A Lapland Home for Guests
A Lapland Home for Guests
Finland | Vacation Rental | Airbnb | Renovated in 2023
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"We started out simply wanting to rent the house. We ended up with one of the most popular listings in our entire location."
Kristina and Jussi
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Jussi and I had been thinking about an investment property for a long time—a small vacation home for tourists. It seemed so simple: buy it, do a quick cosmetic remodel, and rent it out. We figured an interior designer is only about style, not profitability. Why would you even need one for a rental?
Our main fear was investing money only to end up with a blank, generic house just like everyone else. We saw the neighboring properties: clean renovations, yet tourists weren't booking them. For a short-term rental, a clean remodel simply isn't enough anymore. Today, guests aren't just choosing walls and furniture—they are choosing emotions and experiences. You need that exact 'wow factor' that makes a house stand out among dozens of similar listings. The space must look stylish and expensive, yet remain cozy and comfortable to live in, all without requiring a massive investment.
We needed the house to work as an asset. Originally, we just wanted to book a couple of consultations with her and ask for advice on a few specific questions. But when we met, Katya immediately started thinking like a guest—what matters to a person when they stay for a few days, and what is insignificant. How a family enters the house, where they put their luggage, where they have breakfast, how they spend their evening. This completely shifted our entire approach to the project.
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We were planning a much more radical layout change, but Katya talked us out of it—
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she prioritized everything from a vacationer's perspective, instantly saving us several thousand on the renovation.
She explained back then that a tourist isn’t buying a house—they are buying a feeling of being on vacation, an atmosphere, beautiful photos, coziness, and memories.
We combined the restroom and the bathroom, which gave us a comfortable, spacious shower area without wasting any space. Moving the kitchen closer to the entrance completely opened up the living room, transforming it into a truly grand space featuring a fireplace zone and a large dining table where families can gather in the evening. We designed zoned lighting to make the home feel cozy rather than public or commercial. In the bedroom, we installed soft accent lighting—creating a relaxing ambiance to unwind after a busy day. Everything is neutral and contemporary, yet timeless enough that it won't feel outdated in a year.
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Katerina explained to us right away: in the rental market, the winning property isn’t the one you pour the most money into.
The winner is the one that triggers the strongest emotions.
That is precisely why practical materials were chosen over expensive marble, a well-thought-out atmosphere instead of overly complex design features, and accents that create a premium feel rather than high-priced decor pieces.
Ultimately, together we struck the perfect balance between visual impact, budget management, durability, and return on investment.
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It’s been 2 years since the launch. Our Airbnb rating is 4.86, and we’ve earned the 'Guest Favorite' badge.
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The house is now ranked among the top 5 best listings in the region.
Guests constantly write about the comfort, the ambiance, and the cleanliness. We even have returning guests who come back to stay with us again.
We no longer have to worry about occupancy rates—the interior does the work for us. If you are considering an investment property and wondering whether you really need a designer for a rental, we now know the answer. Katerina’s key philosophy says it all: for a family home, it's about the quality of life. For an investment property, it’s about profitability driven by smart design.
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NORDIC Interior Design & Renovation
by Katja Evs. 2026
дизайн интерьера Лапландия, дизайн интерьера по всей Финляндии и Швеции, ремонт Хельсинки
ремонт Оулу
