We just finished up a renovation in a short term rental along 30A. This studio condo is situated between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach so the location is amazing. The interior was not as amazing when we purchased it so we decided to start over! Because of that I have all the details from paint and counter tops to dishes and furniture.

Before Photos of the Studio Condo

Updates

• new flooring
• removed 2 closets to add square footage
• removed a large hot water tank and replaced it with a small tankless hot water heater that was put in another small closet
• gutted the bathroom but kept the same footprint
• replaced all window trim, base boards, and crown molding
• removed and replaced the kitchenette cabinets, sink, and counters
• new paint (Benjamin Moore – Decorator’s White on walls and trim in Satin for ease of touch ups)
• new lighting/fans
• new doors and door knobs
• all new furnishings

Finish Selections

When selecting renovation materials for a short term rental I have a different mindset than when I am choosing items for my personal home. While the aesthetic is important, so is durability, and cost to replace.

Flooring

Depending on the home I love the durability of LVP in rentals. I don’t use it in higher end remodels but for vacation rentals that get heavy use the cost and durability both make it a winner. I have used this “dusk cherry” Lifeproof LVP from Home Depot in almost a dozen projects. I love the look and you don’t have to worry about wet towels warping your floors.

I ended up running the LVP through the bathroom rather than doing tile floors just to go easy on the cleaners! Grout is a dirt trap and so hard to clean so having the LVP in the bathroom will make cleaning easier. For the same reason I used large tile on the shower walls.

Bathroom

Because this unit may attract couples with young children I wanted to keep the tub. I used a large tile on the walls to minimize grout as mentioned above and added a glass shower door because no one likes a moldy shower curtain and I see them all the time in rentals in the area.

I had used this wood vanity in our last Connecticut home and loved the look. I swapped out the hardware that was included with these knobs. The marble counter is included – I did have a backsplash added after install to protect the drywall from moisture.

I used this linear vanity light and replaced the boob light on the ceiling with this light. The mirror is an Amazon find. I even found a rather aesthetically pleasing plunger to keep the place cohesive. The hand towel and toiler paper holders – another Amazon find. Shop the bathroom:

Kitchenette

No cabinet people I talked to wanted to take on such a small job so I ended up ordering my own pre-assembled cabinets from The Home Depot. After my contractor installed those I had the area templated for these quartzite counter tops. I love quartzite because it has the beauty of a natural stone with a lot more durability than marble. This was a remnant slap of White Macaubus leathered quartzite.

These floating shelves (in the “gray” color) are deep enough to hold large dinner plates. Speaking of dinner plates – I love Crate and Barrel for dishes and glasses. Walmart’s BHG line also has good options. Linking my kitchenette items below:

Paint

I used Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White in satin finish on all walls, trim, and doors. These door knobs are so pretty and again, an Amazon find.

LIGHTING

• Foyer light
• Ceiling fan/light
• Bathroom Ceiling light
• Bathroom Vanity light

Furnishings and Decor

To add additional sleeping space I used a performance fabric sleepers sofa in this property. It’s always a balance in a rental property, weighing the cost of replacement vs. the cost of upgrading to more durable upholstery (and having it cleaned). This performance fabric sleeper sofa was on sale when I purchased so it was less expensive than the Wayfair sleeper sofa I have used in other rentals.

I opted for a dresser that has the look of a console table with the open shelf you can style. The Dylan dresser is one I have in my personal home as well! That’s how much I love it. Just a heads up – the drawers are not particularly deep since there is that space for the open shelf area.

There was very little space for a dining area based on the small footprint of this condo but I am hoping people opt to eat at this small round table. I love the acrylic chairs, both I found on The Home Depot’s website. They have a lot of beautiful but cost effective furniture and decor options so I shop there a lot for rentals because unlike somewhere like say, Wayfair, you can return in store if you need be rather than paying a large return shipping fee.

The accent chair is an affordable slipcover option from Walmart. The fabric almost matches the sofa. I am going to link up the coffee table and decor below.

WANT TO TRY BEFORE YOU BUY?

Come stay! We’d love to host you through our property management company Stay on 30A. Here is the rental listing for this unit.