What do professional AriBnb designers ACTUALLY bring to an install?

🔧 Get the FREE List of Tools & Items Mentioned: https://www.vrdecor.co/installtools

See the YouTube video of this episode here: https://youtu.be/oilWwCQWmfM

Today I’m sharing the real list—the unexpected, ultra-practical, revenue-boosting tools I take to every single Airbnb or vacation rental installation. Yes, you’ll see Goo Gone, red duct tape, museum wax, cord-hiding kits… and the surprisingly powerful items most designers never think to pack.If you want your short-term rental to look finished, polished, and photo-ready (without wasting hours on install day), this episode is for you.In this video, you’ll learn:✔ The exact items I bring to every STR install✔ The weird-but-essential tools that save me HOURS✔ Cleaning products that make your rental look instantly more expensive✔ How I hide cords, fix scratches, polish spaces, and prevent guest damage✔ My personal system for making installs fast, smooth, and stress-free✔ Why these tools directly affect your listing photos and revenueWhether you’re an Airbnb host, a property manager, or a designer wanting smoother install days, these must-haves will completely change how you prep a space.✨ Want more revenue-driven STR design help?I specialize in revenue-driven interior design for short-term rentals — including Makeovers, E-Design, and design consultations.Contact me Here--I'm happy to answer your questions! https://www.vrdecor.co/contact🎙️ Listen to the full podcast series:Episode 1 — Install ToolsEpisode 2 — Pre-Install + Layout Techniques COMING SOONEpisode 3 — Room-by-Room Styling Tips COMING SOON

Click here to get the FREE printable that details how to decorate for EVERY season for $0

FREE Fall printable resources:

* https://www.amelialawrencestyle.com/free-vintage-fall-art/

* https://thegraphicsfairy.com/fall-landscape-images/

* https://notinggrace.com/free-vintage-fall-art-26-printable-landscape-paintings/

Click here to download the No-fail Paint Color Freebie: https://www.vrdecor.co/paint

Click here to contact us for a complimentary consultation: https://VRDecor.co/contact

Hi, I'm Cara Shimizu, AirBnb interior designer.

✨ Celebrating episode 50! ✨ In this milestone episode of Step Up Your STR, I’m sharing the 5 Golden Rules of STR Decorating—the timeless design strategies that will help you attract more bookings, impress your guests, and earn more revenue from your short-term rental.

🏡 Whether you manage one property or several, design is not just about looking good—it’s about creating spaces that sell themselves in photos and deliver unforgettable guest experiences.

👉 In this episode, you’ll discover:
1️⃣ Why vivid color makes your listing photos pop and sets you apart
2️⃣ Which wall paint creates flexibility and brightness for every space
3️⃣ The power of an “Instagrammable moment” (and how it markets your STR for free)
4️⃣ Which design choices save you money in the long run
5️⃣ How to achieve perfect decorative balance so your space feels intentional, not accidental

Here are 10 of my FAV Gold Items:*Gold sconces: https://amzn.to/46uYiiI

*Gold framed art: https://amzn.to/3KOcavQ

*Gold bathroom hardware: https://amzn.to/42jYoXX

*Gold doorknob: https://amzn.to/4gUaEEL

*Gold footed bowl: https://amzn.to/4nEy1EU

*Gold accented chandelier: https://amzn.to/4pRk4EQ

*Gold-framed mirror: https://amzn.to/42kHgBt

*Gold hooks: https://amzn.to/4gT43Kv

*Gold: https://amzn.to/474DaA2

🌟 Plus: I share my bold prediction for the next 5 years of STR guest expectations.

🔥 If you’re an STR owner who wants:

• More bookings

• Higher nightly rates

• Better guest reviews
  …then this episode is for you.

  
  

Don’t just decorate—design for revenue.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on STR design, hosting strategies, and how to maximize your rental income through smart, intentional decorating.

#AirBnbDecor #STRDesign #AirbnbTips #InteriorDesign #AirbnbHost #VacationRental #Superhost

In this special 50th episode, we discuss the growing pressure on free speech, what the tragedy surrounding Charlie Kirk teaches us about truth and responsibility, and why entrepreneurs and STR owners must stand up for themselves in today’s climate.

From defending freedom of speech to challenging unfair Airbnb practices and corporate overreach, we explore how strong convictions, personal responsibility, and free markets drive both democracy and success in the short-term rental world.

If you believe in free speech, capitalism, and the right to speak up for what’s fair, this episode is for you.

Book a FREE Clarity Call here: https://VRDecor.co/contactAnd want some MORE FREE STR decorating resources? Grab a bunch here: https://VRDecor.co/freeresourcesAre you pouring tens of thousands into remodeling your STR… only to wonder why bookings & revenue aren’t where they should be?

In this episode, STR design expert Cara Shimizu of VR Decor uncovers the $10K design mistake that most STR owners never see coming: spending big on construction, then skimping on the design + furnishings that actually sell the stay.You’ll learn:*Why cutting corners on design quietly drains your revenue*How to avoid the most common STR owner objections (& myths!)*A 5-step action plan to create a guest-ready space that performs*Real-life examples of owners who wasted thousands—& how to do it rightWhether you’re new to STRs or managing multiple units, this episode will help you transform your property into a revenue-driving, guest-attracting asset instead of a money pit.

Check out these helpful video podcasts, on more STR decorating to earn max revenue:*The TOP decor strategy for more bookings: https://youtu.be/iA0eeuUEEfM*How to decorate a small STR: https://youtu.be/MefF6jh8g2Y*Reviews of STR designers + freebie printable! https://youtu.be/lmmHF7bn3BA

Want the FREE DOWNLOAD that summarizes ALL 24 STR Designers? Just click here: https://VRDecor.co/designersHave questions about STR decorators? Book a FREE Clarity Call here-- https://VRDecor.co/contactAnd want some MORE FREE STR decorating resources? Grab a bunch here-- https://VRDecor.co/freeresources

Are all Airbnb designers the same? Not even close. In this episode, we’re comparing 7 short-term rental (STR) interior designers—breaking down their styles, services, pricing, and strategy so you can figure out which one is the right fit for your rental property.

Many “regular” interior designers make homes look pretty… but STR design has to be different in order to be successful. The best STR designers know how to:

• Maximize bookings & revenue 💰

• Create scroll-stopping photos for Airbnb/VRBO 📸

• Deliver guest-friendly layouts that boost reviews ⭐

• Make your property stand out in a crowded market 🏡

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Video:

• A breakdown of 7 specific STR designers and what they offer

• Which designers focus on E-Design vs. full-service installs

• Who offers nationwide services vs. local only

• Where pricing is transparent (and where it’s hidden)

• How to tell if a designer’s strategy is truly revenue-driven

• My insights on who each designer is best suited for

🎧 This is Part 2 of a 3-part series where I review a total of 21 STR designers. Don’t miss Part 1 (8 designers) and stay tuned for Part 3 (the final 6 + my full comparison article).

👉 Whether you’re an Airbnb host, VRBO owner, or STR property manager, this will help you hire the right designer for your goals.

Get a FREE Design Clarity Call HERE

Want a bunch of FREE STR decor resources? Click HERE

Thinking about hiring an interior designer for your STR (Airbnb / VRBO)?

In this episode of Step Up Your STR, Cara shares an honest review of 7 STR-specific interior designers: Quill Decor, Vacay Rental Design, STR Cribs & more.

We break down:

• Services each designer offers (E-design, full-service, virtual consults, branding)

• Pricing & timelines (what’s disclosed & what isn’t)

• Which designers are truly revenue-focused vs. just making your space pretty

• The type of STR host or investor each one is best for

  
  

Whether you’re planning an Airbnb makeover, thinking about a new short-term rental, or just want to know which STR designer can help you book more nights & increase your nightly rate, this episode will give you clarity.

This is Part 2 of a 3-part series reviewing 20+ STR designers. Don’t forget to subscribe so you can catch Part 3, where we wrap up with the final designers and share a full comparison guide.

If you want help deciding on the right designer for your STR—even if that ends up being someone besides Cara—book a free Discovery Call HERE

Visit ⁠https://vrdecor.co/contact⁠ to book a free Discovery Call with Cara

Wondering which STR interior designer is worth your money? In this episode of Set Up Your STR, I compare 8 different STR design services—from high-end makeover firms to free design help from big furniture sellers.

I break down pricing, turnaround time, design strategy, and most importantly… who actually helps you increase your Airbnb revenue.

✅ Ideal for Airbnb hosts, vacation rental investors, and property managers
✅ Includes insights on STR Design Lab, Somerled Designs, Paige Hayes, and more
✅ Hosted by Cara Shimizu, STR design expert and founder of VR Decor

🎯 You’ll learn:

• Which designers are truly revenue-focused

• Who’s best for DIY hosts vs. hands-off investors

• Why some “free” design services might cost you in the long run

• Which style of STR design leads to higher bookings and rates

👉 Ready to make your STR work harder for you? Listen in, and subscribe!

#Aribnbdecor #CaraVRDecor #airbnbdesign #strinteriordesign #vacationrentaldesign #airbnbsetup #airbnbtips #strhost #strdecor #vrdecor

Grab the FREE LIST of items here: https://www.vrdecor.co/fifty

Click here to CONTACT US with your AirBnb decor questions: https://vrdecor.co/contact

Want to charge $50+ more per night for your Airbnb or short-term rental—without renovating? In this episode, I'm sharing 4 high-impact STR design upgrades that attract better guests, boost your booking rate, and justify premium pricing. These aren’t fluff—they’re real, tested strategies I use with my own clients to drive revenue through smart, visual design.

🏆 What you’ll learn:

• The #1 wall upgrade that creates an “Instagram moment” and gets more bookings

• How to turn a boring coffee maker into a luxury guest experience

• The outdoor setup that adds perceived square footage

• Why a king bed isn’t optional in competitive STR markets

• Bonus spa-style bathroom touches guests rave about in reviews

🎯 These tricks are fast, affordable, and designed to pay you back.

Click HERE to get the FREE "Homey Trinity" printable here

Click HERE to WATCH this on YouTube

In this episode, Cara reveals why the most profitable STRs often rely on a color most hosts overlook—or misunderstand completely.

Learn how a strategic paint choice can completely shift your short-term rental’s performance, helping you book more often, photograph better, and appeal to a higher-paying guest.

Whether you're just launching or managing 20+ units, this episode gives you a proven, design-backed strategy for increasing ROI—without blowing your budget.

Inside, you’ll hear:

• The science behind why white walls earn more

• The most common mistakes STR hosts make with color

• How to choose the right white (and the wrong ones to avoid)

• A simple 3-part design strategy to make white walls pop

• A real-world case study and results from actual Airbnb listings

This is branding for more $. And this episode shows you how to make it work.