Save on your stay—reserve directly with us
When Vista De Estrella, a Canyon Lake vacation rental with sweeping Hill Country views, joined the Hearth & Haven portfolio, the homeowners wanted more than just property management, they wanted their home to stand out in a competitive short-term rental market.
To achieve that, Hearth & Haven partnered with Kimberly Kennedy, owner of Interiors by Kimberly Kennedy. Known for blending luxury vacation rental design with a deep sense of place, Kimberly reimagined the property’s two bedrooms, refreshed the deck for guest-friendly flow, and added thoughtful finishing touches that elevated every corner..
The result? A boutique-style retreat where jewel tones, natural textures, and panoramic views come together to create an unforgettable guest experience.
We sat down with Kimberly and asked her to share details about this project from how she approached to the challenges she encountered and she she overcame them and how others can take her learnings to make their own successful short-term rental designs.
Q: Kimberly, what was the homeowner’s main goal with this redesign?
A: The homeowner wanted to elevate the property into a luxury short-term rental that felt competitive with boutique hotels. They were looking for more than pretty photos on Airbnb or Vrbo, they wanted a home that would deliver an experience. My focus was on creating a design that photographed beautifully and made guests feel pampered and cared for once they arrived.
For me, that meant asking: What would make someone not just book this home, but fall in love with it once they arrived?
Q: What was your design vision for the bedrooms? How did you want guests to feel when they walked in?
A: My vision was to create bedrooms that felt like boutique-hotel suites while still honoring the rugged beauty of the Hill Country. Early in the process, I presented the homeowner with two mood boards: one rooted in rustic Texas tones, and the other inspired by the jewel colors of our wildflowers that blanket the Hill Country every spring. Because the home looks out over sweeping hilltop views rather than the lake, the wildflower palette felt right. Vibrant, layered, and deeply tied to the land.
I wanted each space to immediately invite guests to exhale. Calm, cocoon-like, and indulgent. The teal primary suite wraps you in saturated color and soft textures, while the emerald room balances boldness with the warmth of cognac, clay, and leather. In both, the beds were designed as the irresistible focal points, layered with bamboo sheets, velvet quilts, down-filled pillows, and plush comforters.
Layering textures was just as important as color. Natural wood, stone-inspired accents, leather, and even agate slices tie the design back to nature, ensuring the rooms don’t feel staged but instead connected to their surroundings. My goal was for guests to feel like they had stepped into something memorable. A retreat that’s sophisticated and high-end, yet unmistakably Hill Country.
Before & After: Primary Bedroom — A Jewel-Toned Canyon Lake Escape
The above photos show the before
The above photos show the after
The primary bedroom was transformed into a jewel box of teal. Walls and ceiling were color-drenched in a saturated shade, creating a cocoon-like calm. A tall tufted headboard framed by brass and carved glass sconces anchored the bed, layered with plum down-filled pillows, cowhide accents, a suede teal lumbar, and bamboo sheets topped with a rust comforter. A crushed velvet quilt in soft teal green tied it all together.
Peacock-blue velvet curtains framed the sliding-glass doors, while an antique desk, vintage wood chair, and a patterned rug grounded the room in texture. Above the bed, agate-slice artwork echoed the natural beauty of the Hill Country. The bed had to feel irresistible. I wanted guests to crave sinking into it at night and never want to get out in the morning.
Before & After: The Emerald Room
The above photos show the before
The above photos show the after
If the teal suite whispered serenity, the emerald room answered with bold drama. Walls and ceiling were drenched in emerald green, echoing the hills outside. A green velvet headboard anchored the bed, layered with clay-toned bamboo sheets, a plush emerald comforter, and a cognac velvet quilt folded at the foot. A nod to sipping fine whiskey at sunset.
Burnt-orange faux cowhide pillows, fuchsia velvet throws, and a jewel-toned lumbar added energy. A tufted leather bench and antique armoire provided function and masculine balance, while amber-glass pendant lights replaced bedside lamps with boutique flair. Emerald curtains woven with gold-thread feathers shimmered by day, while a richly patterned rug brought the entire palette together.
The room had to be versatile. Perfect for couples, families, or groups, but never lose its sophistication.
Q: What was the biggest design challenge you faced in this project, and how did you solve it?
A: The bedrooms were smaller in scale, which meant every inch had to be intentional. My solution was to make the beds the undeniable focal points. Tall headboards, layered linens, and sumptuous textures that anchor the room and draw guests in.
In the emerald room, we also had to address the loss of a closet, since it was converted into a master closet for the owners. To make up for it, I brought in an antique armoire and a carved chest, which not only solved the storage issue but also added layers of history and character. What started as a challenge became one of the room’s defining features.
Q: The deck was also a big focus. Can you share what you changed and why?
A: The deck, with its panoramic Hill Country views, was the property’s crown jewel. Originally underutilized, I reimagined it into three outdoor living zones. In the center: a dining table for meals under the open sky. On one side: a shaded lounge for long Texas afternoons. On the other: an open seating area perfect for morning coffee or stargazing at night.
Now the deck feels like three experiences in one. It’s an outdoor flow designed for conversation, connection, and unforgettable views.
The above photo shows the before
The above photos show the after
Q: You also added some finishing touches throughout the home. What kind of impact do those smaller details make?
A: The finishing touches are what transform a house into an experience. For Vista De Estrella, they were the final brushstrokes that made the home feel polished, welcoming, and distinctly boutique.
In the living and dining areas, bold curtains and layered rugs brought warmth and grounding, while carefully chosen accents like a crystal decanter, custom whiskey glasses, and a mirrored gold tray gave the home a touch of refined luxury. Faux greenery was layered throughout, softening the modern bones of the house and connecting it back to the Hill Country landscape outside.
We reimagined the entry with a new rug, a guest book, art that nods to the region’s western spirit, and a map of Canyon Lake, creating a true sense of arrival. In the kitchen, a custom-designed coffee station complete with cactus-inspired mugs and a locally made sign bearing the home’s name elevated a simple daily ritual into a guest-friendly amenity. Even the bathrooms were rethought with jewel-toned linens, new mirrors, and fresh accents that turned utility into indulgence.
What I love most about these details is that they don’t shout, they whisper. Guests may not consciously catalog every object, but they feel the layers of care: the way brass, wood, stone, and glass textures play together, the sense of cohesion from room to room, and the intentionality behind every corner. Those finishing touches are what make Vista De Estrella feel not just managed, but truly designed.
Some of the extra touches that were added shown above
Q: How does this project reflect your signature design approach?
A: I always strive to blend luxury with authenticity. For me, luxury isn’t about being flashy, it’s about care, layering, and thoughtfulness. Every project begins with a deep dive into place: what does this home’s setting tell me? How do I connect interiors to what’s outside the windows?
With Vista De Estrella, that meant leaning into jewel tones inspired by Hill Country wildflowers and grounding them with natural textures. It also meant ensuring the home felt both boutique and livable, never staged or sterile. My signature is creating spaces that feel elevated yet down-to-earth, where guests feel indulged but also instantly at home.
Q: From your perspective, why is design so important for vacation rentals?
A: Design is ROI. It makes a property irresistible in photos, which drives bookings on Airbnb and Vrbo. But beyond the photos, design creates experiences guests rave about. When people feel cared for and inspired, they leave glowing reviews, they return, and they recommend the home to friends. That’s the power of short-term rental design.
Q: How does working with both Hearth & Haven and Interiors by Kimberly Kennedy benefit homeowners compared to hiring just a property manager?
A: Most property managers focus on logistics.. Bookings, turnovers, and basic upkeep. Hearth & Haven does all of that with precision, but what makes this collaboration different is that it goes far beyond the basics. By pairing their management expertise with my design vision, homeowners receive not just a well-run property, but one that’s elevated, competitive, and unforgettable.
It’s the difference between a rental that’s simply “guest-ready” and one that feels like a boutique destination. That blend of management and design creates homes that stand out online, photograph beautifully, and deliver experiences guests rave about in reviews.
Our partnership is built on trust and a shared vision. Hearth & Haven ensures every property is cared for and every guest is supported. My role as a designer is to layer in thoughtful interiors, welcoming layouts, and finishing touches that transform a house into a true retreat. Before I purchase a single piece, I take time to listen to the homeowner’s goals and walk the property as if I were a guest: What would make this home stand out? What would elevate the experience? What’s missing that could transform a stay? That process ensures the spaces I design are not just beautiful, but also profitable.
Together, we offer homeowners something far beyond standard property management: homes that feel like destinations. Guest-ready, market-competitive, and designed to inspire.
Thanks to this collaboration, Vista De Estrella is no longer just a vacation rental. With jewel-toned bedrooms, a reimagined deck, and layered details that tie the interiors back to the Hill Country landscape, it now offers a boutique-style experience. It’s a property that photographs beautifully, lives even better, and proves that when design and management work hand in hand, the results are extraordinary.
Q: How does your collaboration impact the guest experience?
A: The guest experience becomes seamless when design and management work hand in hand. Hearth & Haven ensures consistency, communication, and care on the operational side. My role is to craft spaces that make guests feel indulged from the moment they walk in. Bedrooms layered with plush bedding, a deck designed for lingering conversations, and thoughtful touches like a coffee station or curated artwork.
Together, those layers create something powerful: a stay that feels both effortless and elevated. Guests may book for the views, but they come back for how the home made them feel.
Q: What makes the collaboration between Hearth & Haven and Interiors by Kimberly Kennedy so successful?
A: At its core, it’s about shared values. Both Hearth & Haven and I believe that homeowners deserve more than “good enough.” We approach every property with care, intentionality, and a focus on creating not just functionality, but joy.
We trust each other’s expertise. They handle operations with precision, and I focus on design that drives ROI and elevates the guest experience. That mutual respect allows us to create homes like Vista De Estrella, where every detail, from the booking process to the last decorative accent, works together to tell one cohesive story.
Q: What advice would you give homeowners who want to elevate their vacation rental or create a boutique experience in their own home?
A: Start with the experience you want to create. Don’t just ask how you want the space to look, ask how you want it to feel. Guests may not remember the exact shade of velvet you used, but they’ll remember how relaxed, indulged, and cared for they felt.
Invest in the essentials first: quality bedding, thoughtful lighting, and intentional seating. Then, layer in details that reflect either your personality or your setting. For a Hill Country home, that might mean natural textures or art inspired by the land. For another location, it could be something entirely different.
Above all, don’t underestimate the power of small touches. A custom coffee station, a well-chosen rug, or even a beautiful set of glasses can turn a stay into a memory. That’s what elevates a property from simply “managed” to truly designed.
As the homeowner, Angela Falco, a seasoned real estate and short-term rental investor, shared her perspective on the project. For Angela, Vista De Estrella wasn’t just another property to add to her portfolio—it was a chance to create something that reflected the true spirit of the Hill Country while delivering a guest experience that stands apart.
“Vista De Estrella has always been a special place, but this project made it even more meaningful. Hearth & Haven and Interiors by Kimberly Kennedy helped bring out the property’s full potential, turning it into a space that feels warm, inviting, and unforgettable. I love knowing that every guest who stays here will experience the same sense of comfort and beauty that we do.”
A huge thank you to Kimberly Kennedy for sharing her insights and creative vision behind the transformation of Vista De Estrella. This project showcases what’s possible when thoughtful design and attentive management come together. By blending Kimberly’s design expertise with Hearth & Haven’s commitment to full-service vacation rental management, homeowners gain more than just peace of mind—they gain a competitive edge in a crowded market.
At Hearth & Haven, we believe every property has the potential to be more than a vacation rental—it can be a boutique-style retreat that leaves lasting impressions on guests and generates stronger returns for homeowners. Partnering with Interiors by Kimberly Kennedy allows us to deliver that next level of service, where design and hospitality go hand in hand.
Vista De Estrella now stands as a perfect example: a home that not only photographs beautifully but also delivers a seamless, elevated guest experience from the moment of arrival. Together, Hearth & Haven and Interiors by Kimberly Kennedy are helping homeowners turn their short-term rentals into true destinations.
Interested in elevating your own vacation rental? Contact Hearth & Haven Vacation Rentals today to learn how our management expertise and design partnerships can help your property stand out and succeed.
Wondering what your home could make as a vacation rental? Whether you’re a homeowner exploring short-term rental income, an investor analyzing returns, or a real estate agent advising clients, our expert team is here to help.
Request a Free Rental Evaluation
