Interior Design Solutions for Short-Term Rental Owners with Morgan Wise

Morgan’s journey into interior design started just a year ago, but her passion has been lifelong. After apprenticing under an interior designer, she was inspired to branch out on her own. She gradually launched her business, created a website, and began taking on clients as Morgan Kay Interiors. This eventually led to her expanding her offerings to include virtual consultations. This step opened up her services to clients in smaller cities who may not have access to local designers.

Her goal? To make interior design more affordable and accessible, especially for rental properties and Airbnbs. Morgan saw a gap in the market for cost-effective design solutions, and her services help property owners upgrade their spaces with professional support without the luxury price tag.

Morgan’s love for design goes way back. She used to rearrange and decorate her room as a child, and that passion only grew when she purchased her first fixer-upper home. During the pandemic, she completely renovated it herself, discovering a deep love for the process. Friends and family quickly noticed her talent and began asking for help with their own homes. This sparked the idea that eventually became her business.

From Renovation to Realization

Morgan’s first renovation project happened at the height of COVID. She had bought a larger home in 2018 with plans to sell in five years, but when the market surged, her realtor friend suggested she sell early and downsize. She sold the house and moved into a smaller home, using the equity gained to invest in a full renovation.

Morgan connected with a new contractor who had just moved to Raleigh and was looking for his first client. He gave her a great deal, and their collaboration marked the beginning of her journey into design entrepreneurship. It’s a prime example of the power of local networking and saying yes to new opportunities.

Making Design Accessible for STR Owners

One of the standout aspects of Morgan’s business is her virtual design model, which caters to STR owners and property investors who may not have large design budgets. Morgan’s virtual consultations solve this problem. They make design support feasible for those in the early phases of investing in rental properties, helping them build functional, stylish spaces without breaking the bank.

What a Virtual Consultation Looks Like

Morgan’s virtual design process is detailed and personalized. She starts with a client intake form that gathers essential information:

• Budget (excluding designer fees)
• Preferred design styles (modern, coastal, mid-century modern, etc.)
• Disliked elements
• Color preferences
• Patterns or motifs clients love or hate

She asks clients to describe their space’s purpose: Whether it’s a family-friendly Airbnb, pet-friendly unit, or an upscale rental — and gathers practical preferences like wood tones (light vs. dark) and purchasing habits (online vs. in-store shopping).

If clients don’t know their style, Morgan often recommends they create a Pinterest board with inspiration. This helps her narrow down thousands of options in things like wallpaper or furniture design.

She also asks for logistical details:

• Room dimensions or floor plans
• Photos or video walkthroughs
• Zillow links if the property is listed online

Once Morgan collects this information, she schedules a discovery call to discuss the vision more in-depth. After payment, she begins curating a customized mood board with coordinating visuals and a selection list that includes clickable links to recommended furniture and decor items. This system allows clients to purchase at their own pace and budget, making professional design support more flexible than ever.

In-Person Services in the Raleigh Area

For local clients, Morgan offers in-person consultations that typically last one to one-and-a-half hours. These walkthroughs cover:

• Room-by-room discussions
• Paint and wallpaper samples
• Furniture arrangement suggestions

Some clients prefer to use these consults as brainstorming sessions, taking Morgan’s recommendations and executing the vision themselves. Others opt for a more hands-on approach, where Morgan guides them through the entire process.

Additionally, Morgan provides 3D renderings for visual clients who want to see how everything fits together before making purchases, an optional add-on for both local and virtual customers.

Creating a Memorable First Impression Through Design

When designing for short-term rentals, it’s vital to step into the guest’s shoes and think about their experience from the moment they walk through the door. Interior designer insights highlight that creating a cozy, inviting, and clean environment sets the tone immediately. Outdated or uncomfortable furniture can be an instant turn-off, while a well-thought-out space invites relaxation and enjoyment.

Lighting is one of the most impactful elements, yet it’s often overlooked. Upgrading from overhead-only lighting to layered options like sconces, pendant lights, and table lamps can add warmth and sophistication to a space. This layered lighting approach not only enhances the mood but makes the rental feel higher-end. Pairing this with statement artwork and unique decor pieces adds character and demonstrates intentional design.

Quality bedding and textiles also contribute significantly to the guest experience. Plush towels, luxurious linens, and stylish throw pillows elevate comfort levels and create a hotel-like experience that guests will remember.

Learning from Experience: Common Design Mistakes

Many first-time short-term rental owners learn on the go. An example shared in the podcast reflected how basic furnishing choices like a bed, nightstands, and small wall art made a rental feel more like a dorm room than a relaxing getaway. Skipping items like rugs, lamps, and larger, impactful art pieces can make the space feel incomplete or impersonal.

Unlike styling your own home, where decor can evolve over time, short-term rentals must make a complete and polished first impression from day one. That first guest expects a fully styled, comfortable environment—there’s no room for waiting to “grow into the space.”

Budgeting Smartly Without Sacrificing Quality

While many property owners opt for budget-friendly platforms like Amazon and Wayfair, it’s important to know where to invest a little more. Big-ticket items like beds and sofas should be high-quality to withstand wear and tear. Replacing cheap furniture frequently ends up being more expensive than making a smart initial investment in durable, guest-friendly options.

I splurged on high-quality mattresses, and the payoff was immense. Guests regularly complimented the beds as being among the most comfortable they had experienced. When travelers are exploring all day, coming back to a cozy, restful bed becomes a major highlight of their stay.

Using Design to Reinforce Brand Identity

Interior design is also a storytelling tool for your rental’s brand identity. Whether you’re catering to luxury travelers, boho beachgoers, or family-friendly adventurers, your interior should reflect that. For a luxury property, consider using neutral color palettes, rich textures, and elegant furniture. For a more relaxed, coastal vibe, natural elements like rattan, airy linens, and light blue hues can do wonders.

Even small details matter. Branded welcome notes, cohesive color schemes, and consistent decorative elements across listings strengthen your brand and make the experience more memorable.

Embracing Local Flavor

Integrating the local culture and geography into your design helps create an immersive experience. For example, a property near Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail and the Kentucky Derby might feature equestrian-themed decor, bourbon-related coffee table books, and subtle nods to local distilleries. These thoughtful touches help guests connect to the destination in a personal way.

Similarly, welcome books filled with recommendations for local restaurants, breweries, and attractions personalize the guest experience and enhance their stay. Including a guest book also offers a sentimental bonus. Hosts can read about the special life events celebrated in their property, from baby showers to reunions.

Exploring New Short-Term Rental Models

The discussion then shifted to emerging rental concepts like Padlist, a new platform similar to Airbnb but geared toward longer stays with a co-living twist. Designed for month-long bookings, Padlist provides affordable housing solutions with shared communal spaces and private rooms. Think of it as a hybrid between Airbnb, dorm-style living, and platforms like Furnished Finder—ideal for traveling professionals like nurses or digital nomads needing flexibility.

Morgan ia currently working on a Padlist property in Raleigh, emphasizing that these models are becoming more popular in large cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, and are now expanding into growing hubs like Raleigh. This shift highlights the growing diversification of short-term rental opportunities and how interior design must adapt to fit new formats and guest expectations.

Designing a Shared-Living Home from Afar: Creative Solutions and Budget Realities

One of the more unique and challenging projects discussed in the interview involves a California-based investor who purchased a split-level property in Raleigh, North Carolina — sight unseen. The investor plans to convert the home into a co-living space with nine bedrooms, aiming to attract long-term guests or short-term renters. This type of property investment is becoming increasingly common, especially in high-growth markets like Raleigh.

A Complex Layout with Shared Amenities

The house’s layout includes five bedrooms on the lower level and another five on the main floor. Both levels will feature shared common areas: a living room downstairs and a shared living, dining, and kitchen area upstairs. In total, the home will have four full bathrooms to accommodate the large number of tenants.

While the concept is intriguing, it comes with its own set of logistical and design challenges — especially since the owner has never physically stepped foot on the property. Instead, he’s relying on a local general contractor, a design consultant, and a team of vendors to fully renovate and furnish the space.

Designing on a Budget: Managing Expectations

One of the trickiest aspects of the project is the investor’s proposed budget: just $1,000 to $1,500 per bedroom. This figure is meant to cover everything from a bed and nightstand to a dresser, rug, desk, and potentially a sitting chair. Morgan quickly pointed out how unrealistic that figure is when aiming for quality and durability — particularly when it includes essentials like a mattress.

A more realistic minimum, she explained, is around $5,000 per room to achieve a space that is both functional and appealing to tenants. Each room will essentially act as a mini hotel suite, minus the bedding, as guests are expected to bring their own linens, pillows, and blankets.

Key Furniture Priorities in a Shared Living Space

When working with a tight budget, the designer advises prioritizing three critical items:

1. The Mattress – Comfort and quality are essential since this will directly affect a guest’s experience.
2. Linens (if provided) – While not always necessary, they add a hotel-like polish when included.
3. The Bed Frame – This should be sturdy, ideally metal or solid wood, to withstand daily wear and tear. Upholstered options are discouraged due to maintenance and durability issues.

The overall style direction for the home is a “rustic modern” aesthetic, blending cozy textures with sleek finishes. Multiple design mood boards have been created across different price tiers to help the client choose which version best suits his vision and budget.

Virtual Design Services with Flexibility

Since the investor is remote, the designer handles everything from concept development to sourcing and selection, and optionally project management for an additional fee. While she typically doesn’t do installations herself, she provides a detailed selections list and mood boards, so the client can order items and coordinate setup with a local handyman or contractor.

Pricing for her design services is transparent and affordable:

• $350 per room – Includes mood boards, selections list, and up to five to six revisions.
• $275 for in-home consultations – Waived if the project is handled virtually via photos and measurements provided by the client.

For clients furnishing an entire home or several rooms at once, she offers bundle rates to help reduce overall costs.

Why Hire a Designer?

While the cost of hiring a designer can feel like an added expense, many clients find it well worth the investment. Not only does it save significant time — especially for those who get overwhelmed by endless tile samples or furniture listings — but it also helps ensure a cohesive, functional design. In fact, clients who’ve attempted DIY design often return, recognizing the value of curated expertise and faster execution.

Morgan shared that kitchen and bathroom renovations remain her favorite types of projects. But no matter the space, her goal remains the same: to create beautiful, livable environments that match her clients’ budgets, timelines, and tastes.

Whether you’re an out-of-state investor or a local homeowner, partnering with the right designer can turn even the most ambitious visions into reality — without sacrificing style or sanity.

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