--- title: Airbnb Guests Are Paying MORE for Vintage + Local Vibes - Here’s Why! - with Christina Melander description: Christina Melander, founder of Knotty Pine Design and a talented short-term rental host, discusses her blend of budget-conscious and authentic design image: https://str.legal/hubfs/_DSC8769.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://str.legal/smartstay-show/christina-melander#main) [![FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2](https://str.legal/hs-fs/hubfs/FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png?width=300&height=82&name=FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png) ![FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2](https://str.legal/hs-fs/hubfs/FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png?width=300&height=82&name=FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png) ![FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2](https://str.legal/hs-fs/hubfs/FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png?width=300&height=82&name=FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png) ![FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2](https://str.legal/hs-fs/hubfs/FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png?width=300&height=82&name=FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png)](https://str.legal) - [Podcast](https://str.legal/smartstay-show) - [Contact Us](https://str.legal/contact) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Podcast](https://str.legal/smartstay-show) - [Contact Us](https://str.legal/contact) - Search - [Get Started](https://str.legal/get-started) [Get Started](https://str.legal/get-started) Search [SmartStay Show](https://str.legal/smartstay-show) # Airbnb Guests Are Paying MORE for Vintage + Local Vibes - Here’s Why! - with Christina Melander ![Rory Gill](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/52a7403c0c5152799543ceb531cdb16d) Dec 10, 2024 7:00:00 AM   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](mailto:cm@knottypine.design) - Instagram - [ ![](https://www.gstatic.com/youtube/img/watch/social_media/instagram_1x.png) / knottypine.design  ](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbW51SHJYemVTX0dDLWlPNFY5LU14NlBISDFBZ3xBQ3Jtc0trSldjcEZHWWxsZWdNZW9BZGJzQW82UkVXY1lsM0dwbG1FVWVzZDJ4V0I4RmtiM0hUNE5OV3VzQl9kQTR5N3RBV21uWURZY2FVaHpDanJhczA5Y25KSS0xeFA2NDVqTEVTS0c3dzdOZUFpZjZjemthaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fknottypine.design%2F&v=WEyAdeaHhlE) - Website - [https://www.knottypine.design/](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbV93V1duc0NXYUhCbV96SXFyNnRvX1B4eGR4d3xBQ3Jtc0trcWV2ZHZZR3VENGZCdWFLMEZaemstN0pGaGg1eFZVT1QxZzF3TFB0MzFPVHhXRlhQQnREc0xOTm5MWDl6Q2dKNTR3YnY1VGNpV3p2UF84UW55SlNURDNUQkU1cTdoQS1nSmExTlhMb0I0Uzc0ZkJ1UQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.knottypine.design%2F&v=WEyAdeaHhlE) ➢ Subscribe: [  ![](https://www.gstatic.com/youtube/img/watch/yt_favicon_ringo2.png) / @smartstayshow  ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9hSZeHoPAwF2bcEib0RCvg) - [0:00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEyAdeaHhlE&t=0s) Crafting Memorable Experiences - [0:02:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEyAdeaHhlE&t=131s) Embracing Local Flair - [0:04:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEyAdeaHhlE&t=262s) Authenticity as a Superpower - [0:09:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEyAdeaHhlE&t=592s) Balancing Trust and Security - [0:13:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEyAdeaHhlE&t=832s) Lessons from Hosting - [0:21:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEyAdeaHhlE&t=1317s) Sustainable and Practical Design - [0:31:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEyAdeaHhlE&t=1874s) Advice for New Hosts - [0:36:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEyAdeaHhlE&t=2207s) Connecting with Christina **Tags:** ### Related Articles ### Comments ![SmartStay Coaching (transparent background).png-3](https://str.legal/hubfs/SmartStay%20Coaching%20(transparent%20background).png-3.avif) ### Short-Term Rental Counsel + Coaching Welcome to the SmartStay Show, where profit meets strategy for short-term rental hosts. Hosted by STR.Legal Attorney Rory Gill and 30-time Airbnb Superhost Jason Muth, this podcast is your go-to resource for mastering the world of vacation rentals on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. Each episode is packed with actionable tips and real-life strategies designed to help you maximize your income while safeguarding your property. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your existing listings, the SmartStay Show covers everything from pricing optimization and guest communication to legal compliance and automation tools. With expert advice from seasoned hosts and industry insiders, we provide the playbook for turning your rental into a top-performing asset. What sets us apart is our focus on owners of small but mighty portfolios. You don’t need to own dozens of properties to succeed — we specifically cater to hosts who self-manage and want to get the most out of their vacation rentals.   ###### Categories ###### Recent Posts [![FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer](https://str.legal/hs-fs/hubfs/FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer.png?width=250&height=142&name=FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer.png)](https://str.legal) 40R Merrimac Street, Suite 201 East Newburyport, MA 01950   [978-351-9050](tel:9783519050)   ©2026 STR Legal PC. All rights reserved. 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