Treasure Hunting for Vintage Vacation Rental Designs?
AIRBNB HOST TIPS TO BRANDING YOUR VINTAGE VACATION RENTAL
Have You Wondered
“Curating vintage artwork and decor—where do I even begin?”
WELCOME TO THE OLIVE JAR. If you’re an airbnb host seeking to elevate your vacation rental’s appeal, you’ve landed in the right place.
TODAY, I’m sharing a project feature where timeless charm meets modern hospitality.
Our journey delves into the enchanting world of vintage design—a treasure trove of inspiration that can transform your property into a nostalgic retreat for guests. Discover how incorporating vintage elements can not only enhance your Airbnb decor but also boost your rental's marketability. From curated antique finds to retro-inspired color palettes, we'll explore creative Airbnb decor ideas that captivate and enchant. Plus, we'll share essential Airbnb marketing and host tips to ensure your vintage-themed haven stands out in a crowded market. Join us as we unlock the secrets to creating a unique, memorable experience for your guests with a touch of yesteryear's magic.
Whether it’s a “new year new you,” or you’re in spring cleanING mode, there is no time like the present for a Brand Refresh.
Although in today’s case, you’ll get a glimpse of the past, present and future (3 for 1 deal).
When we first met Paloma & Jordan, their Joshua Tree short term rental was having an identity crisis. The mid-century modern interiors with a retro 50’s vintage styling was apparent, but there was a lot of noise from artwork, patterns, and accent decor that didn’t fit under one roof—from an aesthetics standpoint ;) Paloma & Jordan had already put so much sweat equity into this property, but there was more to be done. They had a laundry list of cosmetic updates they needed to make; on top of that, we felt the artwork throughout the home needed to be prioritized too…but first, we encouraged them to take a beat for a “Brand Refresh,” to get a cohesive brand identity in place before pulling the trigger on anymore work.
“When you step into The Lost Flamingo, you are transported to another time...Our target traveler has done Palm Springs; they’ve done Vegas, too. They are the art & vintage enthusiast looking for diamonds in the ruff of Joshua Tree.”
Just like we’VE shared about our process with The Well PROJECT, we BEGAN by building a Brand Blueprint to identify and define The Lost Flamingo target traveler, brand filters, and story concept.
The aesthetics were articulated through visuals like color palette and mood boards; but also, in written story format, which quickly filled up two (single spaced!) pages. In this entry, we’ve shared a few snippets along the way.
“The mid-century aesthetics of The Lost Flamingo are in symphony with 1950’s-1960’s retro. Artwork throughout the home is an eclectic, retro futuristic collection combining 1960’s. Palm Springs modernism and the Atomic age, what people in the 50’s imagined the future would look like—think mid-century meets ‘The Jetsons.’”
How do you choose the artwork that works? Follow the Branding Guide.
IF VACATION RENTAL STYLING HAS FELT OVERWHELMING TO YOU, have you built your branding guide? in the meantime, here’s A LOOK AT OUR selection PROCESS.
In this blog we’re highlighting wall art decor, but keep in mind…While you might consider a refrigerator an appliance, a record collection or cook book an amenity, we consider these works of art too. These components further communicate The Lost Flamingo story concept, building upon the branded aesthetics we’ve assigned. Those details were all design choices that were easier to make with a custom brand blueprint as the ultimate guide. Now, without further adieu…
A WORD FROM THE ART COLLECTOR
Have you met our interior design partner, Amy? She was thrilled to do The Lost Flamingo artwork treasure hunting. Today I’m highlighting 6 of the art pieces she sourced, with insights on the selection process, shared in her own words below.
Amy & Dawn having a super time, because they adore their clients and all the creative work they get to do every day. (Photo credit @anchor.pictures)
THE LOST FLAMINGO
RETRO VINTAGE ART COLLECTION
“The Lost Flamingo color palette brings vibrant life to a muted landscape and awakens your spirit, lifting your mood without overwhelming the senses.”
RETRO WOOD, FABRIC & ACRYLIC 3D WALL ART
(1) LIVING ROOM : This art piece is by far my favorite for the living room. It’s got dimensionality, along with different textures using wood, fabric and acrylic. It looks like a vintage piece straight out of the 60's and has a sophistication to it. I like that it ties in the red area rug and turquoise flooring. If it were my vacation rental, I would invest in this piece because it's the clear focal point guests will spot upon home entry, and as we know, that first impression is everything.
BIG ‘OL NOTE: We wanted to put the TV out of sight while making it easily accessible. We pitched a TV lift credenza as the best solution. Host Jordan, a craftsman woodworker, built this beautiful unit by hand!
READ MORE ABOUT THIS ENTIRE FOCAL POINT SET UP IN A BEFORE/ AFTER HERE.
BOOMERANG WELCOME SIGN
(2) ENTRY COUNTER SPACE : This could work on the cabinet above the counter where your Welcome Guide displays. The aqua would look good against the orange tones in the cabinetry. It’s quintessential Atomic Age styling, and especially says “Jetsons throwback.”
CHUBBY CHECKER’S VINTAGE ALBUM + PALOMA VINTAGE COCKTAIL POSTER
(3) TIME CAPSULE COCKTAIL BAR : Hold on to the George Nelson starburst clock! Pair it with this vintage album from 1961 to display on a “now spinning” shelf. This album cover pulls in the red from the living room. Not to mention, “The Twist” is just a fun song to dance to—even the worst dancer can do the twist!
(4) TIME CAPSULE COCKTAIL BAR : We have to honor the host with this Paloma cocktail print, and guests might catch the personal tie-in here. View a highlight REEL to watch us clear what wasn’t working, swap out the old, stage with the new and fill in the gaps.
There’s much more to say about this “time capsule” bar concept we designed, but that’s for another day!
SPACEY MID CENTURY CANVAS PRINT
(5) PRIMARY BEDROOM : The colors work well in the bedroom and it brings in a subtle space/atomic age element, which is currently not present in either bedroom. I like it better in the primary, but it definitely works in the 2nd bedroom too. The print is sold in a portrait orientation, but if we add some picture wire on the wood frame, then we can orient it horizontally and hang it landscape. A stretched canvas won't be as heavy as a framed piece, so it’s ideal for earthquake proofed artwork above the headboard.
DESERT UFO SPACESHIP & SPECTATORS
(6) 2ND BEDROOM : This is super fun and different. It ties in several of the design conceptual elements in one piece: the onlookers dressed in 1950’s style clothing; the spaceship brings in the space/Atomic Age and nods to Paloma & Jordan’s love for space; and, it’s set in a desert landscape, perfect for Joshua Tree. I also especially love the human component, which we don’t have in the art selections thus far (outside of the Chubby Checker’s vintage album). Love it for the sense of curiosity it evokes. The colors work into the bedroom color palette, and pair well with the hallway mural just outside the door. This is Dawn’s favorite in the entire sourced collection!
The Lost Flamingo photography by @barkhurststudios
BEHIND THE SCENES
Tap below for a behind-the-scenes highlight reel. Watch us clear what wasn’t working, swap out the old, stage with the new and fill in the gaps.
IS IT POSSIBLE THAT NOT ALL FLAMINGOS WHO WANDER ARE LOST?
We think The Lost Flamingo is right where she needs to be. Comment below to tell us which Lost Flamingo art piece is your favorite!