When setting up a vacation rental, interior design significantly impacts guest impressions, booking rates, and overall property success. Showplace has emerged as a notable player in the Airbnb design space, offering services specifically tailored to help property owners create appealing short-term rentals that maximize revenue. This comprehensive review examines Showplace's services, pricing, performance metrics, and overall value proposition for vacation rental owners.
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Quick Verdict
Showplace offers comprehensive Airbnb design and furnishing services that help hosts boost revenue by an average of 22% while saving significant time and money. Their approach combines market research with customized design strategies tailored to each property's specific location, target guest demographics, and owner's budget constraints.
With both pre-made design packages and custom design options, Showplace provides flexible solutions for different owner preferences and involvement levels. Their documented performance improvements, transparent pricing structure, and nationwide availability make them a compelling option for vacation rental owners seeking professional design services to maximize their property's potential.
What is Showplace?
Showplace is a specialized interior design and furnishing company focused specifically on the short-term rental market. They offer comprehensive services to help Airbnb hosts and vacation rental owners create properties that stand out in competitive markets, attract more bookings, and generate higher revenue.
Company Overview
Showplace positions itself as a data-driven design service that tailors each concept to the specific needs of the property, location, and target guest demographic. They emphasize measurable results, with their services helping hosts achieve an average revenue increase of 22% while saving approximately 75 hours of personal time and over $10,000 compared to retail prices.
The company provides nationwide coverage, serving all U.S. markets including major vacation rental destinations. Their comprehensive approach combines interior design expertise with specific knowledge of the short-term rental industry and guest expectations.
Core Philosophy
Showplace's approach centers on optimizing properties for both aesthetic appeal and financial performance. Their core philosophy includes:
- Data-Driven Design: Creating spaces based on market research and guest preference analysis
- Location-Specific Solutions: Tailoring designs to match local culture and market expectations
- Guest-Centric Approach: Focusing on the needs and preferences of target demographics
- Performance Optimization: Designing with booking rates and revenue potential in mind
- Budget Consciousness: Working within owner-defined parameters while maximizing impact
This performance-oriented philosophy distinguishes them from purely aesthetic-focused designers who may not understand the specific requirements of successful vacation rentals.
Services Offered
Showplace offers two primary service models to accommodate different owner preferences and involvement levels:
Pre-Made Design Packages
Showplace provides over 10 pre-designed style concepts that have proven successful in the vacation rental market, including:
- Bohemian
- Scandinavian
- Cabin
- Coastal
- Modern Minimalist
- Midcentury Modern
- Transitional
- Modern
These packages offer a streamlined approach with:
- Ready-to-implement design concepts
- Itemized lists of suggested furniture and decor
- Flexibility to add, remove, or exchange items
- Direct ordering capabilities through the Showplace website
- Significantly faster implementation timeline
Custom Design Services
For owners seeking a completely personalized approach, Showplace offers comprehensive custom design services:
- Dedicated interior designer creating concepts from scratch
- Designs tailored to property specifications, location, and target guests
- Ongoing feedback incorporation throughout the process
- Sourcing and purchasing management
- Complete customization based on owner preferences
Both service models include options for DIY installation or professional assembly and setup through Showplace's Preferred Contractor Network, offering white-glove property signoff for a completely hands-off experience.
How Showplace Works
The Showplace process is designed to be efficient while ensuring optimal results for property owners:
- Initial Consultation: Assessment of property specifications, location, target guests, and budget
- Design Strategy Development: Market research and analysis to inform the design approach
- Concept Creation: Development of design concepts based on property needs and owner preferences
- Review and Refinement: Owner feedback incorporation and design adjustments
- Furniture and Decor Procurement: Sourcing and purchasing of all items
- Installation and Setup: Either DIY or professional installation depending on owner preference
For end-to-end services, Showplace can typically get a property ready in approximately 6 weeks. When using pre-made packages, furnishing takes about 3-4 weeks for delivery, with the design process timeframe dependent on owner availability and decision-making pace.
Pricing and Fees
Showplace offers transparent pricing information that allows owners to estimate costs before engaging their services:
Pre-Made Design Packages
- Average cost for furnishing a 3-bedroom house: $12,000-$15,000
- Covers the cost of furniture and decor
- No additional design fees for this service
Custom Design and Furnishing
Price range: $10,000-$50,000+, based on:
- Market location
- Property square footage
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Maximum guest capacity
- Design complexity and furnishing quality
Showplace provides a free online cost estimator tool that allows potential clients to get a personalized estimate based on their specific property details before making any commitment.
Performance and Results
A key differentiator for Showplace is their documented performance improvements for client properties:
- Average Revenue Increase: 22% boost in rental income
- Time Savings: Approximately 75 hours saved for property owners
- Cost Efficiency: $10,000+ savings compared to retail pricing
These metrics demonstrate the tangible value their design services provide beyond aesthetic improvements. Their focus on optimizing properties for both guest appeal and financial performance translates to measurable returns on investment for owners.
Portfolio and Examples
Showplace maintains an extensive portfolio of successful projects across various styles and locations. Their design work demonstrates versatility across different property types, from urban apartments to rural cabins, coastal retreats to mountain lodges.
Each design shows attention to both aesthetic appeal and practical considerations for vacation rentals, including:
- Durable materials suitable for guest use
- Optimal space utilization for guest comfort
- Photogenic settings that enhance listing appeal
- Thoughtful amenities that improve guest experiences
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Proven Performance: Documented average revenue increase of 22%
- Specialized Expertise: Focused specifically on short-term rental design
- Flexible Service Options: Both pre-made and custom design solutions
- Transparent Pricing: Free cost estimator for preliminary budgeting
- Nationwide Availability: Services all U.S. markets
- Time and Cost Efficiency: Significant savings compared to retail and DIY approaches
- Tailored Approach: Designs customized to location, property, and target guests
Cons
- Premium Pricing: Total costs may be substantial for larger properties
- Timeline Considerations: 6-week process may delay property launch
- Quality Dependent on Location: Contractor network quality may vary by location
- Higher Initial Investment: More upfront cost compared to basic furnishing approaches
Alternatives to Showplace
While Showplace offers compelling services, several alternatives exist for vacation rental owners:
STR Cribs
- Provides renovation services in addition to design and furnishing
- Good option for properties needing major work
- Lacks transparent pricing information
- Offers both remote and full-service design options
Somerled Designs
- Specializes in Airbnb design with nationwide service
- Offers both virtual design and full-service options
- Limited transparency regarding pricing and performance metrics
- No online cost estimator or documented performance improvements
Furnishr
- General residential design company that also works with vacation rentals
- Provides turnkey solutions for busy owners
- Doesn't specialize in vacation rental market dynamics
- Offers transparent pricing with online estimator
Is Showplace Worth It?
Based on our analysis, Showplace presents a strong value proposition for several types of property owners:
- For data-driven investors: The documented 22% average revenue increase provides a clear return on investment that can justify the upfront costs, particularly for properties in competitive markets.
- For remote or busy owners: The time savings (75+ hours) and comprehensive service options make Showplace valuable for those who cannot dedicate significant personal time to design and setup.
- For owners seeking cost efficiency: Despite the professional service level, the $10,000+ savings compared to retail pricing demonstrates cost effectiveness for quality-focused owners.
- For inexperienced hosts: The specialized knowledge of vacation rental requirements provides valuable guidance for those new to the industry.
The service may be less ideal for:
- Owners with extremely tight budgets prioritizing minimal upfront costs
- Hosts who want complete personal control over every design decision
- Properties with very unusual requirements that don't fit standard approaches
Final Verdict
Showplace offers a comprehensive, data-driven approach to Airbnb design that delivers measurable results for vacation rental owners. Their specialized focus on the short-term rental market, combined with transparent pricing and documented performance improvements, makes them a compelling option for hosts seeking to maximize their property's potential.
The flexibility of both pre-made and custom design options accommodates different owner preferences, while the nationwide availability ensures accessibility across diverse markets. The significant time savings, cost efficiency, and average revenue boost of 22% demonstrate a clear value proposition that can justify the investment for serious vacation rental operators.
For owners looking to create standout properties that perform well financially, Showplace's tailored approach to Airbnb design represents a worthwhile investment with quantifiable returns. Their free cost estimator provides an excellent starting point for owners considering professional design services to enhance their vacation rental's appeal and performance.
