Curating Character: Moodboards & Vision for Our Thrifted Short-Term Rental
A few years ago, Billy bought his first house—a charming little place with tons of potential. But when I say little, I mean little—we’re talking 600-ish square feet. While it’s been perfect for us (and Chloe, of course!), we’ve officially outgrown it. Between our love for hosting, my ever-growing collection of vintage treasures, and the need for just a little more breathing room, we knew it was time for a change.
But here’s the thing: this house is in a prime location, and instead of letting it sit empty, we saw an opportunity. Why not turn it into a cozy, one-of-a-kind short-term rental? A place filled with character, warmth, and personality—something that stands out from the typical cookie-cutter listings.
And because we love a good challenge, we’re setting some ground rules for this transformation:
✔️ Fresh paint and basic materials? Allowed.
✔️ New linens (if absolutely necessary)? Sure.
❌ Brand-new furniture and decor? Nope!
Every single piece of furniture, art, and decor will be thrifted, secondhand, or repurposed.
It’s a big challenge, but that’s what makes it fun! We’ll be hitting flea markets, estate sales, antique shops, and Facebook Marketplace to create a space that’s not only stylish but also sustainable and full of history.
Once the makeover is complete, I’ll share a full budget breakdown and room reveals right here on the blog. But for now, take a peek at our moodboards below to see the vision for this space. And if you love a good thrift-hunting adventure, follow along on social media—we’ll be sharing the entire journey in real time!
The Living Room: Setting the Tone for Our Thrifted Makeover
The living room is the jumping-off point for this short-term rental transformation, and we want it to make an impact. This house is in the perfect spot—right on a popular river (hello, swimming and boating!) and just a stone’s throw from the local golf course. With that in mind, I want the decor to nod to the location without feeling like a themed Airbnb straight out of a tourist gift shop. No kitschy “Gone Golfin’” signs here!
It’s going to be a fine line to walk, but I think a cool, vintage golf club art installation will be the perfect starting point. It ties into the setting in a unique way while adding character and charm.
As for furniture, we already have the couch and TV stand, but everything else? That’s where the treasure hunting begins.
The Kitchen: Small but Mighty
Everyone knows the kitchen is the heart of the home, and while this one may be small, I want it to feel mighty. When guests stay here, I want them to feel instantly at home—like they can whip up breakfast, pour a cup of coffee, and settle in with ease. A well-stocked, beautifully styled kitchen is the perfect way to make that happen.
To bring this space to life, we’re making a few key updates:
✅ Swapping the dull, dirty white cabinets for a gorgeous sage green
✅ Adding a backsplash (because right now, it’s nonexistent)
✅ Updating the hardware to sleek black for a modern touch
✅ Infusing personality with carefully curated secondhand finds
With these changes, the kitchen will go from forgettable to full of charm and character. I can’t wait to see it come together!
The Guest Room: Cozy, Functional & Full of Character
This guest bedroom may be the smaller of the two, but it’s going to pack a big personality. Designed to be versatile, it will be the perfect spot for kids to sleep or a quiet retreat for guests who need to get some work done.
To tie into the vintage golf club art installation in the living room, we’re creating a gallery wall above the dresser featuring black-and-white vintage golf photos—a nod to the house’s location near the golf course. There’s already a desk tucked into a cozy corner, and we’ll enhance it with floating shelves to create a functional yet stylish workspace.
Other updates include:
🏌️♂️ Two twin beds with soft, layered linens for a cozy stay
🏡 A secondhand dresser below the gallery wall so guests can unpack (plus extra linen storage!)
✨ Thoughtful, thrifted decor to make the space feel warm and inviting
This room may be small, but it’s going to make a big impact!
The Main Bedroom: A Cozy Retreat for Ultimate Relaxation
After a long day on the water or the golf course, our guests deserve a space that feels like a true escape—somewhere they can fully unwind the moment they step inside.
To create this calm, inviting atmosphere, we’re keeping the decor minimal and soothing—no clutter, no distractions. The design plan includes:
🌿 Sage green bedding to tie into the kitchen’s color palette and enhance the relaxing vibe
🛏️ A plush area rug for warmth and comfort underfoot
💡 Soft, layered lighting options for a cozy, adjustable ambiance
🖼️ Tranquil artwork and a mirror to open up the space and complete the look
Simple, serene, and effortlessly inviting—this room is all about rest and relaxation.
What Do You Think?
What do you think of the all-thrifted challenge? Drop your best secondhand shopping tips in the comments! ⬇️
