the urban retreat
Thoughtfully Designed Airbnb for Extended Stays
Project Type
Full-Service, Remodel, Furnishings
Location
Cleveland ,Oh
Paint Color
Dockside Blue
Favorite Element
Tall Ceilings
project overview
Trendy city Airbnb rental that is also a home away from home for guests.
Located in an urban area with a major hospital nearby, we strategically designed the space for families of patients recovering from surgery, traveling doctors completing their residency, and professionals needing a comfortable extended stay. Unlike many city rentals that cater to weekend travelers and event-goers, this home needed to feel welcoming, calming, and livable while still being durable enough to function as a high-performing short-term rental. It couldn’t feel like a hotel — it had to feel like home.
the before & after
"This place was so lovely and really perfect for a longer stay. It is clear that this is a home and not just a business, and we appreciated the homey touches."
challenges & creative solutions
Designed for All Seasons
With four distinct seasons, the home needed to accommodate muddy boots in the spring, snowy shoes in the winter, and water/sand in the summer. We incorporated drop zones near entryways to minimize mess, selected performance fabrics to withstand heavy use, and ensured the home was functional and comfortable year-round.
Balancing Rental & Home
Most short-term rentals don’t require much storage since guests typically stay for just a few days. However, this home was designed for longer stays, so we prioritized:
Dressers & closet space for guests to fully unpack.
A well-stocked kitchen with everything needed for extended stays.
A cozy, livable layout that made guests feel settled, not just passing through.
Full Remodel & Furnishing Project
This project wasn’t just about styling—we took the home from builder-grade to thoughtfully curated. We:
Updated all flooring to be more durable and guest-friendly.
Repainted every room to create a warm, welcoming feel.
Replaced all light fixtures for a modern, functional upgrade.
Removed walls to open up the space, making it brighter and more inviting.
Fully furnished and styled the home to feel layered, cohesive, and guest-ready.
collaboration & process
Turnkey solutions making this guest ready
This client was hands-off, trusting us to bring their vision to life with minimal involvement. Because they didn’t have time to dedicate to the project, we provided a turnkey solution — handling everything from design to sourcing, installation, and staging.
We also went the extra mile to stock the home with essentials, ensuring that guests would have a stress-free experience from the moment they arrived. This included a fully equipped kitchen, luxury bedding & linens, and all necessary bathroom amenities
design highlights
Transitional style with a calming palette.
We embraced a transitional design, blending classic and contemporary elements with grounding tones that made the space feel soothing and sophisticated.
Key design choices included:
Deep blues & earthy greens to create a sense of calm and balance.
Green accents in the office space (since green symbolizes prosperity—great for a workspace!).
Layered textures & durable materials to enhance comfort and longevity.
Multi-functional rooms—one space doubled as an office + extra bedroom to accommodate various guest needs.
the transformation
This home went from a basic rental to a highly sought-after extended-stay Airbnb. By combining thoughtful design, functional upgrades, and a home-like atmosphere, we created a comfortable, well-loved space that stands out in the market.
Consistently booked with five-star reviews!
Highly rated for comfort, cleanliness, and a welcoming feel!
Guests love the homey touches, thoughtful layout, and peaceful atmosphere!
