Vacation Rental Staging | Wisconsin Lakes

The Wisconsin Lakes Region is a magnet for vacationers seeking peace, water views, and the rustic charm of the Northwoods. With thousands of families, couples, and weekenders searching for the perfect getaway every year, your vacation rental property has enormous income potential—if it's staged correctly.

Whether your listing is on Airbnb, Vrbo, or a local rental platform, the difference between booked-out and overlooked often comes down to staging and presentation. That’s why property styling for vacation rentals has become an essential service for rental owners in Lake Arrowhead, Lake Petenwell, Lake Camelot, and beyond.

We will show you how to professionally stage your short-term rental to attract more guests, earn better reviews, and maximize your rental income in the Wisconsin Lakes Region.

Vacation rentals aren’t just competing with hotels—they’re competing with every other listing online in your price range and location. Guests make decisions within seconds, based almost entirely on photos and perceived experience.

Professional staging makes your property:

Visually appealing and scroll-stopping
Comfortable and functional for real-life use
Memorable, leading to better reviews and repeat bookings
Competitive in pricing and occupancy

In a region known for natural beauty and cabin culture, staging helps your home stand out and tell a story—whether that’s cozy retreat, lakefront luxury, or family-friendly escape.

Guests booking a vacation in Central Wisconsin’s lake communities expect a certain vibe—whether it's rustic cabin charm, modern lakeside luxury, or a cozy cottage aesthetic.

Popular regional styles include:

Rustic Lodge: Leather, plaid, wood tones, antlers, stone accents
Modern Cabin: Clean lines, neutrals, matte black hardware, natural light
Lake Cottage: Light woods, white walls, blue-green accents, shiplap

Choose a theme and stick with it consistently throughout the property for a cohesive guest experience.

When browsing rental listings, guests focus on a few key rooms first. These are the areas that must be staged flawlessly:

Living Room:

Comfortable, well-arranged seating
Cozy throws and accent pillows
A focal point (fireplace, TV, lake view)
Soft lighting and neutral decor

Bedroom(s):

Hotel-style bedding with layered linens
Coordinated nightstands and lighting
Room-darkening curtains or blinds
Space for luggage or storage

Kitchen/Dining:

Clean, clutter-free counters
Matching tableware and glassware
Coffee station or welcome basket
Dining table staged with 2–6 place settings

Bonus tip: Stage a “wow shot” for your listing cover photo. This could be a styled porch with lake views, a cozy fireplace lounge, or a perfectly made bed with layered textures.

In the Lakes Region, outdoor space is part of the vacation experience—so stage it with just as much care.

Outdoor Staging Tips:

Add a patio table and chairs or Adirondack chairs
Use string lights or lanterns for ambiance
Provide clean cushions and waterproof storage
Include grilling tools, fire pit gear, or yard games
Keep docks and decks clean and styled if water access is available

Well-staged outdoor spaces not only boost your photos—they give guests another reason to choose your property over someone else’s.

As a vacation rental owner, you don’t need to become a designer, stylist, and photographer. Let the experts handle it.

Here’s why local staging makes a difference:

We know what regional guests want (seasonal, cozy, scenic)
We design to reflect the natural surroundings and local flavor
We work with homes of all sizes—cabins, cottages, bungalows, and lake houses
We offer custom styling packages for short-term rentals

Advanced Home Staging, LLC has helped dozens of rental owners in Lake Arrowhead, Lake Camelot, Rome, and beyond create listings that get noticed, booked, and praised.