Meet Chantel Chalwell | Short-Term Rental Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chantel Chalwell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chantel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I actually became a short-term rental investor in 2019, before (my design business) Luxe & Nest Interiors ever existed. When I started designing my first property, I wasn’t creating just another listing — I was creating the one guests had to book. Every detail was intentional, from the layout to the finishes to the vibe I wanted guests to feel. It wasn’t just a space — it was a strategic asset built to compete, book, and make money.

Then the pandemic hit in March 2020 — and like so many, I thought, “Is this the end?” I remember staring at my empty calendar — a booking page that had been full just days before — and feeling that pit in my stomach. Three months of revenue, gone in seconds. I’d poured so much into that space — the design, the sleepless nights researching— and suddenly it all felt like it might’ve been for nothing.

Travel shut down. Life got really weird. And I had zero blueprint for how to survive as a brand-new short-term rental investor in the middle of a global crisis. But I had this gut feeling that the intentional design work I’d done would matter once people started traveling again.

And I was right. When Georgia became one of the first states to reopen, my calendar exploded. My listing didn’t just bounce back — it outperformed the rentals in my area. It booked like wildfire. People were saving it, sharing it, and leaving reviews like, “This place looks even better in person.”

That’s when the lightbulb went off. The intentional, strategy-first design I’d created had given my listing an edge. It felt different. It looked different. And it booked like crazy. That moment changed everything for me. I realized this wasn’t just a win for my property — it was a repeatable formula that could help other investors, property owners, and hosts do the same.

So in 2022, I took the leap and launched Luxe & Nest Interiors full-time, and focused exclusively on short-term rental and Airbnb design. Now I help investors all over the country turn their listings into booked-out, high-performing assets — using research, strategy, and data-driven designs that actually drive revenue.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I run Luxe & Nest Interiors — a design studio that helps people transform their short-term rentals, like Airbnbs and vacation homes, into strategically designed, high-performing assets that drive serious revenue.

What sets Luxe & Nest apart? We think like investors (because we are) and design like creatives. Most people assume interior design is just about aesthetics. But in the world of short-term rentals, design isn’t just visual — it’s a business tool. It can make or break your booking rate, your nightly rate, and ultimately, your income. I use strategy, research, and a deep understanding of guest behavior to craft spaces that stop the scroll, spark connection, and turn casual browsers into repeat guests. Every choice — from the layout and lighting to the color on the walls — is intentional and focused on maximizing your return on investment (ROI).

I’m proud of the fact that our work doesn’t just look good — it performs. We’ve helped owners go from barely getting booked to fully booked, with many seeing income jumps of 30% or more. That’s a game-changer when you’ve poured your savings into a property and need it to deliver.

So, how did I get here? Honestly, it wasn’t easy. Starting a business — especially one that didn’t “exist” in the traditional design world — meant carving out my own lane, educating clients, and trusting myself when the path was anything but clear. There were slow seasons, tough lessons, and moments of real doubt. But I stayed focused on the bigger vision. I didn’t want to be just a designer — I wanted to help people unlock the full potential of their properties and their income.

Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned?

1. Charge your worth — and then deliver beyond it.
2. Set boundaries. They’re a form of self-respect and smart business.
3. You don’t need a perfect roadmap. You need the guts to start and the grit to keep evolving.

If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s this: Luxe & Nest exists to help both seasoned and first-time investors create spaces that feel special, earn more, and stand out in saturated markets — no matter the zip code or the budget. We don’t just design pretty spaces. We create properties that work — for the investor, the guest, and the market. And we make the process seamless, even from across the country.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d start with brunch at Bread & Butterfly in Inman Park — because I’m a foodie at heart and that place never misses. Then we’d walk the Atlanta Beltline and unwind in Piedmont Park, perfect for people-watching and soaking up the city’s energy. We’d explore the High Museum of Art for visual inspiration, and hit Westside Provisions District to browse well-designed home goods, fashion, and local gems (with a snack break, of course).

For meals, we’d do dinner at Rumi’s Kitchen — beautiful atmosphere, bold Persian flavors, and the kind of space that feels both elevated and welcoming. Bacchanalia for an unforgettable fine dining experience, and Twisted Soul Cookhouse for elevated Southern food with heart. Coffee breaks would happen at Chrome Yellow, and we’d sneak in some vintage shopping in Little Five Points just for fun.

To unwind? A spa day at JeJu or The Waldorf, followed by rooftop cocktails at 9 Mile Station with a sunset view of the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely didn’t build this business alone — it’s been shaped by love, late-night pep talks, bold referrals, and a whole lot of mindset work.
First, my partner John has been instrumental. He’s helped me navigate some of the hardest parts of entrepreneurship — pricing with confidence, closing sales, setting boundaries with clients, and not second-guessing myself every time I send a proposal. His strategic brain and constant encouragement have helped me show up like the CEO I am.

My closest friends reminded me I didn’t have to play small. Their support gave me the courage to leave behind the predictable path and build something on my own terms. And I have to shout out the early clients who believed in me before Luxe & Nest was even “a thing.” Their trust proved that this niche mattered — and that strategy-focused design had a real place in the vacation rental world. They believed in me before the website was polished or the services were mapped out. That kind of support? Unforgettable.

And honestly, I have to thank the version of me who was manifesting all of this long before it showed up in real life. I’ve always believed in the power of manifestation — affirmations, visualization, and intentionally creating the life I wanted to live. Luxe & Nest didn’t happen by accident. I dreamed it, prayed for it, journaled it, spoke it out loud, and backed it up with action. That mindset shift? It changed everything.

Lastly, a quiet thank you to the women in my life — the ones who led by example, gave me purpose, and showed me you can build a business with heart, impact, and integrity. There are too many to name, but their influence is woven into everything I do. They taught me values that don’t just shape a business — they shape how you move through the world. From how to treat people with kindness and integrity, to the importance of showing up with grit, grace, and resilience — their example laid the foundation for everything I’ve built. Luxe & Nest Interiors may be my business, but its foundation is built on the wisdom, strength, and support of the people who helped shape it — and that influence lives in every decision, every relationship, and every room I design.

Website: https://www.luxeandnestinteriors.com

Instagram: @luxeandnestinteriors