STR Cribs is the only provider of design, furnishing and renovation for Airbnb and short-term rentals in all 50 states.
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Professional Airbnb design and renovation services in Washington Island maximize your rental income by creating Instagram-worthy spaces that command premium rates in this competitive Door County market. Expert designers understand what travelers expect from luxury vacation rentals, incorporating local charm with modern amenities that generate five-star reviews and repeat bookings. Quality renovations increase your property value while reducing maintenance costs and vacancy periods. The investment pays for itself through higher nightly rates and increased occupancy in Washington Island's thriving tourism economy.
Airbnb renovations on Washington Island typically cost $15,000-40,000 depending on property size and scope, with kitchen and bathroom updates being most expensive. Properties can increase nightly rates by 30-50% after renovations, from $150-200 to $200-300 per night during peak season. The island's limited accommodation options and high tourist demand mean well-designed properties achieve 70-80% occupancy rates. Most owners recoup renovation costs within 2-3 years through increased bookings and premium pricing.
For Washington Island Airbnbs, embrace rustic cabin aesthetics with reclaimed wood furniture, stone accents, and cozy textiles like wool throws and flannel bedding. Incorporate nautical elements such as rope details, weathered finishes, and lake-inspired artwork to reflect the island's maritime character. Choose durable, easy-to-clean materials like leather seating and hardwood floors that can withstand sandy feet and wet gear. Add functional touches like mudrooms with hooks for outdoor equipment and fireplaces for warmth during Wisconsin's harsh winters.
For Washington Island's outdoor Airbnb renovations, focus on weatherproof fire pits with seating areas for year-round use, screened porches or three-season rooms to protect from Lake Michigan winds and insects, and hot tubs positioned for water views while maintaining privacy. Add outdoor kitchens with grills and prep areas for summer entertaining, plus heated patios or decks with windbreaks to extend the usable season.
STRCribs does not appear to have specific design and renovation providers listed for Washington Island, Wisconsin, as it is a small, remote island community with limited commercial services. The island's isolated location in Lake Michigan and small population of around 700 residents means most renovation work is handled by local contractors or mainland providers who travel to the island. Property owners typically work with contractors from Door County or Green Bay area who are willing to make the ferry trip to Washington Island for larger projects.
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We’ve reimagined the design and renovation process from the ground up, leveraging industry leading data to ensure you have what you need to dominate in your market.
Results that speak for themselves
40% higher ADRs, 64% more occupancy and on average, $50,000+ more per year by working with our data driven design and renovation teams. Not to mention, not a single stressful moment.

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Planned, designed and created by our team for clients coast to coast
8,000+ Five Star Reviews
from Guests across our clients properties we’ve renovated and designed
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Our clients see up to 64% more occupancy, 40% higher ADRs and drive $50,000+ more per year than their competitors.

Develop Plan
Every situation is unique – we take the time to understand your property, goals, budget and the competitive market.

Elite Design & Renovation
Generic listings blend in, often competing on price. We craft experiences that tell a story, in harmony with the home and its environment.

Seamless Installation
Our team manages purchasing, delivery and installation — handling any and all obstacles that present themselves along the way.
Short-term Rental Design
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FAQ
Washington Island Airbnb properties typically embrace rustic cabin aesthetics with natural wood finishes, stone fireplaces, and vintage nautical decor reflecting the island's maritime heritage. Popular design elements include exposed beams, cozy reading nooks with lake views, and farmhouse-style kitchens featuring local artisan touches. Properties often incorporate Scandinavian influences honoring the island's Nordic history through clean lines, neutral colors, and handcrafted furniture. Outdoor living spaces with fire pits and lakefront decks are essential features that capitalize on the island's natural beauty.
Washington Island, Wisconsin follows Door County building codes which require permits for most renovation work including electrical, plumbing, and structural changes common in Airbnb conversions. Fire safety regulations mandate proper egress windows, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas. Septic system capacity must be evaluated and potentially upgraded to handle increased occupancy loads. Historic district properties face additional restrictions on exterior modifications that may limit design flexibility for short-term rental improvements.
Focus on a cozy, rustic aesthetic that reflects Washington Island's natural beauty using local materials like reclaimed wood and stone. Prioritize comfort with quality bedding, functional furniture, and warm lighting since guests often visit for outdoor activities and need a relaxing retreat. Include nautical or Great Lakes-themed decor to capture the island's maritime character while ensuring all furnishings are durable enough to withstand the humid lakeside environment. Keep the design simple and uncluttered to emphasize the peaceful, escape-from-city-life experience guests seek.
Incorporate Washington Island's maritime heritage by using weathered wood, nautical rope details, and vintage fishing nets as wall decor. Feature local limestone accents, driftwood furniture pieces, and a color palette of deep blues, sandy beiges, and crisp whites that reflect Lake Michigan's waters and shoreline. Display vintage maps of the island, antique maritime instruments, and locally-made pottery or crafts. Add cozy wool blankets and lantern-style lighting to capture the island's remote, rustic charm while maintaining modern comfort.
A full Airbnb design and renovation project in Washington Island, Wisconsin typically takes 4-8 months to complete. The timeline includes 2-4 weeks for design planning, 2-4 weeks for permits and approvals, 8-16 weeks for construction and renovation work, and 2-4 weeks for furnishing and staging. Island logistics can extend timelines due to ferry transportation requirements for materials and contractors. Weather conditions may also impact the schedule, particularly during harsh Wisconsin winters.
