Since you’re here, I’m guessing you love interior design. You love decorating, curating cozy corners, and turning a bland room into something magical.
Now imagine if your job was designing rentals. The best part is you already have the skills to do it.
Just think about it—people will pay for homes that feel special to them. A well-styled apartment or family home makes a big difference in how people feel about a property before purchasing or scheduling a tour.
That plant in the corner, the cozy throw on the sofa, or that little pop of color—all of it adds up. You’re creating an experience people crave, and that’s something you can charge for.
Interior design and real estate go hand-in-hand. Many of the women in our community started with a passion for interior design and used those skills to create unforgettable, profitable rental properties.
Keep reading to see how you can get started.
My Favorite Tweaks for Designing Profitable Rentals
Start with one property and focus on making it feel warm, inviting, and memorable. Think comfortable furniture, thoughtful lighting, and little touches that make a home unique. For more staging inspiration, check out our guide on Short Term Rentals: Women’s Guide to Success Today.
People will notice, they will talk about it, and they will come back.
Screenshot these interior design secrets that make rentals irresistible:
Add a Splash of Color
A vibrant pillow, a cheerful vase, or a piece of artwork can bring energy and personality to any room. A pop of color helps listings stand out and photographs beautifully online.
Create Warmth and Comfort
Soft throws, fluffy cushions, and warm lighting instantly make people picture themselves in a home. When guests feel at ease, they’ll remember your space fondly—and that means more bookings.
Highlight What Makes Your Rental Special
Show off your property’s best features—a cozy nook, a sunny reading spot, or that dreamy wraparound porch. Focus on the details that make your space unique and unforgettable.
Know Your Audience and Design for Them
Always do audience research. Ask yourself: Who will be staying in my space? What kind of vibe will make them feel at home?
Maybe it’s business travelers who love calm, minimalist decor, or maybe it’s vacationers craving bold, cheerful energy. Designing with your ideal guest in mind ensures your rental attracts the right people and stays booked. Not sure where to start? Read our breakdown of Investing in Vacation Rentals: A Guide for Women to align your design with demand.
Tresa’s Tip: Stand Out Online
Your listing photos are your first impression. When your photos pop, people click—and when people click, they book. Airbnb reports that listings with high-quality photos and thoughtful decor can get up to 40% more bookings.
Here’s the real secret: your love of design is your calling.
Start small, keep it personal, and let your personality shine through every corner.
Turn Your Pinterest Dreams into Profitable Rentals
Now go on, start a new Pinterest board and start designing your way to rentals people will fall in love with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I really make money using interior design skills in real estate investing?
Absolutely. Many women investors turn their passion for design into profitable rentals by staging properties that attract higher-quality tenants, command better nightly rates, and book more consistently on platforms like Airbnb.
Q: What are the easiest design tweaks to make a rental more profitable?
Start with small, high-impact changes: add a splash of color with pillows or art, layer soft textiles for warmth, and highlight unique features like cozy nooks or outdoor spaces. These tweaks make your listing memorable and photo-ready.
Q: Do I need a big budget to design a profitable rental?
No. You can create a standout space on any budget by focusing on thoughtful details, DIY decor, and strategic purchases that photograph well and stand up to guest use.
Q: How do I know what design style will attract the right guests?
Do simple audience research. Ask: Who is my ideal guest? Business travelers may prefer calm, minimalist spaces, while vacationers often love bright, cheerful decor. Designing with your target guest in mind increases bookings and guest satisfaction.
Q: Where can I learn more about designing profitable rentals as a woman investor?
The Without Fear Of Her Future MasterClass offers award-winning real estate investing education designed for women, by women, including strategies for styling and scaling profitable rental properties.
