Our client realized in 2022 that there were no viable options for a beautiful, comfortable place to stay if you are visiting near the Pensacola Naval Air Station. The only options were run-down motels, uninspired Airbnbs, and a hard to reserve Navy Lodge.

When a young real estate investor purchased his first property near the Pensacola Naval Air Station, he came to The Filipovic Group with a clear mission: transform a neglected home into a beautiful, high-performing Airbnb that felt coastal, comfortable, and ready for guests — fast. The property, previously owned by an elderly woman, needed plenty of TLC. The client also had two non-negotiables: keep it budget-friendly and finish quickly to begin hosting travelers.

With full creative freedom, The Filipovic Group chose a Modern Coastal design direction — but gave it an edge. The concept was not only to refresh the space but to elevate it beyond the typical rental in the area, making it Instagrammable, bold, and experience-driven, while remaining grounded in function and cost efficiency.

Across three bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen, dining room, living room, game room, hallway, and entryway, we reimagined every square foot. Our approach combined visual cohesion with intentional detail:

• Statement coastal wallpaper in each bedroom and game room — bold patterns in different colors that still felt like one curated collection.

• Navy-painted doors and trim in the hallway to anchor the airy design with modern contrast.

• A fully-equipped WFH station — monitor, keyboard, mouse, and ergonomic setup for digital nomads.

• Coffee bar & gaming area — designed for comfort and fun.

• Nightstand outlets and luggage racks in each room for a hotel-style experience.

• Subtle nods to the U.S. Navy throughout, honoring the area’s military community.

All sourcing was done with budget and durability in mind, while never sacrificing the curated look and feel of a premium stay.

The home went live on Airbnb and quickly earned 5-star guest reviews, with travelers specifically highlighting the beauty, comfort, and design-forward feel of the space. The client — initially unsure about the bold wallpaper — was thrilled with the outcome and proud to have his first investment property stand out from the crowd.

This Pensacola property is now a shining example of how thoughtful design, smart planning, and efficient execution can transform even the most outdated space into a modern coastal getaway.