When you own beautiful investment properties in fair-weathered Southern California, outdoor living is one of your greatest assets. When you use this advantage to the fullest, you can increase your property’s curb appeal, marketability, and your renters’ overall satisfaction. It pays off to upgrade each property in your portfolio with an excellent outdoor living environment. After all, a well-equipped backyard with all the luxurious amenities is expected in a short-term vacation rental in a high-end market.
While interior design is also important to your renters, how you decorate your exterior will make a big difference in your property’s overall appeal. What backyard trends are hot in 2022? Check out these new design ideas you can incorporate into your vacation rentals this year.
Outdoor Kitchens
When you have a property in an area that has such excellent year-round weather, take advantage of it! When people come to visit Southern California, they will want to spend plenty of time outside. 2022 is seeing a rise in outdoor kitchens, which can be used comfortably throughout the year. These sheltered areas typically contain gourmet cooking areas, a wet bar, and plenty of seating. In short, it’s the perfect place to unwind — whether you want to make a home-cooked meal or start your day with a hot cup of coffee.
If all of your investment properties have this setup already, you can simply run through each rental and see if they need any updates. Even something as simple as adding more lighting or optional sliding screens and walls can add a lot of value. If you think it’s excessive, don’t worry — it’s probably not. Here are some other examples of in-demand luxuries that are being added to custom outdoor kitchens:
- Dishwasher
- Beer keg
- Wine fridge
- Outdoor fridge
- Super-size grill (electric or gas)
- Cooktop
- Oven
- Space for a full dining room set
When you upgrade this area, be sure to use the best brands that are known for their quality and performance. Details like this separate your property from a run-of-the-mill rental that can be found elsewhere.
Custom Outdoor Living Rooms
In the short-term rental market, custom-built spaces make your property more exclusive and luxurious. By offering what other rentals don’t, you can stay ahead of the competition. Creating or enhancing an outdoor living and dining room can make your rental a more enjoyable place to stay. When you work with talented designers and contractors, you can get a customized structure that houses all the desirable elements one would expect from a high-end escape. For inspiration, here’s what’s trending this year in outdoor living rooms:
- Outdoor gas fireplace: Though a wood-burning stove also offers a pleasant experience, gas is more convenient and works for guests who like to be spontaneous or don’t have much time to devote to stoking flames.
- High-end furniture: On-trend design will make your outdoor living and dining area a place your guests will want to stay for hours.
- The theater experience: Installing a large movie screen projector with a robust sound system makes streaming shows an excellent time for all.
- Wet bar: Though there might be one in the outdoor kitchen, there’s something special about not having to go back and forth for refreshment while watching shows.
- Mini fridge: This small and inexpensive addition offers plenty of value for guests who want a cold drink ASAP.
Lacking some space? It’s also possible to extend your outdoor kitchen to become a kitchen/living combo that has enough room for some sofas and a place for a large entertainment center.
Custom Fire Pits
While natural gas and other biofuels are on the rise in outdoor living, it’s also wise to acknowledge old-fashioned pastimes. Fire pits are still very much in demand, so having one available will thrill guests who want a campfire mood. Go big on this and you’ll get better rewards. Think custom-built stone fire pits surrounded by beautifully detailed masonry. Be sure to keep this structure a safe distance from your property and provide a fresh stack of seasoned wood for ultra convenience.
Reach Out To Our Team
Since high-end travelers only want the best experience, short-term rentals with robust outdoor living amenities will always be in demand. If you want to learn more about this trend and others like cryptocurrency in real estate, connect with our team at Open Air Homes. Our brokerage will be happy to discuss property management, effortless ownership, interior design improvements, and other convenient solutions that will enhance both the renter’s experience and your bottom line.
