Most short-term rental operators invest heavily in acquiring a property - but treat furnishing and interior design as an afterthought. Yet design may be one of the most powerful levers for increasing bookings, improving guest reviews and driving more revenue.In this episode of STR Global Unlocked, I speak with Andria Santos, Founder and CEO of Fülhaus, about why furnishing remains one of the most undercapitalized decisions in the short-term rental industry.Andrea explains how operators should budget for furniture and design, where quality matters most and where it is possible to save. She also reveals why guests book with their eyes, how professional photography shapes expectations and why beautiful images can never compensate for an uncomfortable stay.Which Questions Are Answered in This Episode?Why is design one of the most overlooked investments in rental properties?How can interior design increase bookings, revenue and guest satisfaction?Where should property owners invest—and where can they save?Why can cheap furniture become expensive in the long run?How important are professional photos when guests choose a property?How do operators balance visual appeal with comfort and functionality?How is AI changing interior design and furniture procurement?How can property managers convince owners to invest in upgrades?Which amenities and furnishings do guests now expect as standard?How often should rental properties be renovated or refreshed?ResourcesAJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry.Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/

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