Kitchens and bathrooms do a lot of heavy lifting in a short-term rental. They need to look fresh, function easily, stand up to frequent use, and still feel like part of a welcoming home. For this updated three-bedroom, two-bath Airbnb near Elon University, we approached the kitchen and bathrooms as long-term investments. The goal was to create spaces that felt comfortable and memorable for guests while using practical, timeless finishes that would continue to serve the homeowners well beyond the rental.
Kitchens and bathrooms do a lot of heavy lifting in a short-term rental. They need to look fresh, function easily, stand up to frequent use, and still feel like part of a welcoming home. For this updated three-bedroom, two-bath Airbnb near Elon University, we approached the kitchen and bathrooms as long-term investments. The goal was to create spaces that felt comfortable and memorable for guests while using practical, timeless finishes that would continue to serve the homeowners well beyond the rental.
Project Overview
The kitchen and bathrooms were designed to support a range of guests, including families visiting Elon University, football-weekend travelers, students, and nearby business travelers.
Because these spaces would experience frequent turnover, the design prioritized durable surfaces, easy maintenance, thoughtful storage, and finishes with enough personality to make the Airbnb stand out without feeling overly trendy.
Scope of Work: Kitchen and Bathroom Design
Design Requirements
Create a welcoming, functional kitchen for short-term guests
Use durable finishes appropriate for frequent turnover
Add personality without making the home feel overly themed
Preserve the home’s existing character and architecture
Coordinate the kitchen and bathrooms with the home’s Carolina-inspired design
Make permanent updates that would also support future resale value
Kitchen Design
The kitchen was designed with a bright, collected Nantucket-cottage feel. White cabinetry, a beadboard backsplash, open shelving, brass hardware, and a farmhouse sink create a classic foundation that feels fresh without being overly modern.
The kitchen’s blue-gray details connect it to the rest of the home, while red mugs, blue dishes, and teal accents add color and personality. Open shelving makes everyday items easy for guests to find while also creating an opportunity to display colorful dishware and accessories.
The result is a kitchen that feels both practical and photographable—comfortable enough for guests to prepare a quick breakfast or a full meal, but distinctive enough to contribute to the Airbnb’s overall identity.
Bathroom Design
The bathrooms were given individual personalities while remaining connected through the home’s larger palette of warm neutrals, slate blue, cream, and classic pattern.
One bathroom pairs warm tan walls with cream-and-white striped wallpaper, blue-gray trim, a white vanity, and a vintage-inspired framed mirror. The mix feels cheerful and traditional without becoming overly precious.
The second bathroom introduces a wood vanity, a sculptural blue mirror, patterned window treatment, and small floral artwork. In the shower, marble-look tile adds a more elevated finish while remaining practical for a high-use guest bathroom.
Across both spaces, the design balances personality with simplicity. The bathrooms feel welcoming and considered, while the hard surfaces and straightforward layouts make them easier to maintain between stays.
Challenges
Designing high-use spaces that felt special without relying on fragile décor
Balancing guest-friendly function with a more layered, residential look
Coordinating two bathrooms with different personalities
Choosing finishes that felt classic enough to support future resale
Creating visual interest while maintaining a calm and cohesive Airbnb experience
Results
A bright, functional kitchen designed for real guest use
Two bathrooms with distinct personalities and cohesive detailing
Durable, practical finishes appropriate for a short-term rental
A stronger visual identity for the Airbnb listing
Classic updates that support both hospitality and long-term resale value
Kitchen and bath spaces that feel like part of a home—not a generic hotel
In a short-term rental, the kitchen and bathrooms are more than supporting spaces. They shape how guests begin and end their days, how easily they settle in, and how polished the entire stay feels.
For this Burlington Airbnb, we created spaces that work hard behind the scenes while still giving guests something memorable to enjoy.
Project Overview
The kitchen and bathrooms were designed to support a range of guests, including families visiting Elon University, football-weekend travelers, students, and nearby business travelers.
Because these spaces would experience frequent turnover, the design prioritized durable surfaces, easy maintenance, thoughtful storage, and finishes with enough personality to make the Airbnb stand out without feeling overly trendy.
Scope of Work: Kitchen and Bathroom Design
Design Requirements
Create a welcoming, functional kitchen for short-term guests
Use durable finishes appropriate for frequent turnover
Add personality without making the home feel overly themed
Preserve the home’s existing character and architecture
Coordinate the kitchen and bathrooms with the home’s Carolina-inspired design
Make permanent updates that would also support future resale value
Kitchen Design
The kitchen was designed with a bright, collected Nantucket-cottage feel. White cabinetry, a beadboard backsplash, open shelving, brass hardware, and a farmhouse sink create a classic foundation that feels fresh without being overly modern.
The kitchen’s blue-gray details connect it to the rest of the home, while red mugs, blue dishes, and teal accents add color and personality. Open shelving makes everyday items easy for guests to find while also creating an opportunity to display colorful dishware and accessories.
The result is a kitchen that feels both practical and photographable—comfortable enough for guests to prepare a quick breakfast or a full meal, but distinctive enough to contribute to the Airbnb’s overall identity.
Bathroom Design
The bathrooms were given individual personalities while remaining connected through the home’s larger palette of warm neutrals, slate blue, cream, and classic pattern.
One bathroom pairs warm tan walls with cream-and-white striped wallpaper, blue-gray trim, a white vanity, and a vintage-inspired framed mirror. The mix feels cheerful and traditional without becoming overly precious.
The second bathroom introduces a wood vanity, a sculptural blue mirror, patterned window treatment, and small floral artwork. In the shower, marble-look tile adds a more elevated finish while remaining practical for a high-use guest bathroom.
Across both spaces, the design balances personality with simplicity. The bathrooms feel welcoming and considered, while the hard surfaces and straightforward layouts make them easier to maintain between stays.
Challenges
Designing high-use spaces that felt special without relying on fragile décor
Balancing guest-friendly function with a more layered, residential look
Coordinating two bathrooms with different personalities
Choosing finishes that felt classic enough to support future resale
Creating visual interest while maintaining a calm and cohesive Airbnb experience
Results
A bright, functional kitchen designed for real guest use
Two bathrooms with distinct personalities and cohesive detailing
Durable, practical finishes appropriate for a short-term rental
A stronger visual identity for the Airbnb listing
Classic updates that support both hospitality and long-term resale value
Kitchen and bath spaces that feel like part of a home—not a generic hotel
In a short-term rental, the kitchen and bathrooms are more than supporting spaces. They shape how guests begin and end their days, how easily they settle in, and how polished the entire stay feels.
For this Burlington Airbnb, we created spaces that work hard behind the scenes while still giving guests something memorable to enjoy.
Kitchen and bath design in a short-term rental is about more than making things pretty. These spaces need to work hard for guests, stand up to turnover, and still feel like a home not a hotel.
Suzanne Bowker, Virmae Interiors
Kitchen and bath design in a short-term rental is about more than making things pretty. These spaces need to work hard for guests, stand up to turnover, and still feel like a home not a hotel.
Suzanne Bowker, Virmae Interiors
Photo Gallery
See What We Transformed
Explore a diverse range of outdoor spaces, from lush gardens to inviting patios, each captured in breathtaking detail.
Photo Gallery
See What We Transformed
Explore a diverse range of outdoor spaces, from lush gardens to inviting patios, each captured in breathtaking detail.
The white cabinets brightened up the space tremendously
The kitchen opens up to the living and dining spaces, making for easy flow between the rooms.
We kept the existing shower and updated around it. Elevating the whole space without breaking the bank.
Marble veining in the shower tile has a subtle blue gray tint tieing into the trim throughout the house.
The white cabinets brightened up the space tremendously
The kitchen opens up to the living and dining spaces, making for easy flow between the rooms.
We kept the existing shower and updated around it. Elevating the whole space without breaking the bank.
Marble veining in the shower tile has a subtle blue gray tint tieing into the trim throughout the house.
We lovingly referred to her as Ms. American with her dusty blue and nantucket red color pallet.
An updated bath with striped wallpaper ties in the bead board backsplash in the kitchen
The primary bathroom got a scalloped mirror and cute cafe curtains.
We lovingly referred to her as Ms. American with her dusty blue and nantucket red color pallet.
An updated bath with striped wallpaper ties in the bead board backsplash in the kitchen
The primary bathroom got a scalloped mirror and cute cafe curtains.
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