Thinking a horizontal slat with dark painted wall - plants hanging on it?

Accent walls need a function in order to make sense. That's why I kinda like the term feature wall more.

What are you going to feature or accent is the question.

From the property owner POV, maintaining live plants in a short term rental would be my nightmare. 😬

Maybe figure out what exactly you're going to feature/accent and let that inform the paint color choice. I'd suggest making the wall work for you, something fun, not-safe or predictable so it's Instagrammable for renters.

Maybe hire a muralist and incorporate nods to the city, events/destinations renters are coming for. It'd be a fun view from the kitchen too.

I would like to also point out that there are no lamps anywhere in the house. It is very un-cozy to have to depend on only overhead lighting . Especially at night in a n unfamiliar house such as a short term rental. Please add floor lamps or table lamps.

I like the slats and the choice of paint color. I would definitely take down the Cheers thing and the 4 pictures. Alternately you could collect some tree branches from small trees and spray paint them or paint them by hand and mount them on that wall.

Beth, thanks for sharing your knowledge! So thorough - I appreciate it. I saw the slat wall and thought it might be good for photos not thinking about the whole house very much. I was going to try a few plants to make it feel warmer. I live three blocks away and was going to put an ivy and perhaps some succulents. I am not retired but don't mind checking on things often. If it was out of town, I would agree.

I may try to go to an auction this Saturday and pick up things - mid-century sale. Can that work with Boho theme? I can't go too wild on major piece purchases, but some lamps, rugs, maybe. Thank you again! -Wade

Looks like a nice clean and comfortable place.

In my home, I don’t hang any decor smaller than 24” x 24”. I feel that small random pieces give off a garage sale vibe. One nice 30” x 24” piece is worth more than ten 12” x 12” pieces. It could be framed art, stamped canvas, metal decor, or even a nice rug or macrame piece. The pictured piece is a nice sized tapestry, cheap.

And I don’t hang things higher than eye-level for an average height person.

I like your use of color, you have a good eye and I like your space. But, as mentioned above, you're making a few novice design mistakes that should be taken care of before you think about feature walls. Most have been mentioned but I'll try to summarize them here.

Art

-should be hung at eye level

-go big

-lots of small pieces spread around the room usually end up looking like clutter

Rugs

-again, go big

-furniture should be on the rug

-rugs under dining tables should be big enough so the chairs stay on the rug when pulled out

Lighting

-there should be people-level lighting, when you strictly rely on overhead it gives the space a retail feel

-plus, lamps add interesting shapes and texture to the people level

Curtain panels

-they look a little skimpy, put two panels on each side rather than spreading them out, it will look more posh

You have a good eye, you just have to remember that if you want to make an impression via your photos, choosing bigger decor items is going to look better.

Agree. It bothers me a bit as well. Sometimes you have to get house ready and someone works all night before photography comes - it happens. Yes, blame me for not lowering all of it - I did lower some.

FYI - we had the sofa facing the TV - you can't see the tv

An update: We painted walls a green and a blue. Changed some art and added bigger rugs. Appreciate your advice - what you like and what you don't like? I want to get a couple big planter with real plants (reasonably tall - 30 - 36" - suggestions of planter color (near a dark wall)? We will remove the ceiling fan and find possibly a rope cord to hold a chandelier over the table. Or, should I move the whole entire fixture placement? We ran out of time and a guest was checking in that afternoon. Please remember, this is an short term rental and we are not living in it. The goal is great pics that make you click and enjoyment once you are checked in. Thank you.

nice job dude. Loving the new rug in there.

I'm not digging the pink curtains tho, get some panels in the same off white that's in your rug. that will look best. I know you're trying to tie in the pink w/the pillows and throws, but honestly, you have to many colors in there. stick with blue/green/creams. even the red chair is a bit much, but the curtains and accessories in the pink are just too much.

I also think the gold tables don't work. again. too much. replace w/something like this in the photoshop, or a mcm wood slat bench/coffee table

See how these white (you need a creamier white, like your rug) look better w/your blue/green?

I gave you this rattan coffee table that works w/the rug. I also think any of these pillows would work better w/your blues and greens. bring in some wood, maybe the leather pillows to warm it up a bit. I also gave you a larger art piece in the blue/greens.

here's the mcm slat bench. can you DIY? these are pretty easy to make. you can buy the peg legs.

tried to find some warmer white panels. gave you the wood table. diff art/throw

I love this throw too!

one more photoshop. I gave you some ivory x-stools for coffee table. StarryNight art, off white panels.

or, instead of the red/pink, go w/this gold. looks beautiful w/your blue/greens

this coffee table is cool too.

I think your dining space looks great. nice job on the chairs and I love the rug.

Your pic is a tad high, but i'm not mad at it.

Here's one similar w/that tall plant you mentioned. I'd also do something tall in the middle of your table. you have a lot of empty space above the waist.

I think either one of these art pieces would look better than your yellow sunburst art. but that's a personal choice.

what about this color curtain?

https://www.ashleyfurniture.com/p/sunsmart_como_tonal_printed_faux_silk_total_blackout_window_panel_pair/A600045471.html

Again, Thank you, Beth! Do you have a suggestion on where to find a light that has a rope (to move from the ceiling fan spot to hang over the table? Or, should I just have an electrician move that original spot over to above the table and hang a light fixture over the dining table? Do you have a favorite type of lighting now that you saw what our changes?

I was not sure if the living room wall was covered enough? The painting seemed a little small, but we were in a rush to buy things. The style and name of the place is "Boho Casa" - are we still in that style or is it evolving to MCM now? The name will still fit?

Couple of mentions: the chair looks more orange than the picture shows. The curtains are pretty bland (super washed out pink). I don't think I took very good photos. I will use a pro once finished.

I doubt people looking for a short term rental will be mad it was called Casa Boho but actually feels MCM. Renters want CLEAN, UNCLUTTERED space. Yours is definitely that now. You’re doing a great job with Beth’s advice. The place is inviting.

Change the curtains, please. They feel cheap compared to the rest of the house now.

if you want to 'swag' the light, you can do that. look at 'swag boho lighting', or swag boho light over dining table'.

It's really more mcm than boho. you have some boho items, but the overall feel is more mid century.

JCPenny has a lot of nice, inexpensive curtains. Just don’t get something in a thin fabric such as the ones you have now. Your room looks “done” so think about curtains that also look intentional.

Beth, the link you sent for the curtains was a taupe color - is that the specific color you want? I do not feel like the blue living room wall is a photo worthy wall - which was my goal. It is just not eye catching. I did like the art you sent - those three bigger ones together. Aslo, do you think I should get an electrician to move the light over or just do some rope and hang over table?

I just bought this floor lamp and it's pretty big! Not quite sure where it will go.

https://www.worldmarket.com/p/brown-3-light-adjustable-tiki-arc-floor-lamp-404410.html

I am taking down the art on the wall.... I am not quite sure yet what to go with. I like Beth's pic with the 3 big pics of women though. We bought this boho -tiki looking floor lamp from World Market . I moved the couch back to the window. The guests staying here are repeat guests and did not like the couch against the blue wall. I didn't either because couch had no contrast (in a photo) against the blue dark wall. Beth shared a taupe curtain. And I think Red Ryder or someone else said White and more substantial... I don't know much about curtains. We have blinds on that window. Are blackout curtains too much ? The morning sun comes in that room, btw. I probably will build that coffee table Beth showed with the slats. Oh and ordering a boho type light over the table (moving the cieling fan).

For the dining room - dark green wall. I have seen some wall sticker decals - that look really nice. Something simple like arches? The sunburst photo will be gone. I definitely am getting some bigger plants for the house. They will be living plants. Perhaps one or two with a growing light. Your thoughts on curtains or decals appreciated.

I got access permission while the guest was staying. I wanted to deliver the lamp (did not have bulbs- oops). The lamp might be moved to another room, but for now I put it there.

Finally here is the dining area - hope to find a table runner and bigger center piece - and change the wall art - decals? paintings? And mentioned above the C. Fan is going to be removed and a boho swag light to be centered over the table.

Well, as a frequent short-term renter, I think you're going about this the wrong way. All the bright bitty art and decor items are distracting dustcatchers. Is your cleaning person going to attend to those? You already have bright colored furniture. That's plenty Here are my suggestions:

--Start thinking like a traveler, not an owner. People who are going to rent from you are either tourists or business people passing through your area. After their busy days, most of them will want a peaceful place to return to after business meetings or touristing all day. That's why most hotels are fairly neutral. If they're any good they have a table, cabinet, or shelf by the door to put down room keys. The rental has indoor motion lights and very flat rugs for older guests.

--Layout: your sofa needs to create a pathway into the space like this. Put down a colorful, flat indoor outdoor rug on that entryway to catch the dirt coming in from the outside. (The one you have looks like a trip hazard.) Face the red chair across from it with a floor reading lamp or sconce lamp behind it so guests can read in that chair.

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--Be very, very intentional about your entryway. Then put a console table on the wall behind the sofa (or against the sofa) so your guests have a place to put down keys. Have a welcome basket with information binder about your place, local restaurants, helpful information about electronics right there as soon as people come in. Put a mirror above the table so people can check themselves when they go out! Put coat looks on the wall, umbrella stand by the door so guests don't throw coats and umbrellas in the living area--maybe even an attractive boot tray. Notice the long flat rug in photo below so people have a walkway into the rest of the space.

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--On the big wall across from the sofa, put a console cabinet with TV above it. It doesn't matter if you have an accent wall. What matters is that the sofa is comfortable and faces the TV. Get a couple big travel posters from your area--say, festival posters from your area, ocal art, or blown up photos of area attractions. These will give guests a sense of place. Place a couple of these art posters/pohoto on that big TV wall and call it a day on the visuals.

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--Remove the rug underneath the dining table. I mean, think about it. If you push the chair out, it'll be half on the rug and half off. No rug so cleaners can get under there and clean. Again, one piece of local art is better than all those visually distracting bits. Here's just one of the many posters of your Texas burg available in all sizes. Get a few large ones.

--Make sure there's a desktop somewhere for your business travelers. Could be just an attractive shelf across the bedroom window with a rolling chair: Make sure all table lamps have built-in charging plugs just as hotels now have by the bedside and desks.

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--Shift your thinking from decor to function and layout and the rest will follow. As a host, you don't necessarily want people to unpack their stuff into dressers and closets so they don't leave stuff behind that you have to mail back. So have luggage racks/low table/trunk at the end of the bed for luggage and putting down clothes . Put a row of hooks in the bedrooms even if you have closets. Same in the bathrooms. Have some open shelves in the kitchen with basic dishes and attractive glassware, mugs, etc. so guests don't have to open a ton of cabinets to find a cereal bowl. Hang white blackout curtains to block out morning sunlight or street lamps. It's important to create a space that is comfortable, relaxing yet functional--nothing much on surfaces, side tables and coffee tables to put down drinks, that kind of thing. Add color and your taste via local art posters, local art/photos.

I agree about using local art. Such as art depicting the Missions of SA:

The Alamo:

Or the the River Walk, Corpus Christi ocean scene, mountains of Big Bend, horses/cattle/roadrunners, Bluebonnets, etc, etc. Nothing cheesy, but some local flavor in a more contemporary style.

I found this watercolor print at The Fort Worth Botanic Garden:

I wouldn’t have a runner on the table. I’d find a really cool bowl, put it on a woven ’placemat’ and that’s it. I think a runner would just get stained, be in the way, etc.

Again, I’d go local. Find a cool piece of pottery…. Mexican Folk Art, Talavera, etc.

My dad needed a centerpiece for his table and I found an awesome large, vintage, hand-painted bowl from Mexico with feet similar to the ones above. It was at an antique mall in Fort Worth.

So check out local places, art festivals, Etsy, Ebay, etc for unique items.

I always enjoy seeing your projects!

ETA: Do you have a wall lizard? Because you have to have a wall lizard! Ours (found on a trip to Fredericksburg) lives by the back door:

Jilly - I do have some FIesta SA posters from past years - colorful. BUT, I really want to stay BOHO / MCM mix - Thanks for remembering and really like your ideas. Any suggestions on where to find some of the art you posted?

Housegal, My phase one had a lot of local art (the small red stuff) - now taken down. I shared a couple of updates with the dark wall painted, and added a floor lamp. It will possibly get moved. I can share the link on my website if that is allowed here - or send me a DM and I can share the entire house. Great suggestions on making a guest comfortable. I def furnish luggage racks for them. I think there are too many knick naks out as well.... I am going with a lot of Beth's suggestions - some with some modifications. I am kind of leaning towards using some wall sticky mural things i saw on ETSY - I dont have a link yet. - for bedrooms perhaps. Thanks!

@coffee dude: I think you're still stuck on decor rather than function and comfort. Go visit in person various short term rentals in your area with top ratings. I think you'll find that stick-on decor items and such are secondary to streamlined but comfortable digs where the guests' needs are anticipated--aplace to put down keys, phone, laptop, briefcase, luggage; hooks for coats and towels; a desk to sit with a laptop; a comfortable reading chair; good reading lamps; bedside tables with charging plug-ins and lamp, preferably in one; bedroom chair to drop clothes; bench at the end of the bed for luggage; dishes, utensils, bedding all easily accessible and sparkling clean. It's hard to keep decor items neat. MCM is a great style but don't muddle it up with decorative items. Don't underestimate local art, whether its photos or posters or concern yourself with whether local art conforms to MCM style. Short-term renters, especially those who travel a lot, enjoy a sense of local culture. Otherwise they'd stay in an extended stay hotel.

Here's a really great article about how to make your home feel like a great airbnb. Notice how much emphasis is given to keeping things simple. The touches you do add should enhance your great city of San Antonio with a bit of Texas feel. Good luck in your endeavor.

https://www.thesimplicityhabit.com/make-your-home-feel-like-an-airbnb/

Housegal200, I appreciate your suggestions on making my property/listing functional and coaching me how to be a good host. Some background - as a superhost for 19 consecutive quarters, and after 600 stays, my ratings are 4.98 , 4.99 and 5.0 on three properties. I sold two other properties that were not very close to me - five was just too many for me. Per the author, Daniel Rusteen, it will be a struggle to find anyone with "higher" review ratings for this sample stay size. Nevertheless, I do like to look at how others compare because I am constantly learning from other hosts, podcasts, videos, books, etc. I even pay for coaching about 3-4 hours a month on some pricing and PMS apps. Yes, there's so much out there for me to learn.

I recognize my big weak spot in decor/design; hence, I come here for help. You opened my eyes with your opinion on where to put the sofa and consider some local art. I like it! I have that theme going on at another property - mostly original art/clippings/posters on the world's hemisphere theme in 1968.

About 18 months ago, I had an artsy lady pick out my furnishings and decor, and I never fully dug it. Here I am now trying to keep the big pieces and come up with some changes -mainly with accessories. My main goals for posting here is to end up with more appealing design/decor and better photos. Function and a good vibe will always be in mind. The experts that I follow seem to preach: pricing, good photos and a fantastic cleaner are probably the three biggest factors in having a successful property.

I'm probably the least knowledgeable person on design on this site; therefore, I respect everyone's opinion here. Thanks again!