Interior Design | TAB Associates Blog

How to Prepare Your Property for a High-Earning Vacation Rental Launch

By Katie Conroy

Turning your home into a vacation rental is more than just listing it online and hoping for bookings. It’s a strategy-laden process that starts with mindset and ends with repeat guests. From aesthetics to air conditioning, every detail matters when guests are paying for an experience, not just a roof. You’ll need to think like a hotel manager, a marketer, and a risk mitigator all at once. Fortunately, a few targeted moves can elevate your property from forgettable to five stars. Here’s how to shape your home into a place travelers will love—and search engines will find.

Interior Design for Guest Appeal
Visual storytelling starts the moment a guest views your listing, and no filter can fake good interior design. A well-designed space doesn’t just look nice—it helps travelers picture themselves relaxing, unpacking, and enjoying their time off. Layouts matter, too: the way furniture flows, how natural light hits key areas, and the color balance between rooms. This is where professionals like TAB Associates shine, turning basic interiors into cohesive, guest-optimized experiences. Their work boosts both nightly rates and emotional appeal. Investing here often pays for itself in the first season.

Technology Features for Guest Convenience
Today’s travelers expect more than fresh towels and Wi-Fi—they want automation, personalization, and seamless arrival. Smart locks eliminate check-in hassle while reducing security risks. Programmable thermostats help you save on utilities without sacrificing comfort. Smart lighting systems let guests set the mood while keeping energy use in check. These upgrades don’t just elevate the experience; they also cut down on guest inquiries and complaints. As tech becomes standard in hospitality, these small moves can give your property a modern edge.

Digital Contract Options for Rental Agreements
Renting out your home involves real agreements, and doing them the old-school way is a waste of time and paper. Using online contract signing tools makes it easy to finalize bookings without a printer in sight. These platforms let both parties fill out and sign the rental agreement online, cutting down on delays and miscommunications. You can even password-protect the document to make sure only the guest and host have access. It’s a small detail that signals professionalism and adds a layer of legal confidence. And when every guest is also a potential reviewer, that matters.

Amenities That Support Guest Experience
Before you stock the bar cart or buy a vintage hammock, make sure the essentials are dialed in. Guests notice beds that creak, sofas that sag, and showers that can’t hold a temperature. Fix what’s broken, clean what’s tired, and replace anything you wouldn’t want to sleep on yourself. Then, layer in subtle luxuries: blackout curtains, fast chargers by the bed, and a coffee setup that doesn’t require reading a manual. These aren’t gimmicks—they’re memory-makers that show up in reviews. Amenities are silent marketers, doing the work for you long after check-in.

Heating and Cooling System Maintenance
Comfort isn’t optional—if the air is sticky, the reviews will be brutal. One of the most overlooked systems in a rental is the heating and cooling infrastructure. Before guests arrive, double-check that your HVAC setup can handle the demands of a full house. That includes inspecting the circulation pump and flanges, which are the lifeblood of hydronic systems. Choosing trusted, high-efficiency components can make a huge difference in reliability and energy cost. A silent, stable HVAC system is one of the most appreciated features guests rarely mention—until it fails.

Platform Selection for Rental Listings
The more platforms you’re on, the more eyeballs you’ll catch—but that doesn’t mean you should blast your listing everywhere. Each channel, from Airbnb to niche eco-retreat platforms, attracts a different kind of guest. Understanding how those platforms promote listings, display reviews, and handle disputes can help you choose where your property fits best. This is especially important if your rental has a specific theme or target audience. Strategic placement beats saturation every time. It’s better to go deep in the right place than wide in the wrong ones.

Listing Descriptions and Marketing Content
What you say—and how you say it—matters. Potential guests are skimming dozens of listings, and the first few lines of your description determine whether they click through or keep scrolling. Invest time in writing something sharp, clear, and emotionally resonant. Use short paragraphs, bold phrasing, and sensory language to make your space feel alive before guests arrive. Photos matter, yes, but good copy builds trust and sets expectations. If writing isn’t your strength, hire someone who gets vacation rental psychology. It’s not fluff—it’s your sales pitch.

Email Marketing for Guest Retention
Getting that first booking is hard. Getting the second one from the same guest is easier—if you know how to ask. Email marketing is your secret weapon for turning a single stay into a repeat customer or referral source. Use automation to thank guests, ask for reviews, and offer a discount if they return. Segment your emails so families, couples, and business travelers get relevant offers. And don’t just send sales copy—share local events, seasonal updates, and personalized touches. Your email list is more than a contact sheet. It’s a silent sales team that never sleeps.

Prepping your home as a vacation rental isn’t about trends—it’s about trust, clarity, and experience design. From the first booking to the final five-star review, every system you put in place serves both you and your guest. Smart contracts reduce friction, reliable HVAC keeps everyone comfortable, and thoughtful design turns a house into a story. But it’s the behind-the-scenes strategy—how you market, automate, and communicate—that builds long-term success. Whether you’re optimizing amenities or upgrading listing copy, what matters most is your commitment to treating the guest like more than a transaction. That’s what turns a rental into a business.

Discover the architectural excellence of TAB Associates and explore over 30 years of award-winning design expertise, tailored to meet your unique vision.

Crafting an Impressive Home Office for Client Meetings

Image via TAB Associates, Inc.

By Katie Conroy

Setting up a home office as a budding entrepreneur is more than just finding a quiet corner—it’s about creating a space that radiates confidence and professionalism. Whether clients visit in person or you connect over video calls, your workspace tells a story about your brand before you even say a word. It doesn’t take a massive budget or a spare wing of your house to get it right; it takes intention, design, and a little ingenuity. The following sections break down everything you need to craft a home office that impresses both in‑person and virtually, blending functionality with charm.

Carve Out a Dedicated Work Zone

When you’re working from home, it’s tempting to let the kitchen table double as your desk. Don’t. A dedicated work zone to reduce mental clutter and signal “work mode” is critical. Even if it’s just a corner of your bedroom or a partitioned section of your living room, mark it off and make it yours. This not only helps you focus, but it subtly communicates to clients—who might catch glimpses during video calls—that you’re serious about your business. A defined space cues professionalism, keeps distractions out, and gives you a reliable backdrop for meetings.

Get Your Lighting Right

Harsh overhead lights can wash you out on camera, while dim bulbs can make in‑person meetings feel gloomy. Investing in thoughtful lighting transforms the tone of your space. A guide to our favorite desk lights reveals how adjustable desk lamps and warm bulbs improve visibility while softening your presence. Position your lights to avoid shadows on your face during virtual calls and to keep your desk bright but not blinding. This is one of those small touches clients may not consciously notice but will absolutely feel.

Send Clients Professional Documents

Finally, don’t let the good impression of your meeting crumble when you follow up with a messy attachment or unformatted document. Using a PDF maker ensures every file you send—proposals, invoices, contracts—looks clean and professional. Clients will notice the difference between a hastily exported Word doc and a polished, branded PDF. It shows you care about details and respect their time, strengthening their confidence in your business.

Design a Layered Lighting Scheme

Beyond one or two lights, consider the depth of your lighting setup. A layered lighting scheme combining ambient, task, and accent lights makes the space feel intentional and adaptable. Use ceiling lights for general illumination, task lights for focused work, and accent lamps to add warmth and dimension. Not only does this create a more comfortable environment, but it also helps your background appear balanced and inviting on camera. The subtle sophistication of this layered look can elevate how others perceive your workspace and your business.

Create a Polished Ambience

Your decor and ambiance speak volumes about your brand. Start with neutral tones and add personal, stylish touches that reflect who you are. A collection of 64 home office ideas that will inspire shows how thoughtfully chosen artwork, rugs, and greenery can turn a sterile room into an impressive setting. Clients should feel welcomed, not overwhelmed, so aim for balance: clean, organized, but not cold. Don’t underestimate how much a comfortable chair and a tidy desk can signal competence and care.

Upgrade Your Webcam and Tech

If you’re meeting virtually, your technology becomes part of your presentation. Relying on the default camera on your laptop won’t cut it if you want to look sharp and professional. The best business webcams offer excellent image quality and consistent focus, making you look polished without fiddling with settings. Similarly, a decent external microphone or headset can prevent muffled audio and frustrating echoes that distract from your message. Think of these as investments in how you show up to clients—not just as gadgets.

Polish Your Virtual Presence

Even with a good webcam, a bad angle or poor light can undermine your presence. As one reviewer put it, the webcam on your laptop isn’t great, and it shows. Mount your camera at eye level, adjust your lighting to keep your face evenly lit, and keep your background neat and relevant. Little tweaks like adjusting your chair height and placing a soft light behind your screen can dramatically change how others perceive you on calls. In a world where virtual meetings are often the first impression, these details matter.

Your home office isn’t just a workspace; it’s a statement. Every choice, from where you place your desk to the way you light the room, shapes how clients see you and your business. Small upgrades in layout, lighting, technology, and even your digital documents can leave a lasting impression. So claim your space, own your style, and show clients that working with you means stepping into a world of professionalism and care—even if that world happens to be in your living room!

Discover the architectural excellence of TAB Associates, Inc. and explore over 30 years of award-winning design expertise across the Vail Valley and beyond!

How Architectural Floor Plans Can Reinforce Feng Shui Principles

You may not realize it, but your Colorado home may already embody some key principles of Feng Shui that are found in architecture. Feng Shui is a Chinese concept that translates into “wind-water” in English. This ancient belief system is built on the foundation that harmony between spiritual forces can be attained by the positioning of structures or objects in our environment.

And these principles of Chi are not so far off from how architects build environments that have positive effects on its occupants. This is done by architectural design and can be as simple as the placement of a door, the positioning of windows, or the square footage allotted for areas of work versus areas of rest and contemplation.

Feng Shui Principles of Architecture

Physical Symmetry

Architectural balance is highly stressed in Feng shui architecture. A natural symmetry is found when the left side is a mirror image of the right side, with the entrance closely set at a center point. But sometimes that symmetry can be found in the interior spaces where the rooms on one side of the home are a mirror image of those on the other side. Of course, some homes are purposely designed to be asymmetrical. That is, the house will have different visual images on either side of the design.

Natural Ventilation and Daylighting

Comfort is key in a Feng Shui styled home. Large windows or window collections supply an abundance of natural lighting and the option for outdoor air to flow freely throughout the home. Less emphasis is placed on using air conditioning, and more emphasis is placed on designing the home to catch a maximum breeze throughout the day.

Orderly Spaces Without Clutter

The best foundation for a home that embodies Feng Shui principles is one with lots of storage space. Neat and orderly spaces add to the positive vibrations of the home. This can be accomplished with large closets and plenty of hidden storage space or by using secondary storage solutions such as baskets, shelving, and under-the-bed bins. The goal is to have a place for everything so the home can appear clutter free.

South-east Facing Beds

To harmonize the process of sleeping and waking, your bed should be faced in the right direction. Facing southward as much as possible is said to attract opposite poles while you sleep. This principle is thought to be mostly anecdotal because in China the climate enjoys warm winds from the south. Better principles from Feng Shui for sleeping include not sleeping near a door or with your head near a window.

For the best in architectural and interior design services, contact TAB Associates Vail Valley and Western North Carolina Architects to learn how great design leads to good living.

Is a Retrofit Right for You?

A retrofit can be a great way to improve an older home, adding amenities and custom features that increase everything from its resale value to its functionality. However, in some cases, it might actually be better to choose the new construction avenue, especially if the structure is energy deficient. We’ll look at the major factors to consider and how to approach the problem should you decide a retrofit is right for you.

Why Retrofits Are Popular

For the most part, you’re usually better off choosing a retrofit. Retrofits tend to give renovators more options because they can work within the existing infrastructure. It’s also the more cost-efficient option because it doesn’t require extensive replacement of the available systems.

Costs and Maintenance

Before you decide whether a retrofit is right for you though, you need to consider what it would take to bring the property up to code. Single-family homes are typically straightforward, but if you owned a duplex or larger property, the cost comparison might be closer than you think. If the structure needs a lot of work to meet modern-day standards, the process of retrofitting is potentially more expensive than starting from scratch. In addition, keep in mind that if you retrofit one area, such as the kitchen, it might make maintenance more expensive for the rest of the home.

Vail Valley and Western North Carolina Architects

If you’re searching for an architectural firm in Vail Valley or western North Carolina, it’s likely because you have a relatively big project to take on. Experts recommend approaching it one step at a time to get a sense of how each retrofit is benefitting the entire property. It helps to find someone who can take a closer look at the building and devise a plan for it. If you need help deciding where and how to retrofit your home, call TAB Associates today. Whether you need a more modern kitchen or a total redo, we’re here to find the best path forward.

Eco-Friendly Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Your bathroom is one of the main areas of your home that boosts its value overall, so it’s good to make updates to it from time to time. If you’ve been thinking of doing a bathroom remodel, making a few eco-friendly changes could improve your home’s value even more. Keep the following bathroom remodeling ideas in mind for a more eco-friendly home.

Eco-Friendly Fixtures

If you’re planning on replacing the plumbing fixtures in your bathroom, such as your toilet, choose ones that are environmentally friendly. Consider getting a toilet that uses a much lower amount of water for flushing, which helps cut down on your household’s water usage. You can also look into getting a dual flush toilet that gives you the option to choose a lower or heavier setting for water flow. For sinks, consider getting low-flow faucets. These fixtures use considerably less water than standard faucets. We do not suggest using low flow shower heads because you will not enjoy your showering experience.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

If your bathroom remodeling plans include upgrading your lighting, make the switch to energy-efficient lights. LED lighting fixtures for bathrooms provide plenty of light while also reducing the amount of energy you use. Another option is to have motion-sensor bathroom lights installed that turn on when you enter the room and shut off when you leave. Proper placement of these motion-sensor switches is imperative or you will have the lighting going off while you are still using the bathroom. Energy-efficient bathroom lights are available in a wide range of styles, including overhead lights and wall sconce lights.

Sustainable Flooring

If you’re thinking of having a new floor put into your bathroom, consider sustainable materials rather than traditional ones. Bamboo and hardwood that are responsibly sourced are a couple of options to consider. If you prefer something other than wood for your bathroom due to moisture concerns, look into other sustainable options, such as ceramic tiles.

If you’re interested in making changes or upgrades to your bathroom, please contact our Vail Valley and western North Carolina architects for more information. We can help you get started on your bathroom remodeling project.

3 Smart Ways To Make Your Bedroom Look Bigger

Homeowners leave no stone unturned when it comes to interior design that could make a space look bigger, especially a bedroom. If you, too, are on the hunt for some smart bedroom designs, then you have reached your destination! Here, we have revealed a few secrets that deftly fool the eyes and make a room appear spacious and splendid than it actually is. Read them below!

Three Reasons This Vail Valley, CO & Western NC Architectural Firm Is Your Best Choice!

indoor architecture

Life often moves fast. In this life, we are each challenged to find ways to attempt to create a lasting legacy. Shaping our shared external environment by creating physical structures is one way that we can share ourselves with the world beyond our years. Sometimes you just need a place to live, work, and play.

TAB Associates has the experienced, balanced architectural approach you need!

Three Reasons TAB Associates In Vail Valley, Colorado & Western North Carolina Is The Architectural Design Firm You Need

We Design Structures For You

With over 30 years of experience and more than $600 million in development properties, we have proven our expertise! Over the years, we have been intricate partners in creating single and multi-family houses, as well as properties in resort, commercial, medical, and institutional categories. Our company’s mission is to build properties to reflect our customers, not our egos.

Balanced Architectural Design

Once we set our egos aside, we were able to focus on a balanced architectural approach. We pride ourselves on our ability to combine the customers’ vision, site circumstances, and our experience. Using these three factors, we can create structures that are practical, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

One-Stop-Shop From Idea To Ribbon Cutting

Unless you work in architecture or construction, you do not spend your life building structures. Because projects are equally immense, intense and have a variety of unknowns, many people recall this process as one of the most stressful events in their lives. That is why we manage the entire building process for our customers. We become our client’s point of contact from the first consultation through the entire design phase, and ending with the various construction contractors. Selecting TAB means getting the structure you want with minimal stress attached!

Don’t Delay Building Your Dreams

Don’t hesitate to leave your mark on the world. We provide a balanced architectural approach to creating the facility you need. Contact TAB Associates today for your free consultation!

How to Use Negative Space to Transform Your Home Decor

living space with decor

Does your home feel too cluttered, busy or otherwise weighed down? Perhaps the issue is a lack of negative space, which can be rectified with the right interior elements and working with Vail Valley and Western North Carolina architects! Here’s a look at how you can update your home by effectively using negative space ― defined as the space around objects ― to bring balance to your home.

Invite Imperfection

We want our homes to appear lived-in and comfortable, not sterile or “too perfect”. Even though symmetry is appealing to the eye, placing a mirror, artwork or other decorative objects off to one side, rather than perfectly centered, can give your room a bit of character. Just a touch of negative space can produce this effect, giving your home an inviting look and creative flair.

Harmonize Awkward Spaces

An architectural space that is awkward, such as space beneath a staircase, can be beautifully transformed by leaving the area empty and simply adding the right lighting or paint color ― rather than filling it with furniture or decorative objects. You can achieve an artistic look this way without much effort.

Create Balance

Let pieces of furniture or artwork be the focal point in your room without overwhelming the space with items such as lamps ― that is unless the fixture or other object is perfect for creating a balanced look. This design strategy doesn’t require a simple, pared-down decor scheme, unless that is your aim. You can decorate with the style of your choice, whether shabby chic, mid-century modern or traditional, and still enhance your decor by keeping clutter to a minimum and introducing ample negative space.

A home that looks harmonious invites comfort and relaxation. At TAB Associates, an architectural firm in Vail Valley and in the mountains of Western North Carolina, we have the experience and expertise to help you create the interior space you crave. Contact us to learn more or to schedule a consultation today!

How Wood Characteristics Can Bring Balance to Interior Spaces

Interior photo of a wood characteristics

Wood is one of the planet’s most natural elements, and it is commonly used by our Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, North Carolina, and South Carolina architects today. Not only are wood materials beautiful and sustainable, but utilizing them strategically can promote a greater sense of architectural balance amid interior spaces.

Don’t Hesitate to Mix and Match Woods

While monochromatic wood interiors will always be balanced, they could result in a dull room where nothing stands out. That being said, using a mixture of wood finishes and implementing such layering successfully can be tricky, and many choose to consult with our nationally certified architects for guidance in the design process.

Balancing With Light or Dark?

Homeowners who appreciate high visibility in wood grain patterns will likely be more attracted to lighter grained woods. Going with light wood is also an exceptional choice in situations where natural light is scarce as it will open up the area aesthetically. Dark accents can balance light schemes. Dark wood works best in rooms with ample natural lighting and is commonly paired with lighter hues in the form of cabinets, focal walls, flooring, and trim accents.

Bringing Wood-Heavy Rooms Together

If it seems that mixing and matching wood materials has caused a sense of disharmony in a space, it can be tied together easily using a few accent pieces and colors. Lamps, curtains, pillows and carefully picked pieces of furniture can bring confluence to the room. Most importantly, be sure to consider the characteristics of the wood and how to work with them when selecting accent pieces. If you feel unsure, an architect at our firm can help you choose wisely!

Consult an Experienced Architectural Firm

Our Vail Valley and North Carolina architects know every trick of the trade concerning the use of wood and aesthetic balance. Contact us today at 970-766-1470 for a consultation with one of our professionals to develop the design of your dreams!

Tips to Design a Room With a View

Interior bedroom photo

When you work with our Vail Valley architects or Western North Carolina architects to develop your dream home, you may find that the architectural design offers a beautiful view from the living room or from your bedroom. The challenge is matching your decor to fit with the view. By focusing on a few key strategies, you can select decor that enhances and improves your space.

Minimize Your Furniture

When you are decorating a room that has a stunning view, you want to limit your furniture. The focal point of your design is the view from your window, so emphasize the outdoor area by minimizing the furniture in your space. If the room with a view is your bedroom, then avoid heavy dressers. Make sure to leave a large open space around the bed. For living rooms, arrange a couch and a few chairs, but avoid cluttering the space with furniture or items you do not need.

Avoid Heavy Curtains

Heavy curtains distract from the view by drawing the eyes away from the outdoor space. If you want to put curtains on the windows, then opt for light and semi-sheer curtains. Alternatively, do not put curtains in your windows. Avoid heavy curtains or curtains with colors that do not fit well with the view. You also want to make sure any curtains you select do not have complicated designs that may distract from your view. The composition of the view does not start at the window, it starts from the interior.

Focus on Neutral Colors

Since the view is the focal point of your space, you want to focus on neutral décor that allows the view to shine. Select neutral, light-hued colors so that any colors outside your window attract the eyes. For example, opt for a basic white, cream or light brown couch.

Designing your space with beautiful architectural balance in Vail Valley or Western North Carolina is a process. For more details about architectural features on a home or to set up an appointment with an interior design professional, contact us today! We are nationally certified architects currently registered in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, North Carolina, and South Carolina. We can be registered in any state, and are willing to work where ever you are located!