Step Up Your STR ~ AirBnb Decor and More

Cara Shimizu ~ AirBnb Decorating Expert
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Step Up Your STR, the AirBnB decorating podcast--specialized interior design that earns Owners & Managers max revenue in a saturated market. We also discuss other high-level strategies to elevate your business from ordinary to outstanding. Hosted by Cara Shimizu, creator of the Rapid Revenue Decor System & owner of VR Decor, each episode is filled with expert insights to make your vacation rental really stand out, for more bookings & revenue. Welcome!

  1. 3d ago

    66 | Make Your AirBnb Look Expensive & Luxurious

    Want FREE STR Design Resources? Click here: https://www.vrdecor.co/freeresourcesWant a money-making AirBnb decor PLAN? Click here: https://www.vrdecor.co/e-design How do you make a short-term rental look luxurious without spending a fortune? Luxury perception isn't about filling an Airbnb with expensive furniture. It's about making the property feel intentional, coordinated, polished, and worth the price you're charging. In this episode, I explain the design principles behind Luxury Perception—from curtain placement and artwork to lighting, contrast, quality, and creating a coordinated design plan. I'll also share what our STR Design Performance Study found: Luxury Perception was one of the top three design characteristics strongly associated with higher ADR. You'll learn where to spend, where to save, and the small design decisions that can make a surprisingly big difference in how guests perceive the value of your property. Because your STR doesn't need to look expensive. It needs to look worth what you're charging.

  2. Aug 3

    65 | I Studied 250 Airbnbs: Here's the Decor That Earns the MOST

    Click here to get the FREE SUMMARY of this 250-AirBnb DECOR STUDY: https://www.vrdecor.co/studysummary Want all our FREE RESOURCES for AirBnb decor? Click here: https://www.vrdecor.co/freeresources Can better **Airbnb interior decor** actually increase your short-term rental *revenue*? In this episode, I share what I learned after analyzing **250 Airbnb and vacation rental listings** across 10 U.S. markets to discover which design characteristics consistently appeared in the highest-earning properties. **You'll learn:** * What the highest-earning Airbnbs have in common * Whether interior design really affects Airbnb revenue * The 3 biggest findings from my 250-property study * Why bedrooms matter more than most owners realize * The common seating mistake that hurts guest experience * How to make design decisions that support higher nightly rates * Why your decor is one of your most powerful marketing tools Whether you're an Airbnb host, vacation rental owner, property manager, or investor, these research-backed insights will help you create a property that stands out, attracts more bookings, and commands premium pricing. 📊 This episode is based on my analysis of 250 short-term rental listings across 10 U.S. vacation markets. Learn more about Revenue-Driving Design--Click here: **VRDecor.co** #Airbnb #VacationRental #ShortTermRental #AirbnbHost #VacationRentalDesign #InteriorDesign #PropertyManagement

  3. Jun 25

    64| E-Design for AirBnb Decor ~ Does it Work?

    Contact Cara for assistance to make more $ through design: ⁠https://www.vrdecor.co/contact⁠ If you've ever wondered whether E-Design is worth it for your Airbnb, VRBO, or vacation rental, this episode is for you. In this episode, I answer the most common questions I hear from short-term rental owners and property managers about E-Design, including: ✔ What E-Design actually is✔ How the process works✔ What an E-Design costs✔ How much work is required from you✔ The pros and cons of E-Design✔ How E-Design differs from traditional interior design✔ Whether decorating can really increase bookings and revenue✔ Who E-Design is best suited for—and who should consider full-service design instead As a vacation rental designer specializing in short-term rentals, I've seen firsthand how strategic decorating can help properties stand out online, attract more of the right guests, and support higher nightly rates. Guests book with their eyes first. Before they read your description, compare amenities, or check reviews, they're looking at your photos. That's why your decor isn't just decoration—it's one of the most important marketing tools your property has. Whether you're furnishing a brand-new Airbnb, refreshing an existing vacation rental, or simply exploring your options, this episode will help you decide whether E-Design is the right fit for your property and your goals. Ready to learn more about maximizing your vacation rental's revenue through strategic design? Visit https://www.vrdecor.co Topics discussed:Airbnb design, vacation rental design, STR design, short-term rental decorating, Airbnb decorating, E-Design, virtual interior design, vacation rental revenue, Airbnb host tips, VRBO decorating ideas, Airbnb interior design, vacation rental marketing, Airbnb bookings, Airbnb revenue, vacation rental furniture, short-term rental business.

  4. Jun 8

    63 | Airbnb Decor Ideas: What to Buy at Target (And What to Avoid)

    📥 FREE TARGET SHOPPING GUIDE:https://www.vrdecor.co/target WANT *MORE* FREE AIRBNB DECOR RESOURCES? CLICK HERE: https://www.vrdecor.co/freeresources Want to know what I actually buy at Target when I'm designing Airbnbs and vacation rentals? In this video podcast, I'm sharing my favorite Target finds for short-term rentals—including rugs, art, pillows, faux greenery, lamps, mirrors, and other items I use repeatedly in client projects. But I'm also sharing what I avoid—even when it looks good in the store. Because successful Airbnb design is different from regular home decorating. The goal isn't just to create a beautiful space. The goal is to create a space that: ✔ Gets more clicks ✔ Stands out from the competition ✔ Creates a stronger first impression ✔ Supports higher nightly rates ✔ Generates more revenue In this video podcast, you'll learn: 🏡 The Target items I buy over and over for STRs 🏡 The Target products I avoid (and why) 🏡 How to choose decor that photographs well 🏡 Why some furniture looks good in person but hurts your listing photos 🏡 How to make your Airbnb look more expensive without overspending 🏡 The difference between decorating a home and designing a revenue-producing short-term rental If you're an Airbnb host, vacation rental owner, STR investor, or property manager, this video will help you make smarter design decisions that can improve how your property performs. ***Because how your STR looks determines how much money it makes***

    63 | Airbnb Decor Ideas: What to Buy at Target (And What to Avoid)

  5. May 4

    62 | Part 3: Fix EVERY Room in Your AirBnb ~ Installation Secrets

    Want some really practical, FREE Airbnb decorating resources? Just sign up here: https://www.vrdecor.co/freeresources How should you design each room in an AirBnb to increase bookings and revenue? In this episode, STR designer Cara breaks down room-by-room install techniques that make vacation rentals feel professionally designed, photograph better, and perform better. This is Part 3 of the Install Day Secrets series, where you’ll learn how to move beyond “pretty décor” and start designing your Airbnb or short-term rental with intention, flow, and revenue in mind. If your STR looks ok—but isn’t booking as well as you expected—this episode will show you exactly what to fix. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔ How to design your living room layout so it feels balanced and guest-friendly✔ The bedroom setup techniques that make your listing feel comfortable and high-end✔ What to remove from your kitchen and bathroom to instantly elevate the space✔ The correct art height, styling, and grouping rules most STRs get wrong✔ How to use lighting to improve both guest experience and listing photos✔ The final install-day checks professionals use before a property goes live Who this episode is for: Airbnb and short-term rental ownersProperty managers managing STR listingsInterior designers working with vacation rentalsHosts who want more bookings, better reviews, and higher nightly rates This is Part 3 of a 3-Part Series: Part 1: What tools professional designers bring to install daysPart 2: Pre-install and layout techniques that make installs easierPart 3 (this episode): Room-by-room install techniquesCara specializes in revenue-driven interior design for short-term rentals, helping owners increase bookings through better design. Work with Cara Services include: Mini Design SessionsE-Design for STRsFull-service STR makeovers🔗 Learn more: https://www.vrdecor.co/services🔗 Book a call: https://www.vrdecor.co/contact

  6. Mar 11

    61 | Airbnb Design Review: What These 2 Rentals Should Change to Get More Bookings

    Want to submit your listing and get my advice on it for free? Click here to contact me about it: 👉 https://www.vrdecor.co/contact Learn about our services here: 👉 https://www.vrdecor.co/services Most AirBnb owners don’t realize how much their decor affects bookings, pricing, and guest reviews. In this episode of Step Up Your STR, I review 2 real listener spaces and share exactly what I would change to help them earn more revenue. You’ll hear how small design decisions can affect how guests perceive a property—and how the right changes can make a listing stand out in a crowded market. In this episode we cover: • The decorating mistakes that quietly reduce bookings• How to make a room feel more valuable in listing photos• What guests notice immediately when scrolling listings• How to create a space that feels both homey and high-end• The difference between decorating for yourself vs decorating for bookings You’ll also hear specific design suggestions for two real spaces submitted by listeners. If you’re wondering whether your rental could earn more with better design, this episode will help you see your property through a guest’s eyes. Because when it comes to STRs: Guests decide before they read. Your decor does the selling. I specialize in revenue-driven STR design, helping owners create spaces that attract more bookings, command higher nightly rates, and earn better reviews. Contact me here: 👉 https://www.vrdecor.co/contact⁠

  7. Feb 25

    60 | AirBnb Themes for More Bookings

    Free STR Design Resources → https://www.VRDecor.co/freeresources Work With Me / Contact → https://www.VRDecor.co/contact ---------------------------- Video version of this podcast: https://youtu.be/ExDxfGMVsZI Most Airbnb themes fail. They feel cheesy. Forced. Trendy. Forgettable. But the right kind of theme can dramatically increase bookings, nightly rate, and memorability — without turning your property into a gimmick. In this episode, I break down how to create Instagrammable focal points that drive revenue, using themes that feel elevated, timeless, and strategically designed — not trendy. You’ll learn: *Why most themed Airbnbs don’t work (and what to do instead) *How Instagrammable focal points increase bookings and ADR *Powerful theme categories that create emotional connection *How to stand out in crowded Airbnb search results *The psychology behind memorable, bookable design *How to create differentiation without chasing trendsIf your STR looks “nice,” it blends in. If it feels memorable, it stands out. And standing out is what drives revenue. WHO THIS IS FOR:Short-term rental owners, Airbnb hosts, STR owners and investors, vacation rental investors, and property managers who want higher bookings, stronger nightly rates, and a property guests remember. KEY TOPICS: Airbnb design • Vacation rental design • STR marketing • Increase Airbnb bookings • Airbnb theme ideas • Instagrammable Airbnb • Revenue-driven design • Airbnb listing optimization • Guest psychology • Short-term rental strategy • Airbnb differentiation • Interior design for Airbnb • Boost ADR Airbnb • Memorable Airbnb design • Airbnb decor that increases revenue If this episode helped you, subscribe for more STR revenue and design strategy. Because your decor isn’t decoration--It’s your first sales conversation.

  8. Feb 8

    59 | Best of IKEA for AirBnb Decor

    Download the full IKEA guide → ⁠www.vrdecor.co/ikea⁠ Want even more FREE STR decorating resources? Click here: https://www.vrdecor.co/freeresources Not everything from IKEA belongs in a revenue-producing vacation rental. Some items improve guest experience and perceived value — others quietly hurt durability, photos, and bookings. In this episode, I share what I actually buy from IKEA for STRs — and what I never do. Yes, IKEA is good! — when used selectively. Best categories: Storage & organization Mirrors Some kitchen basics Rugs & functional pieces Avoid: Bed frames & mattresses Flimsy furniture Fragile decor Cheap-looking, recognizeable items that look soooo IKEA! Durability + perception matter more than decor price in STR design. IKEA isn’t the problem — unfiltered IKEA shopping is. Every item should:✔ Be durable✔ Photograph well✔ Improve guest experience✔ Not lower perceived value Because in short-term rentals: How your space looks determines how much money it makes. Download the full guide → www.vrdecor.co/ikea

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Step Up Your STR, the AirBnB decorating podcast--specialized interior design that earns Owners & Managers max revenue in a saturated market. We also discuss other high-level strategies to elevate your business from ordinary to outstanding. Hosted by Cara Shimizu, creator of the Rapid Revenue Decor System & owner of VR Decor, each episode is filled with expert insights to make your vacation rental really stand out, for more bookings & revenue. Welcome!

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