Design Tips, Investment Properties
Shauna Lynn Simon
Expert Advice for Your Vacation Rental Property

If you own a vacation rental property (or are looking to invest in one), you know that designing a short-term rental cottage that stands out from the competition is key to attracting renters and earning repeat business. With the growing popularity of short-term rentals and Airbnb properties, it's important to create a space that not only looks beautiful but is also functional and comfortable for guests.

In this article, we'll provide you with expert tips and insights on how to design a short-term rental cottage that will have guests raving and coming back year after year. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to update an existing space, this guide will provide you with the inspiration you need to create a truly exceptional vacation home.


Start with the Basics

Before you start decorating, make sure you have all the basics in place. This includes…

Expert Advice for Your Vacation Rental Property

Holidays

Holiday Style Guide – Trends, Tips and Tricks from Our Home to Yours

Holiday Style Guide – Trends, Tips and Tricks from Our Home to Yours

The celebration of Christmas is steeped in rich traditions that are passed down over generations, including the holiday décor that we choose, and the way that we decorate our homes with it. Despite the traditions, new trends to deck the halls emerge each year, challenging you to rethink your trimmings. Whether you’re unsure how to incorporate your existing, nostalgia décor with some fresh new items that have caught your eye, or you’re simply looking to get that “magazine holiday spread” look on a budget, we are here to help!

Current holiday décor trends have two particular and notable themes – incorporating vintage items (authentically or new), and a slightly more ‘demure’ holiday colour palate – think blacks, whites, and silvers with a hint of accenting colour, instead of bright flashing red and green. In this blog post, we will share some of our favourite holiday looks, as well as tips to help you to get the style, function, and sparkle that you need for easy holiday hosting, without breaking the bank.

Holiday Hosting 2017

Holiday Hosting 2017

With the holidays just around the corner now, there are parties that need a-hosting, and tables that need a-setting. I love to host gatherings with my friends, from simple cocktail parties to extravagant bashes, and of course, dinner parties with my closest friends are always a holiday favourite.

The Cocktail Party

When hosting a cocktail party, since the objective is to have your guests mixing and mingling, it’s easiest to simply set out your food and drinks buffet style. First, re-arrange your furniture to accommodate your guests and allow them the room to move easily throughout the room (setting a table against a large wall in the room, rather than the middle of the room, will allow for a better flow and access). Ensure that you have a pitcher or punch bowl of a non-alcoholic beverage available, and set out with some highball glasses, a bucket of ice, and some lemons and limes for garnishes. Set out wine glasses, as well as an uncorked bottle of red and white (don’t open too many right away, as your guests may bring you a bottle as well). Serve finger foods that are easy to eat and don’t require utensils, and be sure to provide lots of side dishes and napkins. Allow for some rest areas around the room that provide some seating and if possible, some tables for setting down a glass or a plate.

How to Celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday in Waterloo Region

How to Celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday in Waterloo Region

This is a big year for Canada, as well as Waterloo Region! So how can you make this the most memorable birthday yet? Here are just a few ideas that the BTSH team has put together for you:

1. You know how great it is when your birthday lands on the weekend – it means no work, all play, and a leisurely start to the day! Nothing says “Canadian” like morning pancakes or waffles with some local Maple Syrup.