In this episode of the Smart Stay Show, I sit down with Christina Melander, the founder of Knotty Pine Design and a talented short-term rental host, to discuss how she creates memorable guest experiences with a blend of budget-conscious, authentic design. Christina shares her insights on crafting distinctive, fantasy-driven vibes that stand out on listings and leave a lasting impression.

We dive into how to balance sturdy, long-lasting furniture with unique, locally-sourced pieces, and how meaningful items like family heirlooms and artwork can elevate the guest experience. Christina also shares practical advice for new hosts, including sourcing high-quality furnishings through resale channels, gathering guest feedback, and avoiding generic décor.

If you're a short-term rental host looking to elevate your space and make a real impact on your guests, this episode is full of valuable takeaways. Tune in for inspiration on creating a home away from home that your guests will never forget!

Things we discussed in this episode:

• Christina's superpower is her ability to create authentic, lived-in spaces through her eclectic, budget-conscious design approach.


• Incorporating local, vintage, and one-of-a-kind items to create a distinctive guest experience.


• Displaying meaningful items and furnishings, while trusting guests to respect the care and thought put into the rental.


• Balancing automated messages with personalized touchpoints to maintain a high level of guest satisfaction.


• The benefits of sourcing furnishings through resale channels to reduce packaging waste and support the circular economy.


• Investing in high-quality, long-lasting items that can withstand the wear and tear of short-term rentals.


• Gathering input from early guests to continuously improve the rental experience.


• Avoiding cast-off furniture and generic art - Advice for new hosts to create a cohesive, welcoming environment.


• The importance of providing coasters to prevent water damage in humid environments.


• Christina's design firm specializes in creating unique, budget-conscious spaces for short-term rentals.

Get in touch with Christina:

Email - cm@knottypine.design

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/knottypine.design/

Website - https://www.knottypine.design/

#SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #AirbnbManagement #ShortTermRentals #AirbnbHosting #UniqueDesign #BudgetFriendlyDecor #SustainableHospitality #GuestExperience #VintageFinds #LocalTouchpoints #HostCommunication #InteriorDesignTips

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SmartStay Show is part of Hospitality.FM, a podcast network dedicated to bringing the best hospitality-focused podcasts to those in and around the industry, from Food + Beverage, Guest Experience, Diversity & Inclusion, Tech, Operations, Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Real Estate Law, and so much more!