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DESIGN YOUR AIRBNB WITH DRAGONFLY HOMES: THE BEST DECISION YOU’LL EVER MAKE

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 22:35:11 GMT

DESIGN YOUR AIRBNB WITH DRAGONFLY HOMES: THE BEST DECISION YOU’LL EVER MAKE

By: Randall Walton

Hunter Moll’s modern, uptown oasis with awesome outdoor space, designed by Dragonfly Homes - Click here to view on AirBnB

Let’s face it: travelling is different. Although the hotel and inn business are still booming, more and more people want to vacation in a private space just for them and their companions. This is why the number of short-term rentals steadily increases year after year. Short term rentals allow people to stay in home-like environments, complete with privacy, without the inconveniences of hotel living (aka instant ickiness).

Charlotte’s short-term rental market is rapidly growing, according to industry experts. A booming economy and a yearly population increase helps justify the market for this type of real estate.

Charlotte – the new hub for short-term rentals!

Airbtics, a website that compiles short-term rental statistics for cities around the world, estimated the total number of Airbnb and VRBO listings in Charlotte by the end of 2022 was 2,622 (1,207 and 1,415, respectively). Using the chart above, Charlotte does not have as many short-term rentals as other cities, such as Atlanta or Brooklyn. However, we do have more short-term rentals than some major tourist destinations, like Las Vegas and Orlando. Also, Charlotte does have more VRBO listings than larger cities, such as Atlanta, Brooklyn, and Chicago.

Why are short-term rentals a great investment?

Debating whether or not to develop your own short-term rental in Charlotte? Let me share some interesting facts with you! According to Airbtics, short-term rentals had a good year in 2022:

Average occupancy rate: 48%
Average nightly rate: $160
Annual revenue: $36,204
Peak season: March

If all of that hasn’t convinced you yet, see how Charlotte’s annual short-term rental revenue compares to other markets.

As you can see, Charlotte brings in more annual revenue than some of the country's most desirable destinations such as Las Vegas, Chicago, Orlando, and Portland. More people are choosing Charlotte than ever before due to a couple of reasons.

For one reason, the World Population Review noted that Charlotte is the 15th largest city in the United States, with a population of 917,527 (2023) and a growth rate of 1.59%. It also designated Charlotte as the third fastest growing city in the U.S. with an expected 47% surge in population growth by 2030. People flock to the Charlotte due to its respected reputation of being a commercial, financial, and technical hub. Some major banks – including Wells Fargo and Bank of America – are located right here, which brings in plenty of newcomers and interns to the city. Some of these people may not want to jump into the housing market quite yet, so short-term rentals present a great opportunity for investors.

This great opportunity comes with a great challenge: How do you attract people to your short-term rental out of the thousands available in Charlotte? The key to successfully making your short-term rental stand out above the rest is similar to doing the same for your home when it’s time to sell: staging.

Good news! You don’t have to have to do it yourself! Dragonfly Homes is here!

Hunter Moll’s modern, uptown oasis with awesome outdoor space, designed by Dragonfly Homes - Click here to view on AirBnB

Staging a short-term rental is imperative when marketing your short-term rental. Why? Because pictures matter. According to Meero, a company that help professional photographers find employment, estimates that 75% of people who book short-term rentals say that pictures have a huge influence over whether or not they choose a particular rental. Meero also notes that professional photographing your rental does three things:

They increase your CTR (click through rate): attaching high quality photos to your listing could help you get as much as 63% more clicks,

By doubling the amount of reservations, they increase your revenue: listings with photos will help your rental bring in up to 40% more revenue, get 24% more reservations, and may allow you to increase the prices by 26% per night, and

Increase your ROI (return on investment): by earning more revenue and increasing prices, high quality photos will help you easily maintain the rental while making a profit.

Therefore, the importance of high quality pictures in the short-term rental industry should not be overlooked. Short-term rentals must looked impeccable in these photographs, but also inviting enough so that a potential renter can see themselves in the spaces. This can be a tricky balance, so working with professionals – such as those at Dragonfly Homes – will help you navigate that balance without the stress and hassle. Dragonfly Homes is a premier staging company with a proven track record of producing striking designs guaranteed to catch the eye of any potential renter.

Hunter Moll’s modern, uptown oasis with awesome outdoor space, designed by Dragonfly Homes - Click here to view on AirBnB

With a short-term rental, there are times when you may have to start from the ground up. The home you purchased may need little more than a fresh coat of paint. You think some walls might need to come down and you’re just not sure what’s going on with that kitchen. Instead of just a home stager, you need to employ the services of an interior designer as well. Good news! Dragonfly Homes doesn’t just stage rentals but can assist in helping you craft a design for your home as well. By providing design and staging services, the professionals at Dragonfly Homes can guide you through the processes of renovation and staging to produce a rental that will bring in renters and revenue.

Hunter Moll, owner of The Buildery - a highly sought after construction company in Charlotte, knows a good investment when he sees one. Not only does he scout out properties with income producing potential but he collaborates with Dragonfly Homes to help renovate and design his short-term rentals. Check out this exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your business? Why did you decide to get in the Airbnb market?

I love real estate and manage a fully integrated real estate company called The Buildery. The company has licenses in brokerage and construction and specializes in many other areas of real estate as well. Typically, we buy a house that needs work, then fully renovate it in-house using our own construction company. After that, it is either sold using our in-house agents, or retained as a long-term rental or a short-term rental, which is managed by our in-house property management company. We chose to get into the short-term rental market to diversify our portfolio while creating exceptional spaces for guests to enjoy in the Charlotte area!

2. How would you describe the Airbnb market in Charlotte?

1) The Airbnb market is currently reaching a point of oversaturation here in Charlotte. This is for several reasons. To name a few: Charlotte is one of the cities that does not have restrictions on short term rentals yet, causing investors from other areas to flock here,

2) The topic of creating short-term rentals is trendy now, and the process is often oversimplified online, causing many people to try it,

3) There was a post-covid travel boom and people created rentals to account for the increased demand. However, demand is dropping, and supply is still increasing.

3. What do you think are the benefits of working with an all-inclusive design and staging company on an Airbnb project?

The biggest benefit is the ability to create a uniform aesthetic from all parts of the project, creating a more cohesive look and experience in the end.

4. Why did you choose Dragonfly Homes to assist you with this project?

I had worked with Dragonfly Homes on other staging projects and liked the staging work. I knew I would need flexibility and responsiveness, and Dragonfly Homes excelled in these aspects at other projects.

5. What has it been like working with Dragonfly Homes? What advice have you received from the Dragonfly Homes team and how has it benefited your project?

The communication is great, and having a second set of eyes on the projects has been very helpful, so I can tend to other parts of my business that require attention as well.

6. What would you say to investors who are hesitant about bringing in an outside design and staging company to their rental projects?

I would say that they need to evaluate their goals and where their energy is best spent. For some people, spending the time to handle this aspect of their business could be the right decision. But for others, having the freedom to focus on other areas is going to be more profitable and effective.

7. Would you consider working with Dragonfly Homes in the future?

Of course!

Hunter Moll’s modern, uptown oasis with awesome outdoor space, designed by Dragonfly Homes - Click here to view on AirBnB

According to Redzy, a leading online booking and distribution platform, 59% of travelers are booking trips 2-5 months in advance and 62% of travelers are planning to take trips in 2023. With travel rates steadily rising, now is the perfect time to enter the short-term rental market. Also, an enticing web presence is key to keeping your short-term rental profitable. Dragonfly Homes’ experienced experts can help you take the guesswork out of renovating and staging your short-term rental and provide you with sound advice, clarity, and piece of mind.

References

Jovana Stankovic, “Should you invest in an Airbnb in Charlotte in 2022?,” June 26, 2022. https://www.mashvisor.com/blog/airbnb-charlotte-nc/#:~:text=Airbnb%20Cap%20Rate%3A%203.53%25,Airbnb%20Occupancy%20Rate%3A%2054%25

Kevin Tjoe, “Global travel & tourism statistics 2023,” October 12, 2022. https://rezdy.com/blog/global-tourism-statistics/

Pauline Gabrielli, “How photographs impact the performance of short-term rental sites,” April 30, 2019. https://www.meero.com/en/news/digital_marketing/513/1906-how-photographs-impact-the-performance-of-short-term-rental-sites-en#:~:text=Professional%20photos%20are%20crucial%20for,your%20reservations%20and%20your%20revenues.

Robyn Pena, “Airbnb Occupancy Rates by City in 2022,” April 28, 2022. https://airbtics.com/airbnb-occupancy-rates-by-city/.

World Population Review, “Charlotte, NC Population in 2023,” N.d. https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/charlotte-nc-population

STYLE GUIDE: MID-CENTURY MODERN

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 22:30:20 GMT

STYLE GUIDE: MID-CENTURY MODERN

In this series, we’re going to take a look at a specific design style and I’ll give you some tips on how you can achieve that style in your own home. Interior design can be pricey, so I’ll also provide both budget-friendly and higher priced options so you can find something that’s right for you!

REWIND: HISTORY

The Mid-Century Modern style (or MCM as it’s lovingly known) grew out of the post-WWII home environment.[1] A shift in focus towards the nuclear family unit led to the creation of furniture centered on function than aesthetics. This caused furniture to be constructed with cleaner lines and simpler silhouettes.[2] The development of new technologies also led to the creation of new forms, patterns, and textures.[3] Notable Mid-Century Modern designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Florence Knoll, Eero Saarinen, and Harry Bertoia.

KEY ELEMENTS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN DESIGN

· Functional furniture with clean lines

· A focus on organic materials, especially wood

· Bold displays of color and pattern

RETAILERS TO SHOP FOR THE MID-CENTURY MODERN LOOK

· West Elm

· Herman Miller

· Crate and Barrel

· AllModern

· Burrow

STATEMENT COFFEE TABLES

Budget-Friendly Option: Best Choice Products Wooden Mid-Century Modern Coffee Accent Table Furniture w/ Open Storage Shelf, Target, $89.99

TARGET COFFEE TABLE

The legs of this coffee table are characteristically Mid-Century Modern. The clean, white finish will brighten any room and the storage glamorously hides clutter.

Pricey Option: Mid-Century Art Display Round Coffee Table, West Elm, $499 (34”)-$759 (42”)

WEST ELM COFFEE TABLE

This coffee table mixes three materials – wood, glass, and metal – but employs a simple geometric form. It’s practically an art piece!

STYLISH SOFAS

Budget-Friendly Option: Clayton 83.47” Sofa, Joss and Main, $1,350

JOSS AND MAIN SOFA

This sofa features the characteristics thin legs of Mid-Century Modern design. The fabric is also very durable as it is resistant to stains, scratches, and fading.

Pricey Option: Lispenard Sofa, Herman Miller, $5,195

HERMAN MILLER SOFA

Herman Miller has been synonymous with Mid-Century Modern design for over 100 years. As an originator of the style, the company worked with many of the creators of the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic. This simple sofa has a low profile and signature hardwood legs. As a bonus, this sofa comes in a range of fabrics, including leather, so you can customize it to fit your home.

POLISHED LIGHTING

Budget-Friendly Option: Lauters Floor Lamp, IKEA, $64.99

IKEA LAMPS

This floor lamp provides a simple, yet bold statement. It follows the geometric form beloved by the Mid-Century Modern style, but the tripod legs make the lamp more dynamic. The lamp is beneficial for the environment as the legs come from sustainably sourced wood and the lamp shade is made from recyclable materials.

Pricey Option: Tripod Floor Lamp, Urban Outfitters, $399

URBAN OUTFITTERS LAMP

Much like the previous lamp, this one is a tripod. However, the color blocking adds a subtle pattern to a space and gives a room personality. The dark lamp shade will provide indirect light, so it may not be as bright as if the lamp shade were of a lighter color.

CREATIVE SHELVING UNITS

Budget-Friendly Option: East Urban Home Argelia 4-Piece Floating Shelf, Wayfair, $89.99

WAYFAIR SHELF

This modular shelf adds dimension to a blank wall. The off-center shelves is a unique way to display decorative items.

Pricey Option: Index Wall Shelf, Burrow, $399 (Set of 1)-$2,195 (Set of 6)

BURROW SHELF

Made from sustainably sourced oak, this shelving unit makes a statement. Its simple, yet functional form, epitomizes Mid-Century Modern design. The vertical linear dividers turn three simple shelves into a statement bookcase.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN!

The MCM style is perfect for those who want a no-frills interior but with style. Contemporary design can seem cold to some, but MCM’s use of organic material (especially wood) helps to add warmth and drama to all spaces. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on “authentic Mid-Century Modern” pieces. With a bit of know-how, you can achieve this style on any budget.

References.

1. Sarah Lyon. “What Is Midcentury Modern Style? Here's What You Should Know.” The Spruce. February 4, 2022. https://www.thespruce.com/things-you-should-know-about-mid-century-1391827.

2. Ibid.

3. Living Spaces, “What Is Mid-Century Modern Style?” N.d. https://www.livingspaces.com/inspiration/ideas-advice/styles/what-is-mid-century-modern-style.

5 CHEAP AND EASY STEPS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 22:27:53 GMT

5 CHEAP AND EASY STEPS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME

Owning a home can come with some expensive challenges: a burst pipe, termite damage, roof leaks. However, when it comes to a home refresh, it doesn’t take a whole lot of money to make a big impact. Here are some easy ways to give your home a new look without breaking the bank.

STEP #1 - PAINT

This is probably the easiest way to make an impact. Paint can be used to make a bold statement or neutralize questionable ones. If you want to save even more money, you can do all of the labor. However, to get the best paint job, it might be better to leave it to the professionals. It will cost more to redo a painting project gone wrong than to pay a professional to do the job right the first time. Most large paint retailers, such as Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore, offer low-VOC options for a more sustainable option. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are gases emitted into the air from certain products, including paint. Inhaling these toxins can causes various health effects, like headache, nausea, eye irritation, and damage to the kidneys, lungs, or nervous systems. Along with the well-known paint retailers, ECOS Paints is another VOC-free paint brand that may be a more affordable option.

STEP #2 - WALLPAPER

Before you scroll down, hear me out! Wallpaper has come a long way from the hyper-floral designs we all saw in every grandmother’s home growing up. As trends changed, wallpaper manufacturers began to expand their collection. You can find a wallpaper in just about any print from geometric designs to modern florals to wood-like-textures. Also, new technology allows homeowners to put up their own wallpaper with peel-and-stick versions. A great wallpaper resource is SpoonFlower, a company that creates one-of-a-kind designs on sustainably sourced or recycled paper.

STEP #3 - PEEL AND STICK TILES

Real tile can get really expensive. If you need to add a little bit of “oomph” to your kitchen, try peel and stick tiles. This simple update will add some interest to your kitchen with very little time, effort, and money. Lowes and Home Depot offer peel and stick tile options if you’re looking for something quickly. However, Wall Pops has a wide selection of peel and stick tiles that are very easy to install – all you need is a pair of scissors!

STEP #4 - AREA RUGS

Area rugs are not just for decoration. They help define a space, which can be incredibly important in today’s world of open concept design. They also help muffle sound and decrease the echo effect in a large space. A good quality area rug can cost quite a bit of money. However, try sourcing some secondhand rugs from consignments shops or Facebook Marketplace. Be careful when buying anything from social media, however. Always ask to see the rug in person and try not to pay anything until you’ve seen, and approved of, it.

TIP #5 - SECONDHAND FURNITURE

If you want that magazine look, you’ll probably have to shop at furniture “boutiques”. You know where I’m talking about. I’m talking about the store where a pillow costs $95. We don’t all have that kind of spending money. So, take a moment to browse some online secondhand furniture sites for the best deals. Don’t just look at what it looks like now, but what it could be. For example, you see a gorgeous coffee table online. It looks just like one you saw at Crate and Barrel. The only problem is that it’s fire engine red and you really wanted a black one. Easy fix –paint it (see tip number one)! Anything can be modified. And, it will probably still be cheaper than buying the mega-expensive version. Here are some good online secondhand retailers:

· Kaiyo

· Facebook Marketplace

· AptDeco

· Etsy

Charlotte offers many secondhand and antique furniture dealers if you’re wary about purchasing online. Try these retailers if you want to see the furniture in person:

· The Sleepy Poet

· South End Exchange

· TDF Furniture

· Sardis Marketplace

Giving your home a refresh can be simple without costing a lot. All it takes is a little digging to find high quality items at good deals. Don’t keep looking at the paint color you hate or the couch you slipcovered because the dog chewed it up. Start your journey now and get the home you’ve always wanted!