👉 Get Your Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/report

What if the real ROI in your short-term rental business isn’t just pricing or operations, but design?

In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Kaye Putnam sits down with Jordan McDonough, co-founder of Summerled Designs, to reveal how intentional design and branding transform STR properties into high-performing, unforgettable guest experiences.

Jordan shares how she and her co-founder combined design expertise with marketing strategy to help investors consistently stand out in competitive markets, command premium nightly rates, and turn ordinary spaces into five-star guest favorites.

You’ll learn:

🎨 Why design is not an expense but an investment with 30–50% ROI

🏡 How to align interiors with your target guest instead of personal preference

📸 Why great photography and lifestyle visuals multiply the impact of design

📈 How design, branding, and amenities drive direct bookings and repeat guests

⚡ The Summerled process for creating standout STR properties, even 100% remotely

We also cover:

The biggest mistakes hosts make when DIY-ing design

Why brand identity is now essential for STR success

How to design “Instagrammable” moments that fuel marketing

Why strategic amenities outperform generic check-the-box features

Real examples from markets like Nashville where design directly boosted revenue

🎯 Favorite Takeaway:

“Design isn’t just décor. It’s strategy. It’s what allows you to charge more, book faster, and create experiences guests can’t wait to share.”

📍 Ready to see how design can unlock your property’s potential?

Apply for your free Revenue Review at https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/report

Keywords: short-term rental design, Airbnb interiors, STR branding, guest experience, property management, hospitality, STR success, design ROI, direct bookings, Summerled Designs

⏱️ Chapter Timestamps

00:00 – Intro and Summerled origin story

03:25 – Why design delivers ROI in STRs

06:15 – Current trends in branding and amenities

10:30 – How to define a property’s brand identity

14:05 – Summerled’s remote design process and deliverables

16:20 – The role of AI in design workflows

18:00 – Common design mistakes STR investors make

20:15 – Why photography is critical to marketing success

21:45 – Favorite projects and lessons from Nashville

24:55 – Final thoughts and how to work with Summerled

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