This is a follow-up to our previous communication pieces regarding the changing vacation rental market. The purpose of this piece is to make recommendations and offer suggestions for unit appearance and upgrades.

Many vacationers choose vacation rentals in lieu of hotels because they like to have the conveniences of home. They expect your second home to be as nice as or nicer than their primary home. After all, who wants to vacation in a rental unit that is not nearly as appealing or as stylish as their usual place of residence?

It is important to choose décor and wall accents for a vacation rental that looks every bit as eye-catching and appealing. Practicality, too, is important. Furnishings and textiles need to be sturdy enough to stand up to the salt air and wet bodies, as well as being attractive.

When decorating and buying new furnishings for your vacation rental, we offer these tips:

Wicker furniture in your rental unit may be slightly cheaper than regular couches, but are notably less comfortable and lower the unit's overall appearance. Futons and sheet-covered couches are never acceptable.

Purchase items that are easy to clean. A suede couch may look nice now, but how nice will it look after being lived on by a year's worth of renters?

If you have silk plants in your unit we recommend replacing them with a few quality accent pieces like antique balls, decorative sculptures, ceramics and other Pier One fare. A few decorative items in each room can go a long way. Plus, these items are easier to clean resulting in a better experience for both the guest and the housekeepers.

Group your accessories in odd numbers. It always looks nice if your groupings consist of tall and short accessories mixed together.

We recommend that you reflect your unit's location in your décor. When booking a vacation rental, travelers like the furnishings in a unit to reflect the destination (beach, mountains, city, etc.). This adds to their overall vacation experience. For example you wouldn't want to furnish your beach condo with a Wild West or country theme.

Luckily, there are many easy ways to make a beachfront property seem "beachy" without investing in fake seashells and tropical fish shower curtains.