Welcome to another Tuesday Hosting Hotline! Today, we’re answering a question from Joanna, a new host who admits she’s got zero design sense—and she’s not alone. Furnishing a short-term rental (STR) without making expensive mistakes is one of the biggest hurdles for new hosts. So what’s the smartest way to get it done?

In this episode, Sarah and Annette break down:

• Why design matters more than ever in today’s competitive STR market
• Whether you should hire an interior designer, stager, or go DIY
• What to look for in a short-term rental design specialist
• How to interview designers (and avoid staging traps)
• Where to splurge vs. where to save
• What guests really care about—and how that impacts your ROI
• The truth about property management options (and why self-hosting still rules)
• Pro tips on sourcing quality furnishings and maximizing your setup budget

Whether you’re design-challenged or just need help avoiding analysis paralysis, this episode will set you up to furnish your rental with confidence—and without blowing your budget.

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Somerled Designs | Short-term rental interior design
• Minoan | Save big on furniture and decor for your STR
• Are you a brand-new host? | Get the Hosting Handbook today!

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