Airbnb Guests Are Paying MORE for Vintage + Local Vibes - Here’s Why! - with Christina Melander

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

➢ Subscribe:    / @smartstayshow  

• 0:00:00 Crafting Memorable Experiences
• 0:02:11 Embracing Local Flair
• 0:04:22 Authenticity as a Superpower
• 0:09:52 Balancing Trust and Security
• 0:13:52 Lessons from Hosting
• 0:21:57 Sustainable and Practical Design
• 0:31:14 Advice for New Hosts
• 0:36:47 Connecting with Christina