Orlando is one of the top vacation destinations in the U.S., and many Orlando locals remodel properties into short-term rentals and Airbnbs. Whether you’re renovating a luxury Airbnb near Disney or updating a rental in Kissimmee or Lake Nona, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a rental. With the right approach, you can elevate your property’s appeal—and boost guest satisfaction—without breaking the bank.
Luxury doesn’t have to mean over-the-top. The most successful rental kitchens strike the perfect balance between style, durability, and smart design—delivering a premium experience for guests while photographing beautifully for your listings.
The real challenge? Making the kitchen look expensive, without actually being expensive.
We asked Designer Krista Agapito to share her top tips for designing a luxury kitchen that attracts bookings, earns 5-star reviews, and meets the everyday needs of short-term renters.
Here are Krista’s expert kitchen remodel tips for creating a standout rental property in Orlando:
1. Don't Invest in Kitchen Storage
When you are designing a kitchen for a rental property, your storage needs are very different than if you are designing a home for a family. Lots of storage solutions like drawer/rollouts are no longer the goal. The look of a stacked cabinet gives the look of a high-end kitchen without providing actual storage a renter will never use and spending unnecessarily. You want to make things to look built in without actually hiding everything.
In this kitchen, you can see we created the look of high end, stacked cabinets without providing actual storage that a renter will never use.
2. Think About How a Renter is Going to Use the Kitchen
When designing a kitchen for a rental property, it's important to consider how guests use the space differently than homeowners. Renters won’t know the layout instinctively, so the design should be intuitive, practical, and built for convenience.
Start with trash placement—renters generate a lot of waste during short stays, so our designer always recommends including two trash cans on the island and additional bins in key areas like the pantry or beverage station. Convenience is key, so consider multiple under-counter refrigerators and small appliances that are easy to access and clearly visible.
A well-organized catering-style kitchen is ideal for rentals, especially in luxury homes where guests may cook large meals or hire private chefs. Add dining spaces that make serving and entertaining effortless and opt for durable materials that can withstand heavy use over time.
Above all, design with longevity and ease-of-use in mind—clear layouts, labeled storage, and smart appliance placement will improve the guest experience and protect your investment.
Convenient wet bar for entertaining or to set up a morning coffee station.
A catering-style kitchen is connected to the main kitchen for effortless entertaining.
3. Choose High-End, Low-Maintenance Materials
Luxury travelers expect premium finishes—but as a property owner, you need materials that are both beautiful and easy to maintain.
Top picks for upscale Orlando rentals:
- Countertops: Engineered quartz offers a luxe look with better stain resistance than marble. For a natural stone option, consider quartzite. Though typically more cost up front, it's natural beauty and durability is a great option for a luxury rental.
- Cabinets: Full-overlay shaker or slab-front cabinets
- Flooring: Large-format porcelain tile or waterproof luxury vinyl with a hardwood look.
These materials perform well in Orlando’s humid climate and are easy to clean between guest stays.
4. Design With Photos in Mind
Your kitchen doesn’t just have to function well—it needs to look amazing in your listing photos. A photo-worthy kitchen can drive more clicks, bookings, and higher nightly rates. Working with professional kitchen designers can help you get a beautiful design and the right functionality for your space.
Related: View our recent kitchen projects
3. Maximize Functionality for Vacation Guests
Even luxury guests won’t always cook full meals—but they expect a kitchen that feels like home.
Luxury Airbnb must-haves:
- High-quality appliances (stainless or panel-ready)
- Coffee/espresso station with branded mugs and supplies
- Pull-out trash cans and labeled drawers
- Waterfall island with plenty of bar seating, if space allows
- Use a luxury material, such as stone/quartz, quartzite or marble, vertically in the space for a dramatic design statement - consider a full height backsplash, hood wrap, or fireplace.
Make sure your layout is intuitive and encourages gathering—many guests are traveling with family or friends.
6. Don’t Skimp on the Finishing Touches
It’s the little details that make a big impression on high-end travelers.
Orlando-specific upgrades:
- Install a wine fridge or beverage center for guests to enjoy
- Add a hidden charging station for phones and tablets
- Stock the kitchen with upscale cookware and utensils
- Include a welcome basket with local snacks, wine, or coffee from Orlando-area roasters
These small touches can earn a 5-star review.
Final Thoughts
Remodeling your kitchen for a luxury rental isn’t just about function and beauty—it’s about creating a space that delivers unforgettable experiences for your guests and durable materials to make it easier for you to maintain.
Serving Orlando’s Premier Rental Owners
From Lake Nona to Winter Park to vacation homes near Disney, our remodeling team specializes in creating kitchens that are as functional as they are breathtaking. Whether you're flipping a short-term rental, creating a magical Disney themed space, or upgrading a long-term investment, we’re here to help!
See more of this beautiful luxury Orlando rental property - view photos
Credits:
Custom Cabinets: S&W Kitchens, Krista Agapito
Interior Design: McNally Design, Debby Dearth
Build: McNally Construction