Before + After: Transforming a diamond in the rough into a coastal gem
Seaside splendor
Story by Sheila Paz + photos by Edge of Reality Productions
Finding the perfect sanctuary away from home during your vacation should be effortless. That’s precisely why homeowners Darren and Tamara Hall teamed up with Beverly Serral and Courtney May to create a haven for those who choose to lease their villa through BESTNEST by Beverly Serral Vacation Rentals.
Turning a dated villa into the ideal coastal chic oasis was no small task. Beverly understood that the homeowners wanted to craft an inviting space that would make future renters feel right at home, complete with updated kitchen appliances, bright living areas and beds as comfortable as their own.
“Our mission in vacation rentals has always been twofold: to provide an exceptional guest experience that combines ease, comfort and style, and to offer superior owner satisfaction through a design that melds their personal style with our niche brand, along with top-notch property care and maximum net revenue,” Serral said.
Bright and lush
The living room is the heart of the home, where cherished memories are made. It was time for a transformative update for this living space. What was once dated and older in style has now evolved into a contemporary, fresh and brilliantly lit aesthetic. It radiates a welcoming charm, providing families with the perfect haven for coming together and unwinding after a sun-soaked day at the beach.
“When designing living and gathering spaces, we pay close attention to comfort and accessibility for the whole family or group, as well as taking into account the stellar view, like the one at this villa,” Serral explained. “The large windows here allow the natural colors of the trees and water to filter inside, creating a lovely complement to the neutrals we used in fabrics, furniture and rugs.”
Cooking It up
The kitchen had a solid foundation but was due for a revitalization, spanning from the flooring to the appliances. These straightforward upgrades have transformed the kitchen into a central hub for culinary excellence, a place where cherished memories are quickly cooked up. For rental properties near the water, Beverly uses luxury vinyl planks that are impervious to water and never fade under the strong coastal sunlight.
“Our guests may or may not cook on vacation, but everyone loves a bright and fabulously equipped kitchen, as even when you’re traveling, the kitchen is the heart of the home,” Serral said. “We added under-cabinet lighting, a glistening backsplash, new appliances and a range with double ovens — always a great idea!”
Sweet dreams
A good night’s rest is essential, but the look and feel of the room when you are awake are almost just as important. Taking this master bedroom from a bleak and less inviting space to a bright and warm space has completely transformed it into a place where each waking moment is as delightful as the dreams that fill the night.
“BESTNEST bedroom niceties include crisp linens, extra pillows in varying firmness, bedside charging and drink coasters, full-length mirrors, lots of open space on dressers and tables and wall-mounted televisions with expanded cable and preprogrammed, complimentary Netflix,” Serral said.
The flow in between
Creating an open living area that seamlessly connects with the dining room ensures effortless conversations and keeps guests entertained. While the space already had good bones, it needed a rejuvenated appearance, achieved through upgraded light fixtures and decor, imparting a fresh perspective and ambiance to the area.
“The dining area in a BESTNEST is often used in various ways — mealtime, laptop time, puzzle and game time — and it is always important to us that the dining table seats everyone in the house at once so everyone can truly gather together,” Serral said.
