There’s nothing like a cozy cottage by the lake, but every great short-term rental host knows that even the most charming properties need a refresh every now and then to keep up with guest expectations and stand out in a competitive market.

This Cottage in Covert, MI had solid bones and great potential, but the interior was starting to feel a bit tired. While the home performed well during peak summer months, our client came to us looking to increase off-season bookings, elevate the guest experience, and ultimately drive more revenue. 

Our Mission

Deliver a high-impact transformation on a $15K budget, with strategic design upgrades to improve comfort, boost visual appeal, and create memorable moments for both families and friend groups.

We tackled this project with our BnB Boost service—a customizable offering designed for hosts looking to breathe new life into an existing Airbnb without undergoing a full renovation. It's ideal for investors who want to boost annual income, as well as those furnishing a space themselves but needing expert guidance on design and layout.

Did you know?

Research indicates that properties with thoughtfully curated designs can experience up to a 20% increase in booking rates. (reichenberg.co/)

For the Covert Cottage, our goal was to elevate the style, refresh the space, and create that “just right” feeling that guests love—and rave about in reviews. Here’s how we brought it to life:

 

Bedroom 1

Before: The room was clean and quaint, but lacked personality.

After: A bright, layered look was achieved with bold wallpaper, an updated light fixture, new, luxurious bed frame, crisp bedding, bold throw pillows, modern furniture, and thoughtful accents, instantly making the room more inviting and photo-worthy.

Bedroom 2 (Primary)

Before: Though there was more color in this room with the blue accent wall, the rest fell flat, with lots of white space, lacking that elevated, luxurious feel.

After: We brought in new textiles, pops of color, moody walls, a large area rug, and introduced a focal point with an electric fireplace. Minor enhancements with a relatively low cost that resulted in a major impact –creating a master suite that feels special, comfortable, and high-end.

Bedroom 3

Before: Already featuring an accent wall, gold wall sconces and cozy throw pillows, this room had a great vibe, but there was still room for improvement. 

After: We gave the space the PWD-touch with a new light fixture, bedside table, and a large area rug to pull the space together. We also added new curtains to make the space more cozy and functional for guests. 

 

Living Room

Before: A collection of neutral furniture and muted colors that didn’t spark much excitement. (Again, good bones and great use of the space, but lots of room for improvement!)

After: We introduced a cohesive color palette that ties in with the rest of the property, upgraded the furniture to enhance visual interest, durability, and comfort, and styled the space to invite gathering and conversation. The bold blue walls now add personality and depth, while a vibrant yellow sofa and custom neon sign create a playful photo moment guests won’t forget. Take a look at the transformation below.

Formal Dining Room + Karaoke Corner

Before: Simple, clean, but lacking cohesiveness and punch.

After: We gave the dining area dual purpose with a surprise amenity: a karaoke setup! Combined with a new dining table, comfortable new seating that pops, and a fun feature wall, this space was transformed from a standard meal zone into photo-worthy backdrop for memory-making. 

Other Highlights

While we don’t have the before shots of these spaces, they also received our BnB Boost treatment:

1. Sunroom: 

Styled to feel like a true bonus space, with inviting seating and light-filled ambiance.

2. Bathrooms: 

Refreshed with new linens, fresh color, accessories, and artwork that added polish and personality.

3. Kitchen + Dining: 

Styled for both form and function with minor updates—welcoming and guest-ready.

 

The Result

This transformation preserved the cozy, relaxed charm of the original cottage while giving it a fresh identity that resonates with today’s guests. The new design invites bookings from a wider audience, encourages longer stays, and positions the property as a standout choice in the Lake Michigan area—not just in the summer, but across down seasons too!

Interested in boosting your own property’s potential?

Let’s talk about how we can elevate your space and turn more lookers into bookers all year-round. Book a complimentary consultation with our team today!

Looking for a lighter refresh?

Check out our Microboost service, perfect for quick, high-impact updates using accessories like rugs, throw pillows, greenery, paint, wallpaper, and more!

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