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IT'S NOT JUST A VACATION RENTAL

In this day and time when your family takes a vacation, you really want a vacation. It's not just about relaxing and passing the time, but about how much you can fit into a day...theme parks, shopping, golf and the list goes on and on. The last thing a family needs to worry about is where to stay.

My favorite projects are vacation homes of all sizes. I love making a place that someone will go to have the best week of the year. Creating a place for a family to enjoy each other, spend time together and create future memories. Even though this residence may be used as a rental, it is also the owner's home away from home. A place where there isn't soccer practice or dance classes to run off to. A place where a family can slow down and be a family again.

Comfort. That is where you must start. When furnishing a vacation rental, look for the things that will make you want to return year after year. I know you don't want to stay in a rental that makes you feel like you are at your primary home. You are trying to get away from that feeling, even if it is just for a few days. Hey, you are on VACATION. FUN TIME!!!!

Choose a color palette that fits the vacation setting. You may want light breezy colors and fabrics for the coast and rich earth tones for the mountains. Believe me, a great sofa that you can curl up in or have a nap on after a long day at the beach or golf, is something you will remember about your rental. So is the comfortable mattress where you got a good night's rest. Don't be afraid of colors and textures, this is the place you can be whimsical with fun colors, fun fabrics, fun lamps that you would never be able to use in your traditional home. Now is the time to run with it! Bring in the fun fabrics with boat, golf, or mountain themes. Select a fabric that is strong and worry-free. Pictures, prints and accessories can really make a room come alive. Remember one thing, mom. You cannot have a good time keeping junior away from the glass fish on the coffee table! Keep it simple - mom is on vacation too. Remember the words of the day "comfort, simple, family friendly, VACATION".

I think the most important thing is to make the rental home family friendly. This applies for the rest of the house. Keep the bedrooms simple but inviting. Nothing too busy and cluttered. Again simple, comfortable and family friendly are the things a family is looking for even if it's just for a few days or a week.

When you make all this happen, you will have return renters for life and with that comes family and friends. You don't have to spend a fortune to make it work...just think "where would you like to stay on your vacation?"

Furnitureland South is your one-stop shop for everything you need for your rental or second home. I will take you from top to bottom. From complete bedrooms including that great night's sleep mattress, to dining rooms for families of all sizes. My complementary design service makes sure you are going in the right direction. It is not my job to tell you what your taste is, it is my job to guide you to your taste and style.

Mary Austin Byerly has been a Sales & Design Consultant for Furnitureland South for 17 years. Her projects are vast and include vacation homes in the Outer Banks, Bethany Beach, DE as well timeshares in the British Virgin Islands. She has worked with clients and homes all over the country but finds she loves the art of furnishing vacation homes.

• Mary Byerly
• Sales & Design Consultant
• 336-822-3000 x2276
• fax: 336-822-3891
• marybyerly@furniturelandsouth.com
• Furnitureland South, Inc
• 5635 Riverdale Drive
• Jamestown, NC 27282