natural or artificial, light has the power to elevate colors, textures, and the general atmosphere. For vacation rentals, achieving the perfect balance between natural and artificial lighting will enhance the overall guest experience.
It's a good idea to compose most rooms in your rental with soft, indirect lighting using a combination of table and floor lamps. This contributes to a cozier and more emotionally engaging space. Thoughtfully chosen pendant lights can introduce an extra layer of charm.
We love natural light, but too much of it can sometimes be overwhelming for certain guests. That's why it's a good idea to provide a way for people to adjust the natural light to their preferences using curtains and blinds. These additions not only allow for light control but also contribute to the charm of your decor.
How does Scenic View Lodge get it right?
Scenic View Lodge achieves an outstanding balance between natural and artificial light.
- Scenic View Lodge maximizes natural light with expansive windows that frame stunning mountain views.
- Bold pendant lighting adds a sculptural focal point to the living room and enhances the cozy ambiance after dark.
- Discreet window blinds allow guests to control brightness and comfort, accommodating different light preferences.
- Extra tip: Avoid cold, harsh fluorescent lighting, which can disrupt the atmosphere. Warm-toned bulbs create a softer, more inviting glow.
4. Include a touch of green.
Even if your vacation rental is nestled amidst lush green surroundings, it's still worth considering the inclusion of indoor plants. Many people appreciate having delightful green elements in their environment. Houseplants can add a refreshing touch to various corners of your home, elevating your coffee table and infusing more life into your bedroom, for example.
Think it's too much trouble to keep them alive and well? Opt for artificial plants; they now come in highly realistic designs that can even fool the most diligent eye.
Nature-inspired art is another easy way to infuse greenery into your home, and it works particularly well in bathrooms, creating a spa-like ambiance that guests adore.
A third option is to bring nature in by integrating expansive glass windows into your rental. This approach allows guests to maintain a strong connection with the natural environment while simultaneously feeling cozy indoors. Given the stunning Breckenridge scenery, bringing the beauty of nature inside your home is a choice you can't go wrong with.
How does Scenic Views Lodge get it right?
- True to its name, Scenic View Lodge embraces its natural setting with expansive glass windows that bring the outdoors in.
- The design allows guests to enjoy lush forest views from nearly every room in the house.
- Bedrooms offer a serene atmosphere where guests can unwind while feeling immersed in nature.
- The overall effect is calming and rejuvenating, blending indoor comfort with the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
- Small touches of greenery in the bathroom, as seen in Settlers Creek, create a soothing, spa-like ambiance.
- Even a single plant can elevate the atmosphere and make the space feel fresher and more inviting.
- When selecting indoor plants, keep your location in mind—choose species that suit the local climate and style. For example, a Breckenridge rental filled with palm trees would feel out of place.
5. Spruce up your kitchen
According to industry reports, a well-equipped and aesthetically pleasing kitchen is one of the key factors that attracts guests to vacation rentals over hotels. They want to foster memorable moments with loved ones and wear their chef hats!
A sleek and modern kitchen, equipped with top-notch materials and appliances, will increase the appeal of your rental and contribute to raising your nightly rates.
How does Scenic View Lodge get it right?
- The kitchen at Scenic View Lodge serves as a stunning central feature of the home.
- Modern hardware and light-colored cabinets create a bright, stylish, and inviting atmosphere.
- White marble countertops add a refined touch of luxury.
- The island with high stools encourages social interaction and seamlessly connects the kitchen with the living and dining areas.
- Expansive windows offer breathtaking views, making cooking an experience in itself.
Elevate Your Ownership Experience with Great Western Lodging
Partner with Great Western Lodging for expert property management in Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone. From maximizing your property's revenue to creating seamless guest experiences, our local team ensures your home stands out and performs at its best.
Explore our program or request a free rental projection today.