New to Town | Furniture for Short-Term Living Spaces

The sharing economy isn't just humming along, it's thriving. And it's transforming the short-term housing economy. It's giving rise to a new term, "living as a service," which provides attractive options for renters who need temporary accommodations.Needing a place to stay between moves, relocating for a job, becoming temporarily displaced from home, taking extended vacations—these are a few of the reasons that someone might need short-term housing. Short-term rentals generate tens of millions of dollars in the United States every year, reports Statista. For realtors, leasing agents and owners, this represents a significant opportunity to bring in more revenue.When it comes to meeting the short-term needs of renters coming into town, it helps to understand current trends and the elements that attract these renters. Interior design trends play heavily into what those who are new to town are looking for. How do your plans stack up?

Moving around frequently and traveling for extended times can be exciting. It can also be exhausting, leaving people feeling a sense of homesickness that's difficult to quell. Among millennials looking for short term housing during business travel, at least 50 percent are interested in options that make them feel at home despite being away from home, shows data from Condé Nast Traveler. That's emblematic of a larger trend.How can you make your short-term rental feel more homey? Consider adopting one or more of these interior design trends intended to do just that:

• Use subtle, elegant paint colors: Making the inside feel warm and inviting could be as simple as a fresh coat of paint. Skip stark white in favor of warm ivories, light grays and cozy beiges.
• Add statement artwork: Don't go overboard, but don't skimp either. Having a focal point in key areas like the living room, bedroom and even the bathroom adds warmth and style to the space.
• Consider furniture rental: Renters want short-term rentals that feel fresh, on-trend and like a place they'll enjoy calling home while they're there. Furniture rental is essential among people who move frequently for work. It also gives owners, landlords and leasing agents the option to swap things out periodically to stay on-trend while avoiding the costs and hassles of furniture ownership.

Even among travelers, the draw of staying in short-term housing instead of a hotel lies in the experience. Renters want to feel like they're part of the community, even if that's temporary. Furnish the space to reflect your area. Are you in an urban environment? Play up the views with well dressed windows and seating that lets renters gaze out over their new neighborhoods. Are you in a coastal location? Swap out heavy draperies for bamboo shades and beachy furnishings in cool neutrals with splashes of color from throws, area rugs and decorative pillows.Don't be afraid to get personal. Take a photo of an iconic spot in your city or town, blow it up and frame it for an inexpensive, wow-worthy piece of art. Include an area in the kitchen, entryway or office where you can provide top recommendations of attractions, restaurants and shops to make it easier for renters to get out, explore and experience the area.

In today's sharing economy, people have more access to upscale items than ever before. They rent couture clothing for formal events, they rent gaming systems for short-term use and they rent to get a taste of the luxurious life they can't necessarily afford to buy. That mindset carries into the attitudes that renters have toward short-term housing options. As the short-term rental market continues heating up and becoming increasingly competitive, offering a taste of the luxe life can help make your rental stand out.That doesn't mean you have to spend a ton of money on furnishings. Consider these tips for adding luxury, even on a budget:

• Add high-end accents, like gold or silver end tables, leather ottomans and marble-topped chests. Use large area rugs, faux fur throws and decorative pillows to add color and sumptuous softness
• Mix materials for added texture and a pulled-together look that avoids being overly matching.
• Layer the lighting with statement overhead pieces, wall sconces and table lamps to add depth to the rooms

Research suggests that modern renters—short-term and long-term alike—both want and expect rentals to provide the tech that matters most. Renters want to be able to pay their rent and interact with landlords online and through email. They're also interested in being able to seamlessly connect to high speed Internet and leverage the added safety and energy efficiency that technology provides. Smart locks, smart video monitoring, smart thermostats and smart home-capable devices are among the leading features that renters are looking for.

In addition to paying attention to interior design trends, you should furnish short-term rentals with durable, good-quality pieces. Renters aren't looking for a cookie cutter, hotel room experience. They want to feel at home while they're in short-term housing. One of the best ways to achieve that without huge upfront expenses and without the hassle of maintenance is with furniture rental. Not only does CORT Furniture Rental offer on-trend pieces and a huge selection to choose from with the convenience of delivery, set up and take away, it's also a sustainable option that can boost your rental's eco-friendly appeal.

The sharing economy isn't just humming along, it's thriving. And it's transforming the short-term housing economy. It's giving rise to a new term, "living as a service," which provides attractive options for renters who need temporary accommodations.Needing a place to stay between moves, relocating for a job, becoming temporarily displaced from home, taking extended vacations—these are a few of the reasons that someone might need short-term housing. Short-term rentals generate tens of millions of dollars in the United States every year, reports Statista. For realtors, leasing agents and owners, this represents a significant opportunity to bring in more revenue.When it comes to meeting the short-term needs of renters coming into town, it helps to understand current trends and the elements that attract these renters. Interior design trends play heavily into what those who are new to town are looking for. How do your plans stack up?

Moving around frequently and traveling for extended times can be exciting. It can also be exhausting, leaving people feeling a sense of homesickness that's difficult to quell. Among millennials looking for short term housing during business travel, at least 50 percent are interested in options that make them feel at home despite being away from home, shows data from Condé Nast Traveler. That's emblematic of a larger trend.How can you make your short-term rental feel more homey? Consider adopting one or more of these interior design trends intended to do just that:

• Use subtle, elegant paint colors: Making the inside feel warm and inviting could be as simple as a fresh coat of paint. Skip stark white in favor of warm ivories, light grays and cozy beiges.
• Add statement artwork: Don't go overboard, but don't skimp either. Having a focal point in key areas like the living room, bedroom and even the bathroom adds warmth and style to the space.
• Consider furniture rental: Renters want short-term rentals that feel fresh, on-trend and like a place they'll enjoy calling home while they're there. Furniture rental is essential among people who move frequently for work. It also gives owners, landlords and leasing agents the option to swap things out periodically to stay on-trend while avoiding the costs and hassles of furniture ownership.

Even among travelers, the draw of staying in short-term housing instead of a hotel lies in the experience. Renters want to feel like they're part of the community, even if that's temporary. Furnish the space to reflect your area. Are you in an urban environment? Play up the views with well dressed windows and seating that lets renters gaze out over their new neighborhoods. Are you in a coastal location? Swap out heavy draperies for bamboo shades and beachy furnishings in cool neutrals with splashes of color from throws, area rugs and decorative pillows.Don't be afraid to get personal. Take a photo of an iconic spot in your city or town, blow it up and frame it for an inexpensive, wow-worthy piece of art. Include an area in the kitchen, entryway or office where you can provide top recommendations of attractions, restaurants and shops to make it easier for renters to get out, explore and experience the area.

In today's sharing economy, people have more access to upscale items than ever before. They rent couture clothing for formal events, they rent gaming systems for short-term use and they rent to get a taste of the luxurious life they can't necessarily afford to buy. That mindset carries into the attitudes that renters have toward short-term housing options. As the short-term rental market continues heating up and becoming increasingly competitive, offering a taste of the luxe life can help make your rental stand out.That doesn't mean you have to spend a ton of money on furnishings. Consider these tips for adding luxury, even on a budget:

• Add high-end accents, like gold or silver end tables, leather ottomans and marble-topped chests. Use large area rugs, faux fur throws and decorative pillows to add color and sumptuous softness
• Mix materials for added texture and a pulled-together look that avoids being overly matching.
• Layer the lighting with statement overhead pieces, wall sconces and table lamps to add depth to the rooms

Research suggests that modern renters—short-term and long-term alike—both want and expect rentals to provide the tech that matters most. Renters want to be able to pay their rent and interact with landlords online and through email. They're also interested in being able to seamlessly connect to high speed Internet and leverage the added safety and energy efficiency that technology provides. Smart locks, smart video monitoring, smart thermostats and smart home-capable devices are among the leading features that renters are looking for.In addition to paying attention to interior design trends, you should furnish short-term rentals with durable, good-quality pieces. Renters aren't looking for a cookie cutter, hotel room experience. They want to feel at home while they're in short-term housing. One of the best ways to achieve that without huge upfront expenses and without the hassle of maintenance is with furniture rental. Not only does CORT Furniture Rental offer on-trend pieces and a huge selection to choose from with the convenience of delivery, set up and take away, it's also a sustainable option that can boost your rental's eco-friendly appeal.