What We Did This Summer: Behind the Scenes of Two Florida Vacation Rentals
Updated: Oct 2
Remember that first assignment back at school every fall: “What I Did This Summer”?
Ours involved a lot less lounging by the water and a lot more designing houses beside it.
This summer, Laurel Alexander Interiors completed two full-service vacation rental projects in Port St. Joe, Florida. One is in Chateau Nemours, and the other is in WindMark Beach. Both started as brand-new, completely empty homes. Both needed to work beautifully for rental guests while still feeling personal to the owners who plan to enjoy them too. And despite being only a short distance apart, the two homes could hardly be more different.
Two Homes, Two Very Different Personalities
At Chateau Nemours, the clients came to us with a black-and-gold color direction. Not exactly the palette most people immediately associate with a Florida beach house.
Challenge accepted.
We leaned into contrast, texture and natural materials rather than predictable coastal motifs. The result feels contemporary and sophisticated while still belonging near the water.
One of my favorite details is an acoustical slat wall we designed for the home’s office. It was intended to create visual interest while also helping with sound. The owners loved it so much that they decided to carry the treatment into two additional spaces.
To see more on this property, or to book it, visit the property's site here.
WindMark Beach took us in an entirely different direction. The clients had one very clear request after starting with an all-white new construction home: no more white.
We introduced rich navy and blue tones, warm browns, reds, medium-tone woods, and plenty of texture. There is a subtle nautical influence, but nothing feels themed. We were also able to incorporate a meaningful nod to the owners’ military backgrounds near the entrance of the home.
That personal layer matters to us. Even when we're designing a property for guests, it should still tell the owners' story.
To see more on this property, or to book it, visit the property's site here.
Designing a Vacation Rental Is About More Than the Photos
Of course, we want a vacation rental to photograph beautifully.
But a successful rental has to do much more than that.
We considered sleeping capacity, durability, functionality and the realities of frequent guest use throughout both projects. At the same time, we kept asking ourselves one important question:
Would the owner actually want to live with this?
Because these aren't anonymous rental properties. They're homes our clients plan to enjoy themselves.
That balance is one of my favorite parts of vacation rental design. The space needs to stand out online and support the guest experience. But it also needs to feel comfortable, thoughtful and personal when the owners walk through the door.
The Part You Don't See on Instagram
The finished photographs are the fun part.
What they don't show are the hundreds of decisions and details happening behind the scenes.
On one project, a dining chair arrived with shipping damage. Because our receiving warehouse inspects furnishings as they arrive, we caught it well before installation day and had already ordered the replacement.
Another piece didn't make it onto the truck for installation.
Things happen.
The goal isn't pretending they don't. It's having the right process and partners in place so those moments don't become the client's problem.
For these larger vacation rental projects, we're also on site for installation. That can mean kitchen setup one trip and then white-glove delivery, final installation, styling and photography on another.
This particular stretch included final photography at Chateau Nemours while installation was happening at WindMark Beach, plus client meetings, last-minute sourcing and plenty of trips back and forth to the car.
No summer camp or friendship bracelets for us.
Just a very busy week at the beach.
Good Design Is a Team Effort
If there was one theme that defined these projects, it was collaboration.
Projects of this scale simply don't happen without talented people behind them. From our photographers and receiving warehouse to our delivery and installation team, property management connections and sourcing partners, each played an important role in getting these homes across the finish line.
And, of course, none of it happens without clients who trust us with their vision.
Both families were extremely happy with their finished homes. For us, that's still the part that matters most.
Fall Is Planning Season
So, what did we do this summer?
We designed. We sourced. We installed. We solved problems. And we turned two empty houses into complete vacation homes ready to welcome their owners and their guests.
Now we're looking ahead.
If you own a beach property and are considering a new vacation rental, major furnishing project or substantial refresh for the 2027 rental season, now is the time to start planning.
By the time spring arrives, selections need to be finalized. Furnishings need to be ordered and received. Installation needs to happen. Photography needs to be complete. And your refreshed property needs to be ready to market.
September may feel early.
From a design standpoint, it isn't early.
It's planning season.
If a vacation property is on your plans for 2027, I'd love to hear what you're envisioning.
Let's start the conversation while there's still time to design it thoughtfully.
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