--- title: The Ultimate Airbnb DESIGN Hacks + Pro PHOTO Tips That Hook Potential Guests - with Justin Miller description: Justin Miller, co-founder of Showplace and a true trailblazer in hospitality design image: https://str.legal/hubfs/472385093_1205337384621448_5832096065239831048_n.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://str.legal/smartstay-show/justin-miller#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) # The Ultimate Airbnb DESIGN Hacks + Pro PHOTO Tips That Hook Potential Guests - with Justin Miller ![Rory Gill](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/52a7403c0c5152799543ceb531cdb16d) Dec 3, 2024 7:00:00 AM   In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Justin Miller, co-founder of Showplace and a true trailblazer in hospitality design. Justin brings a wealth of experience to the table, having co-founded Pillow, a groundbreaking property management tech platform, and now leading Showplace, where he helps rental owners and investors create spaces that leave a lasting impression. Justin’s journey is as inspiring as it is insightful. From navigating the challenges of launching tech-driven solutions for property management to becoming a go-to expert for design-driven short-term rental setups, he’s seen firsthand how the right approach can elevate a property from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re new to hosting or a seasoned STR owner looking for fresh ideas, Justin’s advice is packed with actionable insights you can start using today. Tune in now and discover how the power of design can help you create a short-term rental that guests will never forget! Things we discussed in this episode: - The importance of setting up a short-term rental property for success before the first guest arrives - The concept of the "amenities arms race" and the need for high standards in short-term rentals - The significance of the first 5 photos in a short-term rental listing and how they can impact bookings - The differences between designing a primary residence versus a short-term rental property - The value of incorporating local flavor and branding into short-term rental design - Showplace's comprehensive design process, including mood boards and product lists - Tips for DIY hosts, such as using group purchasing organizations and local storage units - The importance of understanding both the real estate and hospitality aspects of short-term rentals - Practical setup tips, like using roll-off dumpsters and white-glove delivery services - Justin Miller's plans to launch a new podcast called "Showplace" in Q4 2024 Get in touch with Justin: - Facebook - [ ![](https://www.gstatic.com/youtube/img/watch/social_media/facebook_1x.png) / showplacehq  ](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbW1RZnZMOHBuUWhmTDNfdHNCaXhMc2RfV0VMUXxBQ3Jtc0tseUswcl9ERS1lS0ZzZ3JyRzJ4aDhGaXd0N0ZjMWJ5RXN2T3c1VE1IcHZMdWU4dFYtZk03Ti1weFdmd3VSa01LTmpDZV9SUEFyRkp2UVBZYWdjNnh3RDVjWXdtTmpKSHpfTFE1ejBfUGUzQVkxS0kyNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshowplacehq&v=R9Pa_aJ-Plk) - Instagram - [ ![](https://www.gstatic.com/youtube/img/watch/social_media/instagram_1x.png) / showplace\_hq  ](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2dWVXkwRkU4SVBEZm9kaUFoOVAyTG1zYzdGUXxBQ3Jtc0trWGJFdDFmVDhHXzNDY2tZVmpaM3kwcnNRLV94bmM5WkEwOUJYSEZIcXJLa3hQYllWOXpZNzhwdVV1dHluWkMxQWlTaWVDc3pzTmpERS02ZW5MdHlxZGlsWS11R2otYXZPQVF1TjM1WGlnM1lmZWJicw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fshowplace_hq%2F&v=R9Pa_aJ-Plk) - Website - [https://www.showplacehq.com/](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbDBsOWFjMnZpVThjamY2UktsTUhDeFMxRDNzd3xBQ3Jtc0trbkQ3QnJ0d3Z1TFJkUmtBRWVJMGVCWEdYdzlvb0VfQ2JkUUtzSDk3RVBuOFlmRHBCMFRJTTBaWk9zRGVHNkpVT3h3U1Q0cU5jdzgyY0lSblJFbW9hNEZFNUxNS3Q0OVhBTGdXY1A2cHU2Zmk3clQ0SQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.showplacehq.com%2F&v=R9Pa_aJ-Plk) ➢ 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=R9Pa_aJ-Plk&t=0s) The Importance of Design - [0:00:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Pa_aJ-Plk&t=42s) Creating Aspirational Spaces - [0:01:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Pa_aJ-Plk&t=78s) Jason Muth's Short-Term Rental Background - [0:02:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Pa_aJ-Plk&t=148s) Justin Miller's Superpower - [0:04:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Pa_aJ-Plk&t=293s) Justin's Short-Term Rental Journey - [0:07:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Pa_aJ-Plk&t=464s) The "Amenities Arms Race" - [0:10:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Pa_aJ-Plk&t=640s) Designing for the First 5 Photos - [0:12:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Pa_aJ-Plk&t=754s) Residential vs. Short-Term Rental Design - [0:16:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Pa_aJ-Plk&t=974s) Using Color and Unique Elements - [0:19:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Pa_aJ-Plk&t=1186s) Incorporating Local Flavor and Branding - [0:21:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Pa_aJ-Plk&t=1315s) Collaborating with Design-Savvy Clients - [0:24:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Pa_aJ-Plk&t=1488s) Showplace's Design Process - [0:31:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Pa_aJ-Plk&t=1898s) Practical Property Setup Tips - [0:38:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Pa_aJ-Plk&t=2287s) Balancing Hospitality and Real Estate - [0:39:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Pa_aJ-Plk&t=2349s) Justin's Future Plans and Thoughts **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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