5 Common Mistakes Short-Term Rental Owners Make (And How to Fix Them Fast)

💡 If your STR (short-term rental) isn’t getting the bookings—or the reviews—you expected, you’re not alone.

I see it all the time.

Owners invest in the location, maybe even some nice furniture, but the bookings are trickling in, and the space just isn’t standing out. What’s going wrong?

✨ Good news: It’s usually not the space itself—but how you present it.

Here are the top 5 mistakes STR owners make (and how to fix them without blowing your budget).

1. Bad Photos = Bad First Impressions

In today’s scroll-happy world, your listing photos are the make-or-break moment.

Mistake:
Grainy, dim, or cluttered photos turn guests off instantly—no matter how nice the space might be IRL.

Fix It:
Hire a professional photographer who specializes in interiors (trust me, it’s worth every penny). Before the shoot, make sure the space is styled, decluttered, and staged to showcase the vibe you want guests to feel.

📸 Pro tip: Style the space as if it’s your boutique hotel. Details matter.

2. Style? What Style?

Mistake:
Trying to play it “safe” by decorating with only neutrals and generic pieces. The result? A forgettable, blah space that gets scrolled past.

Fix It:
Create a mood, story, and vibe. Whether it’s Mid-Century Modern, Boho Luxe, or Cozy Cottage—lean into it! Guests book experiences, not just square footage.

🎨 Your space should make people feel something.

3. Skimping on the Small Touches

Mistake:
Generic towels, cheap bedding, no welcome basket, no local flavor = a “meh” guest experience.

Fix It:
Upgrade your basics: plush towels, quality sheets, and thoughtful extras like local snacks or a custom guidebook turn your rental into a “must-return” spot.

🛋️ Small touches = 5-star reviews.

4. DIY Styling Gone Wrong

Mistake:
Trying to decorate, source, and stage everything yourself. This often leads to mismatched styles, underwhelming spaces, and wasted money.

Fix It:
Bring in a pro (that’s me 👋🏽). I help STR owners source stylish, guest-ready pieces and create cohesive, profitable spaces with my The Vintage Refresh™ Package—without the overwhelm.

💡 Professional staging isn’t just for houses—it’s a game-changer for STRs, too.

5. Thinking Like a Landlord, Not a Brand

Mistake:
Listing your STR like it’s just a house, not an experience.

Fix It:
Treat your rental like a boutique hotel brand. From your photos to your guest touchpoints to your design choices—every detail should feel intentional, styled, and guest-focused.

🎯 Brand your space. Guests will pay more, stay longer, and recommend it.

Ready to Turn Your STR into a Booked-Out Beauty?

If you’re tired of guesswork and want a stress-free, stylish, and guest-ready STR that gets booked out—I'm here to help.

🎯 Let’s refresh your space the right way (without blowing the budget).
DM me “REFRESH” or visit Empty Table Interiors to learn more about our STR Styling & The Vintage Refresh™ Package.

Tales, Trails, & Transformation: A Spring Check-In from the Georgia Treasure Trail

Whew—April and May came in HOT.
And while I didn’t get to explore entire cities on the Treasure Trails like I hoped, the beauty of this season has been in the mini stops, the unexpected detours, and the big “aha” moments that are shaping both me and Empty Table Interiors™ in real-time.

This journey isn't just about vintage. It’s about vision. It’s about showing up for yourself, taking the scenic route, and finding inspiration in every corner—even when the GPS of life says rerouting.

📍Roswell: Restoration, Revelation & a Real Good Meal

I kicked off a recent stop in Roswell, Georgia where I took an Antique Metal Restoration class with the incredibly talented John Hinkel of Unique Décor at Painted Tree Boutique. Before class, I made a pit stop at Canton Street Social—because every good trail starts with a great meal.

Let me tell you, the Mango Margarita hit the spot, and the KFC sandwich? Crunchy, flavorful, unforgettable. Shoutout to Will, my waiter, who recommended I swing by Red Baron’s Antiques. That shop? Pure treasure trove. Full of bold pieces at various price points—ideal for styling short-term rentals or capturing eye-catching content for set design. Talk about inspo overload.

After browsing through Painted Tree’s unique shops—packed with everything from handmade goods to upcycled home décor—it was time to dig in. The restoration class reminded me just how much beauty lives in the layers. From tarnish to transformation, I left reminded that my work is just as much about revival as it is about resale.

🎬 Creating, Connecting, and Catching the Bigger Vision

In the spirit of expansion, I attended Space to Create at Cinelease Three Ring Studios, where I connected with other creatives to explore potential collaborations. Empty Table Interiors isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement. And I'm building something designed to serve makers, flippers, set decorators, and dreamers who need spaces (and stories) that speak.

Then came a heart-led detour—celebrating the grand opening of J. Tompkins Studio in Atlanta. Founded by the radiant Jenny Tompkins, the studio is a multi-line rep agency that makes luxury, performance, and sustainability accessible for designers across the spectrum. Her studio is like she is—intentional, elevated, and welcoming. I left deeply inspired and fueled to keep going.

🛍️ Nostalgia, Chinoiserie & Community at Ponce City Market

Next up: the grand opening of Nostalgia – The Vintque Market inside Citizen Supply at Ponce City Market. This Knoxville-based vintage gem has landed in Atlanta, and I was all the way here for it. A whole section dedicated to Chinoiserie (you know that’s my love language). I had a lovely convo with the owner, and let’s just say: we’ll be back. That’s family now.

🧭 What This Season Taught Me

This leg of the Treasure Trails reminded me of something big: transformation doesn’t always happen in the spotlight. It happens on quiet trails, in back booths, between sips of coffee and sparkly conversations with strangers.

Every stop—whether it's a bite, a booth, or a business—reminds me of the power of staying open. Open to new techniques, new people, and most importantly, new versions of myself.

🔁 Your Turn: Keep Following the Trail

Want more behind-the-scenes of my sourcing trips, styling ideas, and ways to turn your love of vintage into a business?
📲 Subscribe to the blog at www.EmptyTableInteriors.com
📹 Catch the latest reels and mini-vlogs on Instagram: @EmptyTableInteriors
📩 Let’s collaborate or book a styling service — head to my services page to get started.

Treasure Trails – Vintage Shopping in Monroe, Georgia – The Antiques Capital of Georgia

Hey y’all! If you caught the Easter eggs in my last post, then you probably guessed it—our next stop on the Treasure Trails: Vintage Hunting Across Georgia series was Monroe, GA! Known as the Antiques Capital of Georgia, Monroe boasts over 250,000 square feet of vintage, antique, and repurposed treasures. And let me tell you—it lives up to the hype. With so many shops to explore, you could easily spend two or three days digging for gems.

On this leg of the treasure trail, we hit up some must-see antique stops:
✨ Rust & Dust Antiques – where I scored my Vintage Find of the Day: an Everlast Bali Bamboo pitcher, complete with eight matching cups and a coaster holder. I've been hunting for this set forever to match some coasters I snagged at an online estate sale. I even found the ice bucket, but passed due to resale margins.
✨ Davis Street Antiques – a multi-dealer antique mall packed with Mid-Century Modern furniture, glassware, vintage clothing, and more. We met the lovely Amy, who made our visit even better!
✨ Sanders Consign & Design – met the warm and welcoming Tora (a 3rd-generation furniture dealer!) and her team, including Don. This shop offers a mix of vintage, antique, and contemporary pieces—a sourcing staple for sure.
✨ Monroe Mercantile – home to vendors like Olive Branch Antiques and Big Wigg Antiques (whom we first met in Gay, GA). Treasures awaited on both floors!
✨ Hodge Podge Antiques & Interiors – located inside the Walton Mill, this space is bursting with handcrafted décor, antiques, and vintage goods. Plus, their on-site café, The Vintage Brew, is a must-visit for a cozy snack break.
✨ The Cotton Depot & Vintage Revival – housed in the Monroe Cotton Mill, both shops delivered unique finds and distinct vibes that made the visit totally worth it.
✨ Hidden Treasures – the cherry on top! I found a Mid-Century Modern stereo console, and if you know me, you know I’m obsessed with vintage stereo furniture.

We also grabbed lunch at The Roe, right in downtown Monroe. The decor? Stunning. The sourdough bread is made fresh daily, and between the handcrafted lattes and fruit-infused water, we were in heaven.

This was a full day of sourcing, history, and inspiration. Whether you're a vintage enthusiast, collector, or reseller, Monroe should absolutely be on your sourcing list.

➡️ Don’t forget to catch the weekly mini-vlog recap on Instagram and YouTube, and stay tuned for our monthly YouTube VLOG that brings all of these stops to life.
Follow along on the Treasure Trails, and tell them I sent you! 💫

Treasure Trails: Vintage Hunting Across Georgia – Gay, GA & Longleaf Vintage Market

A captivating collage showcasing unique vintage treasures from Longleaf Vintage Market and Wishbone Gallery in Gay, GA. 🏺✨ The collection features a vintage purple watering can, and giraffe napkin rings, alongside stunning antique chandeliers, rustic farmhouse decor, and timeless glassware. Each piece tells a story, reflecting the rich history and charm of these iconic antique destinations. A true vintage lover’s dream! 🛍️💎 #TreasureTrails #VintageFinds #AntiqueHunting

Treasure Trails: Vintage Hunting Across Georgia – Gay, GA & Longleaf Vintage Market

Hey y’all! Welcome to Treasure Trails: Vintage Hunting Across Georgia, my brand-new series where I take you along on my antique and vintage shopping adventures throughout Georgia. From bustling estate sales to hidden gem thrift shops, I’ll be uncovering the best markets, sharing vendor interviews, showcasing my hauls, diving into pricing insights, and offering expert vintage shopping tips.

🎥 This special episode from Gay, Georgia, is the only full-length vlog in the series—a deep dive into one of the state’s most unique vintage markets. Going forward, you can catch weekly mini-vlogs featuring quick stops at vintage destinations across Georgia. At the end of each month, I’ll drop a monthly recap vlog to bring all those mini-stories together in one inspiring episode.

Gay, GA & the Inaugural Longleaf Vintage Market

This week’s full vlog kicks off our treasure trail in Gay, Georgia, at the Inaugural Longleaf Vintage Market, hosted by Longleaf and Farmhouse Antiques—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

The History Behind Longleaf & Gay, GA

Gay, Georgia, has a fascinating history intertwined with Longleaf. The town was incorporated in 1882 after William Gay opened its first general store and post office. That very building has since been restored and now operates as the 1911 Building, home to:

• The TowerHouse Farm Brewery Taproom & Biergarten

• The studio and gallery of renowned artist Jane Whitehurst

• The Archive – a historical gallery and archive space

• The offices of Longleaf

By 1907, the railroad brought agricultural opportunities to Gay, supporting cotton and peach production. The town’s original cotton gin and peach packing complex still stand today. As agriculture declined, the Gay family transformed the grounds into a legendary event space, first as Cotton Pickin’ Country Fair in 1972, later The Cotton Pickin’ Fairgrounds, and now known as The Cotton Fair under its current owners.

Today, Longleaf has breathed new life into these historic buildings, creating a vibrant community space while honoring Gay’s rich past. And right next door, you’ll find Farmhouse Antiques, an authentic vintage and antique store inside an 1800s farmhouse, open every third weekend of the month (Sat. 10:00-6:00 & Sun. 1:00-5:00).

My Vintage Finds & Favorite Vendors

I met so many amazing antique dealers and collectors on this trip! Some highlights:

• Megan Wiggins of Big Wiggs Antiques – A fantastic antique curator from Georgia.

• The owner of Hydrangea Farm Market – Offering incredible rustic farmhouse finds.

• Mady Décor – Had a vintage chandelier that stopped me in my tracks!

• It’s About Antiques (Newnan, GA) – Scored a vintage purple watering can for my outdoor patio.

• Jan Ward – Picked up a set of vintage giraffe napkin rings (I couldn’t resist!).

• Wishbone Gallery – Met the delightful Miss Jan and the shop’s owner, who has been collecting for over 30 years—plus, I got to meet their adorable pup, Chewy!

One of my favorite scores from this trip? A vintage flower frog—something I had been hunting for!

Join the Treasure Hunt!

Want to see all the incredible treasures I found? Head over to my YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/I0nlmrmKRRQ) to watch this special full-length vlog from Gay, GA and get the full visual tour of the Longleaf Vintage Market!

Going forward, you’ll catch new mini-vlogs each week and a monthly recap vlog to highlight all the stops on our treasure trail.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss a stop along the way as we explore Georgia in search of unique, one-of-a-kind vintage finds.

If you’re planning a trip, make sure to stop by Longleaf and Farmhouse Antiques, and tell them I sent you!

Happy treasure hunting! 🏺✨

#EmptyTableInteriors #VintageShopping #TreasureTrails #LongleafVintageMarket #AntiqueHunting #ThriftFinds #GeorgiaAntiques

#What We Watching Wednesdays: Where Interior Design Meets Drama

Growing up, watching and discussing TV series was more than entertainment; it was a cherished ritual. In our family, these conversations blended seamlessly with discussions about local events, family happenings, and national news. Grandma Inez would recap episodes with her sisters during the day, while Grandma Eva would call in the evenings, once her daily chores were done, to give her take. This tradition has carried into my adulthood, with my sister and I exchanging voice notes as we watch our favorite shows in real time and me cousin and I texting to see if we finished watching our favorite shows.

This passion inspired me to create What We Watching Wednesdays (#WWWW), where I merge storytelling with interior design. Each week, I draw inspiration from the sets and aesthetics of the shows I’m watching, crafting mood boards and recreating key interiors to bring the drama to life in a whole new way.

Bringing TV to Life Through Design

The Family Business: New Orleans

The first series featured was The Family Business: New Orleans, which follows the Duncan family, owners of the Midnight Blues nightclub. As they navigate a heated turf war with rival crime boss Jean LeBlanc, tensions rise, leading to a dangerous power struggle. The drama and dark allure of this series inspired me to create a mood board reflecting the ambiance of the Blues Casino—rich hues, moody lighting, and sultry elegance.

Beyond The Gates

Next up was Beyond The Gates, centered around the powerful and prestigious Dupree family, a wealthy Black family residing in an elite, gated Maryland community. With secrets, scandals, and drama at every turn, this show had me captivated. To reflect the luxury and opulence of the Dupree household, I designed a mood board inspired by the Matriarch and Patriarch’s sophisticated yet deeply personal living spaces.

Paradise

In Paradise, we follow Secret Service agent Xavier Collins as he investigates the murder of former President Cal Bradford. What seems like an idyllic suburban setting turns out to be an underground bunker designed for survival post-doomsday. The contrast between the facade of normalcy and the unsettling reality of their world intrigued me. I took on the challenge of recreating the living room and kitchen from Xavier Collins’ family home, immersing myself in the series’ aesthetic. And I’m thrilled to hear that Paradise has been renewed for Season 2!

The Residence

This week’s feature is The Residence, a Hulu political thriller from Shondaland. This gripping series follows Secret Service agent Xavier Collins (yes, another Xavier!) as he investigates a murder at the White House, uncovering layers of mystery within its historic walls. For this installment of #WWWW, I’m bringing the drama into my designs by recreating the White House’s iconic Green and Red Rooms. These spaces, known for their rich history and elegant decor, offer the perfect canvas for a fusion of classic design and modern intrigue.

Join the Conversation!

What We Watching Wednesdays is more than just a series—it’s a way to connect, reminisce, and find inspiration in the world of television. Have a favorite show with stunning interiors? Let me know! Follow along as I bring TV’s most captivating settings into reality, one design at a time.

Stay tuned for next week’s feature, and in the meantime, let’s talk TV and decor!

#WWWW #InteriorDesignMeetsTV #SetDesignInspo

The Story Behind Empty Table Interiors: Reclaiming History, Restoring Memories, Redefining Home

At Empty Table Interiors, we believe that every home should tell a story—a story of heritage, resilience, and the beauty found in cherished memories. Every antique and vintage piece we source carries history, a sense of nostalgia, and a deep connection to the past.

Our homes are more than just spaces—they are living reflections of the people who came before us. The textures, colors, and heirloom treasures they left behind tell tales of perseverance, love, and resourcefulness. Empty Table Interiors was created to honor that legacy, bringing timeless décor into modern homes in a way that preserves history while creating new memories.

How It All Started

The name Empty Table Interiors comes from the phrase “don’t leave anything on the table”—a reminder to seize every opportunity and honor the past by embracing all it has to offer.

For me, this business is deeply personal. My love for antiques, vintage treasures, and forgotten stories stems from the women who raised me—my grandmothers. Each had a unique sense of style and a way of making a house feel like home, filled with warmth, resourcefulness, and a connection to generations past.

Grandma Lo – The Definition of Elegance

Raised in Detroit, Grandma Lo embodies luxury and refinement. She is always dressed to impress, draped in the finest trends, whether it’s Ferragamo shoes or a long fur coat. Her home was no different—she lived in a grand Mid-Century Modern mansion on the west side of the city.

Her monochromatic pink Louis XV-inspired formal living room was a masterpiece—every piece of antique furniture carefully placed, an oversized portrait of her hanging over the fireplace. To my childhood eyes, it was the work of an interior designer. But when I asked her about it years later, she laughed and said, “Girl, no! That was just a hodgepodge of old furniture I got from relatives that I had reupholstered.”

That moment stuck with me. It showed me that elegance isn’t about price tags—it’s about vision, creativity, and honoring what’s been passed down.

Evie Mae – The Keeper of Stories

Evie Mae’s home was the heart of our family. Born in rural West Virginia, later settling in Virginia, she was a woman of many talents—especially in the kitchen. Her home was built by my grandfather, decorated in classic Americana style, and filled with artifacts that carried the stories of our lineage.

She had an incredible memory and could recall every detail of the keepsakes in her home—who gifted them, where they came from, and why they mattered. Our best childhood artwork adorned her wood-paneled walls, alongside souvenirs, photos, and plaques that spoke of lives lived, wars fought, and love stories cherished.

She also had a signature style: a housecoat for daily chores but dressed to the nines—complete with a scarf, brooch, and clip-on earrings—whenever she stepped out.

Her home was where I learned that objects hold meaning, and the pieces we surround ourselves with should reflect our history, our memories, and the people we hold dear.

Inez – The Quiet Strength of Home

Inez, another of my grandmothers, lived in a small coal-mining town in West Virginia. She owned three homes inherited from my grandfather, and although my memories of her have faded over time, certain moments are etched in my heart forever.

Mornings in her home were warmed by the heat of a coal stove, the air thick with the smell of fried chicken, homemade gravy, and fresh rolls for Sunday breakfast. On my birthday, she would always make a rich, decadent red velvet cake, ensuring I felt special every year.

She had a daily ritual—watching her beloved soap operas, which she called the stories. Afterward, she would head to her sister Anna’s house, where Helen and Cresia would gather for their daily recap of every twist and turn, while we children ran freely, playing with our cousins and creating our own stories.

Her home, surrounded by black coal-dusted roads, was always pristine—a testament to her resilience and pride in maintaining a warm, inviting space. Inez was a quiet force, a woman who valued ownership, tradition, and the strength of family.

Why Empty Table Interiors?

For many of us, our family histories are incomplete—some stories were left untold, while others were lost with time. Through Empty Table Interiors, I aim to help people reconnect with those stories by bringing heirloom-quality décor into their homes.

✨ We don’t just sell vintage and antique pieces—we help you rediscover history, one treasure at a time.

Our ideal customers are individuals who cherish the past, appreciate craftsmanship, and see beauty in the objects that tell a story. Whether you’re:

✔ Furnishing your home with meaningful pieces that remind you of loved ones.
✔ Searching for a sentimental gift that carries history and emotion.
✔ Looking to add character to your space with timeless, well-crafted décor.
✔ Investing in sustainability by giving new life to vintage treasures.

Empty Table Interiors allows you to reclaim history, restore cherished memories, and redefine your home with intentionality.

Custom Sourcing Trips: Find Your Perfect Treasure

We understand that sometimes, the perfect piece is one that has yet to be discovered. That’s why we’re planning exclusive sourcing trips to some of the best antique fairs, estate sales, and hidden vintage gems across the country.

💡 Looking for something specific? Let us do the hunting for you! Whether it’s a:

🔹 Vintage dining set that reminds you of family gatherings.
🔹 Mid-century modern statement piece.
🔹 Antique trunk that carries the essence of a well-traveled life.
🔹 One-of-a-kind decor that tells a personal story.

You can submit a sourcing request, and we’ll keep an eye out for your perfect find on our upcoming trips. We take pride in curating pieces that align with your style, history, and sentimental connections.

🛍️ Want first dibs on exclusive finds? Subscribe to our mailing list to be the first to see what we bring back from our travels.

Reclaim. Restore. Redefine.

The past isn’t just something to remember—it’s something to live with, honor, and pass forward. At Empty Table Interiors, we invite you to build a home that tells your story, one vintage treasure at a time.

💛 Join us on this journey. Explore our collection and bring a piece of history into your home today.

📩 Stay connected! Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive vintage finds, styling tips, and behind-the-scenes sourcing stories.

#EmptyTableInteriors #HomeWithHistory #VintageLover #HeirloomStories #TimelessStyle #SustainableLiving #BlackOwnedBusiness #DreamingMyselfFree