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Interior Design for the Senses: How to Incorporate Scent, Sound, and Touch into Your Themed Vacation Rental

Writer's picture: Brandi GiovanettoBrandi Giovanetto

Updated: Jun 5, 2024

When it comes to creating an unforgettable themed vacation rental, engaging all five senses is key to immersing your guests in the experience. While sight is often the primary focus of interior design, incorporating scent, sound, and touch can take your themed rental to the next level. In this post, we'll explore how to use these senses to create a truly multi-sensory experience that will leave your guests in awe.


pirate room interior featuring planked walls, a ships wheel as a door handle and pirate knick knacks and decorations scattered throughout

Scent


The Power of Aroma: Scent is a powerful tool for evoking emotions and creating a lasting impression. When choosing scents for your themed vacation rental, consider fragrances that complement your theme and create the desired atmosphere. For example, a pirate themed rental might incorporate scents of coconut or ocean breeze, while a cozy mountain cabin could feature fragrances of pine, cinnamon, or vanilla.


Tips for incorporating scent:

  • Use essential oil diffusers or room sprays in common areas

  • Place scented wax melts or plug ins in strategic locations

  • Incorporate naturally fragrant elements, such as fresh flowers or herbs

  • Choose cleaning products with complementary scents


Sound


Setting the Mood with Music and Ambiance: Sound plays a crucial role in creating ambiance and setting the mood in your themed vacation rental. Music can transport guests to another time or place, while ambient sounds can enhance the overall atmosphere. Consider creating a custom playlist that reflects your rental's theme, or incorporate sound effects that add depth to the experience.


Tips for incorporating sound:

  • Create a themed playlist on a music streaming service

  • Provide a bluetooth speaker for guests to use

  • Install a sound system with strategically placed speakers

  • Incorporate ambient sounds, such as ocean waves or bird songs, through a white noise machine or outdoor speakers

Touch


Engaging the Tactile Sense: Engaging the sense of touch can make your themed vacation rental feel more immersive and inviting. From plush textiles to unique textures, incorporating tactile elements can add depth and dimension to your design.


Tips for incorporating touch:

  • Use a variety of textures in bedding, curtains, and upholstery

  • Incorporate natural elements, such as wood, stone, or plants

  • Provide plush towels, robes, or slippers for added comfort

  • Include interactive elements, such as puzzles, games or even a treasure hunt, that encourage guests to engage with their surroundings

Combining the Senses for a Multi-Sensory Experience


The key to creating a truly immersive themed vacation rental is to combine multiple senses in a cohesive way. When scent, sound, and touch work together with visual design elements, guests will feel fully transported to another world.


For example, a Harry Potter-themed rental might feature the following multi-sensory elements:


a wizard standing over a foggy cauldron in the midst of lit candles and opened books scattered all over the table
  • Scent: Fragrances reminiscent of Butterbeer, pumpkin spice, and old books

  • Sound: A playlist featuring the Harry Potter movie soundtracks and ambient sounds of a crackling fireplace

  • Touch: Plush velvet curtains, a cozy knit throw blanket, and a sorting hat guests can try on

  • Sight: Rich, warm colors, magical decor elements like floating candles, and Harry Potter-inspired artwork

morroccan themed table settings with an exotic meal displayed

Your theming doesn’t have to be movie-sized to incorporate these touches. For example, a Moroccan-themed rental might feature the following multi-sensory elements:


  • Scent: Spicy fragrances of cinnamon, clove, and amber

  • Sound: Traditional Moroccan music playing softly in the background

  • Touch: Plush cushions, intricately woven textiles, and a mosaic tile feature wall

  • Sight: Rich, warm colors, intricate patterns, and Moroccan-inspired decor




The only limit in creating spaces that overwhelm the sense and turn your rental into Not Just A Stay, but a DESTINATION is your imagination. By thoughtfully incorporating scent, sound, and touch into your themed vacation rental, you can create a truly immersive experience that makes guests feel like they've stepped into their destination- fictional or not!


If you're ready to take your themed vacation rental to the next level, consider partnering with a professional interior designer who specializes in creating multi-sensory experiences. At Gio Design Co, we have the expertise and creativity to bring your vision to life and create a space that engages all the senses. Contact us today to learn more about our themed vacation rental design services.





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