Episode 158
158: Vacation & Short-Term Rental Design with Paula Oblen
In this episode, we’re diving into the world of vacation and short-term rental design with interior designer Paula Oblen. Once Paula discovered her passion for this niche, she was hooked. She shares the unique story behind her career and business, why she loves examining the convergence between hotel and home, and the importance of identity and branding in this space. She also gives us a preview of what’s ahead for her business as she continues to innovate and explore what she loves.
Paula’s journey as a designer and business owner is a great example of what we can accomplish once we discover our niche or unique offering within the world of interior design. And she also reminds us that we have the power to make things happen for ourselves and our business—so tune in if you’re ready to get inspired and take your own business to the next level!
About Paula
A midwest native turned California gal, Paula is a natural-born creative with an intense passion for curating experiential and immersive interior spaces. An entrepreneur at heart and armed with more than 20 years of experience starting and owning multiple interior design business ventures, she is honored to have built an impressive list of clients that includes celebrity artists, musicians and interior designers, as well as private and commercial real estate investors, property management companies and restaurateurs. In late 2021, Paula teamed with Celebrity Designer and Netflix’s Queer Eye Designer Bobby Berk, where together they reimagined and transformed a 1950’s Spanish-style home named Casa Tierra—now a world class airbnb destination featured in Modernism Week 2022.
Inspired by the hotel to home movement, Hotelements was born from curating objects and elements that communicate Paula’s branded design work—Informing the property’s identity through personalization of a curated and immersive building revenue stream.
Featured in this episode
Featured Tarot deck: Cosmo Tarot
Connect with Paula
Are you an interior designer or are you interested in Holistic Interior Design? Check out my membership program, the Design Coven! This program is a real-world industry mentorship for Holistic Interior Designers that has everything you won't find in traditional design school curriculum. You'll learn from practicing interior designers working on real life projects, and get access to cutting edge vendors, suppliers, furniture makers, textile designers, and design resources that I've curated over my 17 years of design experience. As a member, you'll have the opportunity to build valuable relationships of your own. Learn more.
Connect with Rachel Larraine
Interior Design Resources
Houzz (Affiliate Link)
