Creating Comfort: Insights from Jen Sexton on Mid-Term Rental Design

1. Design Philosophy: What is your design philosophy when furnishing mid-term rental properties?

Our design philosophy for furnishing mid-term rental properties revolves around creating comfortable and functional living spaces that serve as a home away from home for guests staying for extended periods. We prioritize selecting furnishings that are contract-grade, performance-grade, and built to withstand the rigors of mid-term rental use. Ensuring there's a laundry area, a well-stocked kitchen, and ample bedding and linens is important. Adding features like a private workspace is also key for business travelers seeking a comfortable and productive environment during their stay.

2. Durable Furniture: What are your recommendations for durable furniture that can withstand frequent use in rental properties?

When furnishing rental properties, we advise prioritizing contract-grade furniture, particularly for frequently used core pieces. The Zander Leather Sofa is a superb option, boasting a clean-lined modern design that combines comfort with exceptional durability.

The Zander Leather Sofa from West Elm

Choosing performance-grade fabrics ensures easy maintenance and resilience against frequent use and cleanings. The Carlo Mid-Century Chair from West Elm is available in several performance fabrics while being compact in size and works great in tight spaces. It’s contract grade for unmatched durability.

The Carlo Mid-Century Chair from West Elm

Never settle for cheap dining room chairs. We recommend always choosing a durable chair. If it's upholstered, ensure it's a performance fabric. A good example is the Finley Low-Back Dining Chairs from West Elm. They are contract grade and available only in highly durable fabrics.

The Finley Low-Back Dining Chairs from West Elm

3. Space Optimization: How do you maximize space in small apartment rental units while ensuring comfort and style?

When it comes to maximizing space in small apartment rental units, it's important to strike a balance between practicality and aesthetics. The key is to ensure comfort and style while making the most of limited space. Multifunctional furniture, such as a coffee table with storage, can serve dual purposes, making it an excellent choice. Opting for furniture with a streamlined design will help create a sense of openness. To keep the space organized, clever storage solutions like wall-mounted shelves or under-bed storage are essential. Mirrors can also enhance the perception of space by reflecting light and creating an illusion of depth. Selecting a cohesive color palette and incorporating versatile pieces will ensure a stylish yet functional living environment.

4. Budget Management: What strategies do you use to stay within budget while sourcing quality furniture and decor?

When looking to furnish your home within a budget, it's important to prioritize investing in quality, durable pieces for core furniture like sofas, beds, and dining tables, as these are the items that get used the most. Since these are mid-term rentals and the items will be lived in and used, it is important to purchase high-quality pieces. Investing more upfront results in an extended product lifespan, leading to long-term cost savings by reducing the frequency of item replacements. You can include more affordable pieces for less used items like nightstands or console tables.

Additionally, consider purchasing decor from local stores, which not only supports your community but is also cost-effective. Mixing and matching different styles can help you achieve a more personalized look while accommodating different price points. So, don't be afraid to mix and match styles to create a unique and eclectic aesthetic that suits your budget and taste.

5. Color and Texture: What are your tips for using color and texture to enhance the visual appeal and comfort of rental spaces:

Understanding your target guest is crucial when utilizing color and texture to enhance rental spaces. For mid-term rentals, it is best to go for a broad appeal instead of a unique design. Opt for neutral tones in larger furniture and walls, providing a backdrop for you to add color and texture through artwork, throw pillows, and decor. If your mid-term rental is larger and may be sleeping families, consider warm and inviting colors, while a minimalist palette may be suitable for business travelers.

6. Multipurpose Furniture: What are some innovative multipurpose furniture pieces you recommend for rental properties?

For your mid-term rental, consider pieces that maximize space, functionality, and style. Here are some recommendations:

West Elm Mid-Century Expandable Dining Table

• Expandable Dining Tables: Opt for dining tables that can be easily expanded when in use. This saves space and allows guests to use the table when needed for entertaining. This West Elm Mid-Century Expandable Dining Table comes in a variety of size options, perfect for all spaces.
• Storage Ottomans: You can enhance storage by choosing ottomans with built-in storage compartments like the Bowman Leather Storage Ottoman from West Elm. This is perfect for storing extra blankets, pillows, or other items.
• Nesting Tables: Nesting tables provide flexibility and can be separated for individual use or grouped together as needed. They are versatile and can serve as coffee tables, side tables, or nightstands.
• Consoles doubling as a workstation: For those who may need a workspace, a multi-functional console is an excellent solution. We especially like the West Elm Bridge Entry Console. Remember if you are including a multi-function console / workstation, this needs to be a high-quality piece as it will be used frequently vs. just a console table.

Delaney Kitchen Console from Pottery Barn

• Compact Kitchen Islands: If the rental property has an open kitchen, consider a compact kitchen island with built-in storage like the Delaney Kitchen Console from Pottery Barn. It can serve as a dining table, additional counter space, and storage.
• Convertible Coffee-to-Dining Tables: Convertible coffee tables can be extended to create a dual-purpose piece of furniture that serves as an eating area or workstation. One of our favorites is the Industrial Storage Pop-Up Coffee Table from West Elm.
• Poufs: poufs offer a combination of comfort, style, and practicality, making them a versatile and appealing addition to various living spaces. Whether used for seating, as footrests, or as decorative elements, poufs contribute to a welcoming and flexible environment. We especially like the Striped Indoor/Outdoor Poufs from Rugs USA, which also add pattern to the space.

Industrial Storage Pop-Up Coffee Table from West Elm

7. Lighting Solutions: How do you approach lighting in rental properties to enhance both functionality and ambiance?

When addressing lighting in rental properties to improve both functionality and ambiance, it's essential to replace standard contractor-grade lights, often known as "boob lights" with fixtures that match your desired aesthetic. Choose lights that complement the overall style of the space, such as statement pendants or stylish chandeliers, to elevate the visual appeal. The color of a light bulb can greatly impact the ambiance of a space and even alter the appearance of paint colors. For the perfect soft feel, we recommend using a 3000K light bulb.

8. Local Inspiration: Do you incorporate local styles or themes into your designs? If so, how?

To enhance the guest experience, it is important to incorporate local styles and themes into the design of the space. This can be achieved by using elements that are specific to the region, such as artwork and decor that reflect the natural surroundings. Society6 is great for finding local art. Supporting local artisans by featuring handmade furniture and incorporating unique decor items from the area adds to the character of the space. Often the goal is to provide an experience that mirrors the unique charm of the destination without going overboard.