The Art of Hosting

Hi Friends!I will be taking a 6 month sabbatical from the Art of Hosting podcast. I plan to come back to the podcast later in August 2022 and return with new topics that will help you in your day to day life.  I'm so grateful for you all and am so thankful for your support of The Art of Hosting Podcast over the last several months. Continue to tune in to my previous episodes and take in information that is helpful for you. I hope you all have a great week!Much love,-Mary 

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 31 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and in today's episode, I'm interviewing Miriam Faye, Financial Mentor for KVM Interior Design. Earlier in the year, I had a chance to interview Kris, the Founder of KVM Interior Design. This interview can be found in episode # 24. In that episode we learned about Kris's mentoring program for creatives and interior designers. This program is a 3-month mentoring experience for designers & creatives who are ready to build a sustainable, profitable and scalable business with a sound financial and business strategy.  Well, get excited my friends as we listen to Miriam's story about how she became a Finance Mentor, learn about healthy mindset shifts that she encourages small business owners to embrace, and lessons about implementing successful financial strategies. Let's dive in!In this episode we cover Miriam's:Inspiration behind being a Finance MentorEmbracing Healthy Mindset Shifts towards business and financesLessons from her past financial and leadership experienceExperience in overcoming challenges in the beginningMore details About KVM's Mentoring ProgramTaking Healthy Risks in BusinessHow to stay in touch with KatieLinks Mentioned in this Episode.....KVM Interior Design Mentoring Mastermind - WEBSITE

Have you ever wanted to start your own interior design business? OR What appeals to you when it comes to enhancing your interior design skills? If you've ever considered starting an interior design business, how would you go about it? Well, I have something special for you today that will help you deepen your understanding about the challenges and benefits of not only starting an interior design business, but also growing one. Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 30 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and in today's episode, I'm interviewing Heather Yates, Principal designer of Heather Yates Interiors.This episode is full of practical advice, life experiences, and the challenges and benefits of growing an interior design business. With over 20 years in the design industry, Heather shares her story of how she got into the business of Interior Design, challenges she faced early on, her design aesthetic, the benefits of owning her own interior design business, and strategic ways that she keeps her business operating efficiently. Let's dive in!In this episode we cover Heather's:inspiration behind the pursuit of Interior DesignBusiness and personal prioritiesLessons from her past design business experienceExperience in overcoming challenges in the beginningHer Business servicesThe Brand of Heather Yates InteriorsHer Project Management Style Prioritizing Planning A BudgetHow to stay in touch with HeatherLet's Get started!Links Mentioned in the Episode...HEATHER YATES INTERIORS WEBSITEHEATHER YATES INTERIORS INSTAGRAM

You've done your research, created a few Pinterest boards, you've determined your design budget, and now you are ready to work with an interior designer. But, you realize there are tons of different interior design services out there. How do you figure out which service is the best fit for you? Quickly, you learn that Full Service Design, Home Renovations, Consulting can all take place within a design project, but each have their own function and therefore can be offered as separate services. Honestly, it depends on how much time, money, and energy you are willing to spend to make your design dreams a reality. Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 29 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and as always I'm so excited that you're joining me for today's show. If you are not sure which interior design service is for you–I have something special for you— In this episode, we'll explore the advantages of Full Service Design, Home Renovations, and Design Consulting, and I'll also break down our Design Process–from start to finish.Links Mentioned in OR Referenced For This Episode.....#011: A Beginner's Guide to Styling A Bedroom - Part 1Caron, L,L. (2022). Which Interior Design Service Is Right for Me?. Studio Laloc. Retrieved from https://www.studiolaloc.com/studio-files-studio-laloc-seattle-based-interior-design/2020/12/1/consulting-decorating-full-service-design-styling-what-do-these-words-really-mean-when-it-comes-to-interior-design-projects.  ​​

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 28 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and in today's episode, I'm interviewing Cameron Liner, the Design Coordinator of Qadami Rugs. Cameron is also the lead product researcher and developer for the latest rug trends and color ways of Qadimi Rugs. I'm so excited for you to listen in on our conversation to learn about the amazing work that Cameron and her team are doing in partnership with Afghan Weavers and Spinners. You'll also get to hear her story about how Qadami rugs continues to present their clients with amazing hand-woven rugs in the midst of political unrest in Afghanistan. Let's  dive in.Topics of Discussion How Cameron became interested in TextilesBecoming a Design Coordinator for Qadimi RugsThe Philosophy of Qadimi RugsChallenges overcome at the beginning of her journeyProducts offered at Qadimi RugsBranding behind Qadimi RugsStyle Influence for Qadimi RugsProject Management for Qadimi RugsThe beauty of Afghan Culture Links Mentioned in this Episode....Qadimi Rugs WebsiteQadimi Rugs InstagramInterior Design Quiz by Mary Amaechi

Effective website design is often reflected in the user experience. This means that there are many factors beyond aesthetics that enhance an interior designer's website's usability and its conversion rates. So, who can interior designers go to get help with our websites? We can go to web designers who ensure that every page  and section of a website they work on has a clear and definitive purpose and function.Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 27 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and in today's episode, I'm interviewing Katie O'Brien, a Website Designer and Digital Strategist. Katie supports interior designers through effective and functional website design. Her goal is to elevate her clients' branding and build fuss-free websites for interior designers.In this episode we cover Katie's:inspiration behind the pursuit of web design and digital strategyBusiness and personal prioritiesLessons from her past business experienceExperience in overcoming challenges in the beginningHer Business servicesWebsite Design BrandingHow to stay in touch with KatieLinks Mentioned....Katie O'Brien's websiteKatie O'Brien's InstagramHome Design Goal-setting & Reflection Guide

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 26 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and in today's episode, I'll share six things that you should know before and as you work with an interior designer.One of the most significant things that keep people from working with an interior designer is “not fully understanding what it means to work with an interior designer.” Working with an interior designer can be a significant turning point in transforming your home into a stunning reality. But, where do you start? How much will it cost? How do you initiate this design process? Here are 6 things you need to know before and as you work with an interior designer. Be able to describe your scope of work. Find Out How much It Will CostMake Sure that Billing and Design procedures are clarifiedCreate a Vision BoardCommunicate What Furniture Pieces Need to StayKeep an Open MindLinks Mentioned ….One Kings Lane. (2022). How to Work With an Interior Designer. Retrieved from https://www.onekingslane.com/live-love-home/how-to-work-with-an-interior-designer/. Hunter. (2015). What Is a Moodboard and how to Create One? Interior Style Hunter. Retrieved from https://interiorstylehunter.com/what-is-a-moodboard-and-how-to-create-one/. Frederick, L. (2018). How to Work With an Interior Designer. Houzz. Retrieved from https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-work-with-an-interior-designer-stsetivw-vs~3293842. 

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 25 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and in today's episode, I'll share seven lessons that I have learned as an Interior Design Small Business Owner. I'm learning a lot as I travel this path of being a small business owner in the interior design industry. I'm learning that when you work as a business owner, it is good to prioritize your time. Here are 7 things that I want to grow in as a business owner and these may be lessons that may help you too as you lead your own life or even as you start or continue to run your business.Clearly think through what your top priorities are in life and in businessGive yourself space to process the journeySet aside time for spiritual rejuvenation and meditation with GodTry to focus on one thing at a timeRemember to take care of your healthSeek accountability for your life and businessBe patient. Links Mentioned in this episode….BooksDesiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist by John PiperProvidence by John PiperBusiness PodcastsThe Game Changer Podcast by Katie WussowBetter Than Big podcast by Ashley GartlandOnline Marketing Made Easy by Amy PorterfieldArticlesBarre3. (2022). Connect: You're invited: The Barre3 January Challenge 2022. The bare3 Magazine. Retrieved from https://blog.barre3.com/january-challenge-2022/https://blog.barre3.com/january-challenge-2022/Bloom, J. (2011). Love is Patient. desiringGod.org. Retrieved from https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/love-is-patient. BoardEffect. (2020. Board f Advisors Vs. Board of Directors. Retrieved from https://www.boardeffect.com/blog/board-of-advisors-vs-board-of-directors/. Couturier, K; Birmingham; Bows & Arrows. (2022). Yoga for Everyone. New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/guides/well/beginner-yoga. FOLLOW Mary on the handles below:Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiors

Welcome to episode # 24 of the Art of Hosting podcast and today, you'll get to be a part of the conversation that I had with Kristell the Founder and Director of KVM Design, which outsources services for small interior design firms around the world. Her business helps fellow interior designers cut costs, meet deadlines, and focus on the needs of their clients. You'll learn:How Kris got into Interior DesignHow and why Kris started her interior design businessKVM's ideal client today KVM's new business mentoring programSo, let's dive into our conversation. Links Mentioned in this Episode....KVM Design WebsiteFOLLOW Mary on the handles below:Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiors

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 23 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and in today's episode, I'll share four decor hacks that you can use to hang Christmas wreaths and/or garlands without using nails, so that your walls and furniture stay protected. Having Christmas decorations around the home can make your space feel extra special and inviting for the holidays. It's easy to gather all your holiday lights, wreaths, garlands, and any other decorations. But, the challenging part is figuring out how you are going to hang the lights around your home, the garland on the mantle or the banister of your staircase, and the wreath on the door (McDonough, L etc, 2021).The exciting news is that I have found four decoration hacks that can make your Christmas styling look beautiful, and so that you don't have to spend tons of time questioning how to make your decorations look good. Knowing and implementing these decor hacks can help free up your time, so that you can have more time to spend with your loved ones over the holidays. So, we're going to talk about how to hang wreaths and/or garlands with (1) ribbons or decorative garland ties, (2) Command Strips, (3) Nylon Fishing Lines, and (4) Over-the-Door wreath hangers. How to Contact Me: ehziimaryinteriors.com/contactDesign Goals: ehziimaryinteriors.com/goalsLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeBalsam Hill. (2021). 6 Ways to Hang Wreaths and Garlands Without Drills or Nails. Balsam Hill. Retrieved from https://blog.balsamhill.com/b/hanging-greenery-without-holes-guide/. 3M. (2021). Modern Wreath Hanging. Command Brand. Retrieved from https://www.command.com/3M/en_US/command/projects/all-projects/modern-wreath-hanging/. Hunter, S. (2018). How to Hang a Wreath Without Making Holes in the Door. Marth Stewart. Retrieved from https://www.marthastewart.com/1533064/hang-wreath-without-making-hole-door#:~:text=Hang%20with%20Ribbon&text=Cut%20a%203%2Dinch%2Dwide,top%20of%20door%20with%20thumbtacks. McDonough, L; Garrity, A; Avendano, K. (2021). 15 Christmas Decorating Hanging Hacks That Don't Require Any Nails Whatsoever. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc: GoodHouseKeeping. Retrieved from https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g2966/christmas-decoration-hanging-hacks/. Miller, B. (2021). How To Hang Lights, Garlands, And Wreaths Without Destroying Your Walls - Our 5 Go-To Hanging Hacks. Emily Henderson. Retrieved from https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/how-to-hang-christmas-lights-wreaths-garland. 

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 22 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and today's episode is going to be on why I decided to change my business model within the interior design industry. So, initially, when I first started my business, my goal was to offer online interior design services for my clients with the intention of being able to serve clients both in-person and online down the road. Moreover, not only did I offer online interior design services, but I also decided to focus on Airbnb hosts as my niche. However, I have decided to move away from serving Airbnb Hosts to working with modern, busy families.Reasons Why I Chose to Change My Business Model:Long-term, my goal is to run an in-person interior design studio with a design team that serves families within our existing community. I learned that my initial niche Airbnb hosts were more inclined to DIY design than hiring an interior designer. I did not feel like I fully connected with my niche of Airbnb hosts. I decided to change my business philosophy, which now has a strong emphasis on slow, intentional living, and cultivating community.My new design offer:  Simple Living for Modern Families Full Service Design and Home RenovationsFREEBBIES:5 Ways to Make Your Interior Design Ideas A RealityA Design Goal-Setting and Reflection GuideLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeWilliams, N. (2015). The Kinfolk home: interiors for slow living. Artisan Books.

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 21 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and I'm going to explore two strategic ways to plan for a Bathroom Remodel. And those two ways are (1) planning a bathroom layout (2) building a budget based on bathroom remodeling costs.Designing a bathroom is a demanding, yet rewarding project. My goal in this episode is to guide you in planning a functional and aesthetically pleasing  bathroom layout, so that you can determine what design meets your needs (BH&G Editors, 2021). Whether you choose to remodel or build a new bathroom, designing a beautiful bathroom layout can be a super fun and stimulating project. So, to make your bathroom design a reality, let's take time to evaluate your needs and create a well-defined layout. With a clear strategy and bathroom measurements in place, it will be much easier to create a budget, hire contractors, and purchase styling finishes (BH&G Editors, 2021).Planning Your Bathroom LayoutA Full Bath LayoutThree-Quarter Bath Layout (No tub) Versatile Master Bathroom LayoutBathroom Layout CostsBasic Bathroom Remodel CostsMid- Range Bathroom RemodelDeluxe Bathroom Remodel Links Mentioned in This EpisodeRemodel Gurus, Inc. (2020). Bathroom Remodel Cost in 2021: Budget, Average, & Luxury Bathroom Upgrades. RemodelingCosts.org. Retrieved from https://www.remodelingcosts.org/bathroom-remodel-cost/. BH&G Editors. (2021). How to Plan a Bathroom Layout for a Functional Space. Better Homes & Gardens. Retrieved from https://www.bhg.com/bathroom/remodeling/planning/bathroom-layout-guidelines-and-requirements/. Homeadvisor.com (2021). How Much Does It Costs To Remodel A Bathroom. Retrieved from https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/bathrooms/remodel-a-bathroom/. 

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 20 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and I'm going to talk about two creative design ideas that you can implement to help you be more present this Thanksgiving and Christmas:A Thanksgiving Flower ArrangementA Festive Holiday CheeseboardIt can be really easy to check out this Thanksgiving and Christmas and not be present with the one we hold near and dear. That's why I want to encourage you and gently challenge you to think of ways that you can be actively present with the people you love this holiday season. And I'm not just going to leave you hanging, but I'm going to give you some ideas of how you can stay engaged and present, whether you are enjoying the holidays by yourself or with family and friends. And of course, these are some design projects that you can get involved with to help create a more festive and welcoming environment in the home you'll be in for the holidays. The winter holidays are great opportunities to show our gratitude and appreciation for those around us and the good things that we have been blessed with in our lives. FOLLOW Mary on the handles below: Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsLinks Mentioned in This Episode… Love & Lemons. (2021). How to Make A Cheese Board. Love & Lemons, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.loveandlemons.com/how-to-make-a-cheese-board/. Magnolia. (2021). A Collection of Thanksgiving Recipes. The Blog. Retrieved from https://magnolia.com/create/blog/article/435553/a-collection-of-thanksgiving-reSarah. (2019). 9 Flower Arranging Tips from a Floral Designer Pro. JojotasticRetrieved from https://jojotastic.com/2019/01/31/flower-arranging-tips/. The Bouqs Company. (2021). Thanksgiving Flowers Tips and Ideas. The Bouqs Company. Retrieved from https://bouqs.com/blog/thanksgiving-flower-tips/.Williams, N. (2015). The Kinfolk home: interiors for slow living. Artisan Books. Print. Wroblewski, M.T. (2021). Balancing Vase Size With Flower Size. Home Guides.Hearst Newspapers. Retrieved from https://homeguides.sfgate.com/balancing-vase-size-flower-size-60280.html. 

A Note from Mary on ThankfulnessRead Mary's perspective on pursuing moments of Thankfulness - whether it's immediate, ready to be shared with others spontaneously or thoughtfully expressed with deep reflection, ready to be shared after quiet times of reflection. In every way, thankfulness is a posture of humility.Here's my story and how I came to understand thankfulness in relation to God. Outline:1. Not having much growing up2 . Reminded to thank God for what he has given3. What do you have that you have not been given?4.  The humility of Christ Jesus5.  Reminded to thank God for what he has given

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 18 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and I'm ready to dive into some simple and festive tablescape ideas for the holidays.  With that I mind, I plan to talk about five tips for creating a beautiful holiday tablescape. If you're planning on hosting the holiday Feast this Thanksgiving and/or Christmas, the table can be a great way to make your guests feel welcomed and excited to spend time with one another. The holidays are generally designed to help us slow down and reflect on the good and hard times we've experienced in the past year, which can be really healthy and good for us :) Today's Podcast Outline:Pick a Color Scheme/VibeUse various textures and patterns, and metallics.The Centerpiece CandlesAdd a Table GiftFOLLOW Mary on the handles below:Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsLinks Mentioned in This Episode…Amanda. (2020). A Pink Nutcracker Christmas Brunch Tablescape. The Ginger Home. Retrieved from https://thegingerhome.com/a-pink-nutcracker-christmas-brunch-tablescape/. Chamberlain, L. (2014). Benefits of Natural Colors for Home. Blue Matte. ColdWell Banker. Retrieved from https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/benefits-of-neutral-colors-for-home-decor/.  Gabrielle, S. (2021). & Gorgeous Holiday Tablescapes to Try Before the Main Event. MyDomaine. Retrieved from https://www.mydomaine.com/thanksgiving-tablescapes. McDonough, L; Livermore, S; Mendlesohn, H. (2021). 45 Very Merry Christmas Table Decorations and Settings to Recreate This Year. HouseBeautiful. Retrieved from https://www.housebeautiful.com/entertaining/holidays-celebrations/tips/g790/holiday-place-settings/. Scott, D. (2021). How to Create the Perfect Holiday Tablescape. The Lonefox Journal. Retrieved from https://lonefox.com/blogs/journal/how-to-create-the-perfect-holiday-tablescape. 

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 17 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and as always I'm so excited that you're joining me for today's show where I talk about five Winter Decorating Ideas for the Holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming soon and it might be nice to decorate your home and make it more festive for the people you plan to spend the holidays with this winter. And a great way to make your home feel cozy and ready for winter is to decorate your home with a little festive greenery and sparkle. There are so many things that you can do to style your home for the holidays, but here are five specific, strategic, and minimalistic ways to do it. We'll move from outside to the inside decor of your home.Decorate Your Front Door for WinterCreate a Buffet, Eucalyptus-themed Garland. Make a Simple Winter CenterPieceStyling Your Coffee Table With a Winter SceneEmbrace Winter Lighting IdeasFOLLOW Mary on the handles below: Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsLinks Mentioned in This Episode...Amanda. (2021). 6 Easy Winter Decorating Ideas. The Ginger Home. Retrieved from https://thegingerhome.com/winter-decorating-ideas/.Ro, H. (2021). 18 Ways to Decorate Your Entire Home with Fairy Lights: Glow and behold, a bevy of fresh new ways to decorate your home. Retrieved from https://www.countryliving.com/home-design/decorating-ideas/g2794/decorating-ideas-christmas-lights/?slide=15. BH& G Editors. (2020). 15 Dazzling Winter Door Decorations to Welcome the Season. Better Homes & Gardens. Retrieved from https://www.bhg.com/decorating/seasonal/winter/winter-doors-that-welcome-the-season/. Faulkner, C. (2021). How to Make a Eucalyptus Garland + Easy Greenery Wreath. Transform simple, low-cost greenery into beautiful decorations for weddings, holiday parties and more.  HGTV.Retrieved from https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/how-to-make-a-eucalyptus-garland---wreath. Knierm, A. (2021). 19 Winter Centerpieces You Can Keep All Season: Options for Every Budget and Skill Level. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/winter-centerpieces-4156390. Kalus, G. (2020). 23 Easy WInter Centerpieces for Every Table. CountryLiving.Retrieved from https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g29774255/winter-floral-table-centerpieces/?slide=2. 

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 16 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and as always I'm so excited that you're joining me for today's show where I talk about how to choose the correct area rug size for any space in your home. Choosing an area rug can be a tough task, but it can become easy when you have the right tools. And I have some great tools and tips that can help you determine what area rug size is best for your space.  We will primarily talk about area rug sizes for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.FOLLOW Mary on the handles below:Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsReferencesAmanda. (2021). How to Choose the Correct Area Rug Size For Any Space. The Ginger Home. Retrieved from https://thegingerhome.com/how-to-choose-the-correct-area-rug-size-for-any-space/. Room&Board. (2021). How to Choose A Rug Size. Room&Board. Retrieved from https://www.roomandboard.com/ideas-advice/design-your-space/ideas-for-any-room/how-to-choose-a-rug-size. Ruggable. (2021). Rug Size Guide. Ruggable.com. Retrieved from https://ruggable.com/pages/rug-sizes?gclid=CjwKCAjwzt6LBhBeEiwAbPGOgV3LUrUi0_GdCBY83qv_ew5J6znh_4g5udS7DH6Lv42JV6Rc5dNx-xoCeNcQAvD_BwE. Rugs.com. (2019). How to fight the right rug size. Rugs.com. Retrieved https://rugs.com/blog/area-rug-size-guide/. 

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 15 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and as always I'm so happy that you're joining me for today's show where I talk about the meaning of hospitality.Hospitality can have different meanings for different people. That's why I have dedicated this episode to help us uncover the true meaning of hospitality according to the Bible. I bring this up because in the hospitality industry it's easy to make serving and hosting others all about the money and prestige. And that can be toxic. That's why I want us to set a foundation for what hospitality truly is and why pursuing it can help us care well for others. Today's podcast guest is @amberdhammond and she's joining us to answer this very question: What is hospitality? Amber Amber serves as the Office Manager for @9marks. She is a native Texan. She is married to her husband, Alex. Amber loves details and completing tasks behind the scenes to make things run smoothly. She and her husband are both members at Capitol Hill Baptist Church. I reached out to Amber because she is living normal Christianity by practicing hospitality. She'll be addressing:▶️ Hospitality as it's described in the Bible▶️ Why it is important to pursue hospitality▶️ What hospitality looks like right now in her life▶️ Challenges she's faced when practicing hospitality▶️ Logistically, how she prepares for hosting different groups of people ▶️ Areas that she wants to grow in as she practices hospitalitySo, let's dive into our conversation with Amber Hammond. Pardon the noise in the background. Enjoy!

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 14 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and as always I'm so happy that you're joining me for today's show where I talk about layering bedding and making your bedroom space one of your favorite's spots in your home. One of the best feelings in the world is crawling into bed after a long day of work (Sue, 2018). As I get older, I'm finding that very true, not just for me, but for many busy professionals. So, making your bed comfortable and cozy, especially if you struggle with insomnia, should be a priority. So, here are key elements that you can use to create a beautiful haven.FOLLOW Mary on the handles below:Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsReferenceSue, J. (2018). How To: Style Your Bed Like a Pro. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKE-7BDUgDQ. 

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 13 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and as always I'm so happy that you're joining me for today's show where I talk about the basic parts of bedding you should know and the meaning of hospitality. I'll spend the majority of our time talking about my perspective on hospitality, and how that is shaped by my faith in God. So, let's dive in.FOLLOW Mary on the handles below:Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsLinks Mentioned in This Episode…Wayfair. (2021).The Basics Parts of Bedding You Should Know: Create the Perfect Bed. Retrieved from https://www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/rooms/the-ultimate-guide-to-bedding-T836?refid=GX434403192120.~b&position=&network=g&pcrid=434403192120&device=c&targetid=dsa-836899581026&channel=GoogleIntent&gclid=CjwKCAjw7--KBhAMEiwAxfpkWFBTgtC3skbAa_a12VSEEcbOctIKg1Fk0RlANmX-xAZUp8ukRfqYeRoCuJgQAvD_BwE. 

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 12 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and as always I'm so excited that you're joining me for today's show where I talk about three easy-to-use & easy-to-navigate floor plan software can create basic floor plans for your bedroom design and furnishing elements that you can use to style the bedroom of your ideal bedroom. Floor plans are essential when it comes to visualizing the layout of a room. It essentially is a two-dimensional drawing, according to the scale, which shows an aerial view of a room (Bleck & Bleck Architects, 2016). So, we use floor plans to help us design different spaces in our homes. Simple floor plans will focus on the size of a room, and its orientation and style. So, the reality is that many people don't know how to draw out floor plans whether it's by hand or digitally. That's why I'm excited to share three different design software that you can use to create simple, yet beautiful floor plans for your home. FOLLOW Mary on the handles below:Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsReferencesBleck & Bleck Architects. (2016). Floor Plans Tell a Story. Bleck&Bleck Architects LLC: Architecture. Design. Engineering. Retrieved from https://bleckarchitects.com/floor-plans-tell-story/. Homestyler. (2020). Design your home in 3D: With 1:1 furniture from real brands. Retrieved from ​​https://www.homestyler.com/. Home Textiles Today Staff. (2018). Williams-Sonoma debuts design Crew Room Planner: New tool created to help consumers decorate their “dream space.” Home Textiles Today. BridgeTower Media. Retrieved from https://www.hometextilestoday.com/industry-news/williams-sonoma-debuts-design-crew-room-planner/. Magnolia Manifesto. (2021). Magnolia Workshops. Magnolia. Retrieved from ​​https://magnolia.com/create/workshops/all/. Spoak. Welcome To Spoak: Take Your Love of Interior Design to the Next Level. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.spoak.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=_&utm_term=home+3d+software&utm_content=535144394280&gclid=CjwKCAjw-sqKBhBjEiwAVaQ9azsEPIS80YlyUKLjA11yC1Ml-CavEyAMfmCj1KzgqfwZxg8fDqlXGBoCPXkQAvD_BwE . 

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 11 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and as always I'm so excited that you're joining me for today's show where I'll share how to incorporate your desires for the ambiance of a room, Pinterest photos, wall color, and your personal design style to make spark effective design inspiration your bedroom (Walker, 2021). This week's episode is the first in a 4 part series all about styling your bedroom. My goal is to help you on your journey as you seek to create beautiful and functional spaces in home. When the space you live in and sleep in has positive meaning to it, it can become a place where you want to stay. Hilary Walker, creative director and stylists at Magnolia asked the question, “What's the point of making a beautiful home if it doesn't remind you of the people you love and the experiences you've had?” (Walker, 2021). FOLLOW Mary on the handles below:Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsReferencesWalker, H. (2021). Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Styling: Bedrooms. Magnolia.  Retrieved from https://magnolia.com/create/workshops/chapter/c9bf6483-21fe-4e50-801c-6dc4ba07cc02/fundamentals-of-styling-bedrooms-trailer/. Magnolia Manifesto. (2021). Magnolia Workshops. Magnolia. Retrieved from ​​https://magnolia.com/create/workshops/all/. Modsy. (2020). Interior Design & You: Unboxing Your Interior Design TooKit. Modsy online interior design. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX7FG1PlGYo. 

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 10 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and as always I'm so excited that you're joining me for today's show where I'll talk about some green ideas and tips to help you create a relaxing and welcoming green oasis within your home. We'll focus on house plant decor ideas and recommended plants to style different areas in your home.According to research, studies have proven that “house plants improve concentration and productivity (by up to 15%), reduce stress levels, and boost your mood” (Lee, 2017). This just goes to show that there are numerous benefits to having plants in your home. So, here's how you can style and liven your home with plants. FOLLOW Mary on the handles below: Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsReferencesBoris. (2021). How to Create A Plant Loving Home. Invincible happy houseplants. Retrieved from https://invinciblehouseplants.com/blog/how-to-create-a-plant-loving-home . Harster Greenhouse Inc. (2019). 10 Sun-LovingIndoor Plants. Pilea. Retrieved from https://www.pilea.com/post/10-sun-loving-indoor-plants. Lee, S. (2017). Why Indoor Plants Make You Feel Better: That Whole succulent trend? NBC News It's healthy. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/indoor-plants-can-instantly-Boost-your-health-happiness-ncna781806. 

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 9 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and as always I'm so excited that you're joining me for today's show where I'll talk about four essential design elements to think through when designing and styling your dining room space. These elements include understanding the general layout of your dining room, how to enhance the ambiance of a dining room, how to think through seating options and dining table sizes, and key styling elements that you can layer into your dining room design. My hope is to give you some design inspiration to help bring your dining room to life. FOLLOW Mary on the handles below:Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsReferencesBetter Homes & Garden. (2015). How to Decorate a Dining Room. Better Homes & Gardens. Retrieved from https://www.bhg.com/rooms/dining-room/how-to-decorate-a-dining-room/. Gaines, J. (2018). Home Body: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave. New York, New York. Harper Design: An Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers. Print. YLighting. (2019). How to Choose a Dining Table: Shape, Size, and More. YDesign Group. Retrieved from https://www.ylighting.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-dining-table-shape-size-and-more/. 

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 8 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and as always I'm so excited that you're joining me for today's show where I'll talk about five design techniques that can ease your living room decor process . If you've just started thinking about designing your apartment, condo, or house, one of the primary spaces on your mind is the living room. You may have thought through paint colors, how to make the room feel cohesive, or what type of furniture to install (Flanagan, 2020). Thinking of how to design and decorate your living room can be overwhelming when you don't know where to start. So here are five basic tips that I can share that can help you work through your overwhelm, and create a stylish, yet functional living room. FOLLOW Mary on the handles below:Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsReferencesBennett, J. (2021). 27 No-Fail Tricks for Arranging Furniture in Every Room. Better Homes & Garden. Retrieved from https://www.bhg.com/decorating/lessons/basics/how-to-arrange-furniture/?slide=slide_c189040a-27cc-4d29-85f1-a63fe31ae1fa#slide_c189040a-27cc-4d29-85f1-a63fe31ae1fa. Chang and Co. (2021). 15 Designer Tricks for Picking a Perfect Color Pallette. HGTV. Retrieved from https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/color/how-to-choose-a-color-scheme-pictures. Flanagan, L. (2020). The Beginners Guide to Decorating Living Rooms. The Spruce. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/beginners-guide-decorating-living-rooms-2213483. Magnolia Manifesto. (2021). Magnolia Workshops. Magnolia. Retrieved from ​​https://magnolia.com/create/workshops/all/. Vibia. (2018). Lighting Solutions: Ambient, task, and accent lighting 101. Retrieved from https://www.vibia.com/us/ambient-task-and-accent-lighting-101/. Walker, H. (2021). Fundamentals of styling: The Dining Room - Official Trailer | Workshops | Magnolia Network. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/bEMRJ2EaNOA. 

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode #7 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and as always I'm so excited that you're joining me for today's show where I'll talk about the story behind the DIY Explosion that has spanned the last eighty plus years and explore what this DIY movement looks like for us today. Nowadays, people want to do many things on their own and this includes tackling professional design projects such as kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovations, living room makeovers, and more. There are so many people leading and starting home renovation projects all by themselves. And with the help of social media platforms like Youtube, Instagram, and TikTok, thousands of people are able to learn how to carry out DIY projects, both big and small on their own. My goal for today is to explore the roots of why so many people are choosing to take on DIY Home projects. So, here's the true story of why people have decided to go for DIY projects instead of hiring professionals in the field of home improvement and design. With that being said, if you find yourself in one of the groups mentioned earlier, I want to offer you access to my new Interior Design one-on-one coaching service, which empowers DIY creatives like yourself to design your home strategically and efficiently. The purpose of this new design service is to equip you with the tools to identify your preferred design styles and to create visuals that reflect your unique style preferences. These visuals include tailored mood boards, floor plan, and layout visualizations. Not only would you be creating design visuals, but you would follow my step-by-step process in building and implementing a design plan that meets you where you're at with styling your home. With this service, you get to choose up to two rooms in your home that you want to redesign or refresh. Plus, this one-on-one coaching service will include six coaching calls over the span of three months to ensure that you are making the most of your new design tools and resources to create your desired home. If this is something that sparks your interest and you feel like you really want to invest in this, you can book a FREE 30 minute discovery call with me. You can do this by going to www.ehziimaryinteriors.com/contact to book your call and learn how you can DIY design your desired home. FOLLOW Mary on the handles below:Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsReferencesBaker, K. (2020). Recent Upturn in DIY Remodeling Projects Unlikely to Continue Long-Term. Joint Center of Housing Studies of Harvard University. Retrieved from https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/blog/recent-upturn-diy-remodeling-projects-unlikely-continue-long-term. History.com Editors. (2021). The 1950s. A&E Television Networks, LLC.  Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/1950s. HomeEdit. (2021). The Meaning Behind DIY Projects - With Inspiring Ideas. HomeEdit. Retrieved from https://www.homedit.com/diy-meaning/#:~:text=It%20became%20popular%20in%20the,be%20recreational%20or%20cost%2Dsaving.Morgan, Brittney. (2018). So What Does DIY Actually Even Mean?: Obviously “Do it yourself” - but is that all?” House Beautiful. Retrieved from https://www.housebeautiful.com/

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode #5 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and as always I'm so excited that you're joining me for today's show where I'll walk you through the bare vacation rental essentials for hosting guests. You'll learn about a functional Host Essentials Kit supported by Airbnb, which can give you an idea of the most essential items that travelers desire (Airbnb, 2021). My hope is whether you are an aspiring Host or a current Host, that you would feel informed and see the Hosting preparation process made easy through this episode.FOLLOW Mary on the handles below: Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsReferencesAirbnb. (2014). DIY Hosting Tips: Unforgettable Amenities Made Easy. Retrieved from https://blog.atairbnb.com/amenities-diy-hosting-tips/. Airbnb. (2021). Introducing: Airbnb Host Essentials by MUJI. Airbnb News. Retrieved from https://news.airbnb.com/introducing-airbnb-host-essentials-by-muji/. Gaskill, Laura. (2014). Overnight Guests Coming? How to Be a Great Host: Ensure a good time for all - including yourself - by following these steps for preparing for and hosting houseguests. Retrieved from https://www.houzz.com/magazine/overnight-guests-coming-how-to-be-a-great-host-stsetivw-vs~15620985. 

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode #5 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and as always I'm so excited that you're joining me for today's show where I'll walk you through the value of focusing on the individual needs of your guests, and understanding how your personalized design styles can set your vacation rental apart from the rest. I'm the Founder and Creative Director of Ehzii Mary Interiors, which is a boutique online interior design studio with the goal to help you get new and more bookings for your vacation rentals.Recently, I started reading a book called The End of Average: How We Succeed In a World That Values Sameness by Todd Rose, and my mind was blown. Rose argues that for hundreds of years, the concept of average has been ingrained in our minds. He asks the question, how did our society come to put unquestionable faith in the average person? How did our scientists, schools, and businesses come to “embrace the misguided notion of the “Average Man” (Rose, 2016)?  He points to an important Belgian scientist from the early 19th century, who may not be known by many, Dr. Quetelet. Quetelet believed that the Average Man was a person who was free from error.  But, the reality is that there is only one person who was and is free from error, and that person is Jesus Christ. Apart from Jesus Christ, people are flawed and are not perfect. And we all need the rescue of Jesus Christ from our fallen nature as rebels against God to receive true righteousness, true perfection - to be justified before a holy God. The main point that I'm trying to drive home, and that I've gotten from the Introduction and first chapter of The End of Average is that there is no average brain, no average body, and no average person. We all have our individual quirks that make us who we are today. We are all different. We have different personalities, needs, wants, desires, and hopes. And this is super important to remember when you design a space for your vacation rental guests, who may come to you through Airbnb, Vrbo, Lodgify, Hostfully, or any other vacation rental management company. So, here is the take home message. Design with the needs of your guests in mind.FOLLOW Mary on the handles below: Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsReferencesATiA. (2021). What is AT? Assistive Technology Industry Association. Retrieved from https://www.atia.org/home/at-resources/what-is-at/. Disability Horizons. (2018). Assistive Technology: top 5 smart home devices to assist your everyday life. Disability Horizons: Giving You A Voice. Retrieved from https://disabilityhorizons.com/2018/10/assistive-technology-top-5-smart-home-devices-to-assist-your-everyday-life/. Rose, T. (2016). The End of Average: How we Succeed in a World that Values Sameness . San Francisco, CA, HarperOne.Ruggles, R. (2021). Plus Personality. New interior design standards celebrate curation and personalization. Case Study. Airbnb Design. Retrieved from https://airbnb.design/plus-personality/. Sui, M. (2021). Values-Driven Design: How conscious creatives balance beauty and belonging. Case Study, Perspectives. Airbnb Design. Retrieved from

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode #4 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and as always I'm so excited that you're joining me for today's show where I'll walk through three ways that you can grow in designing your vacation rental with your ideal guest in mind. They include identifying your target guest, publishing high quality photos for your vacation rental listing, and designing an easy-to-navigate Welcome Book. I'm the Founder and Creative Director of Ehzii Mary Interiors, which is a boutique online interior design studio with the goal to help you get new and more bookings for their vacation rentals.Identify Your Target GuestPublishing high quality photos of your vacation rental listingDesigning An Easy-to-navigate Welcome BookFOLLOW Mary on the handles below:Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsReferencesAllen, B. (2020). How to Market Your Vacation Rental to ‘Workationers.' Lodify. Retrieved from https://www.lodgify.com/blog/how-to-market-workationers/. Camilleri, M. A. (2018). Market Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning. In Travel Marketing, Tourism Economics and the Airline Product. (Chapter 4, pp. 69-83). Springer, Cham, Switzerland. Retrieved from https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/bitstream/123456789/21433/5/Market%20Segmentation%20Targeting%20and%20Positioning.pdf . Dudovskiy, J. (2019). Airbnb Segmentation, Targeting & Positioning. Business Research Methodology. Retrieved from https://research-methodology.net/airbnb-segmentation-targeting-positioning/. iGMS. (2018). Airbnb Welcome Book: How to Create a Comprehensive Guide for Your Guests.  iGMS - Air GMS technologies Inc. Retrieved from https://www.igms.com/airbnb-welcome-book/#. iGMS. (2021). Airbnb Interior Design: Top 8 Ideas to Style Your Rental. iGMS - Air GMS technologies Inc. Retrieved from https://www.igms.com/airbnb-interior-design/#. iGMS. (2021). A Step-by-Step Airbnb Hosting Guide [Tips, Hints, & How-tos]. iGMS - Air GMS technologies Inc. Retrieved from https://www.igms.com/airbnb-hosting-guide/#. The Evolve Team. (2019). Homeowner Tips: How-To Guide: Compile the Perfect Welcome Book for Your Vacation Rental Home (with Free Download!). Evolve Vacation Rental. Retrieved from https://evolve.com/blog/homeowner-tips/how-to-guide-compiling-a-welcome-book-for-your-vacation-rental-home. 

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode #3 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and as always I'm so excited that you're joining me for today's show where I'm going to be walking through six ways that you can refresh your vacation rental and maximize your bookings with strategic home decor Tips. I'm the Founder and Creative Director of Ehzii Mary Interiors, which is a boutique online interior design studio with the goal to help you get new and more bookings for their vacation rentals.SECTION 1: Create a Dedicated Workspace:One way to make your listing competitive is by setting up a dedicated workspace that is laptop friendly. SECTION 2: Make Lounge Spaces Fun with Games:One of the best things to incorporate in a vacation rental is easy access to games. These can include board or card games, or virtual game set-ups.SECTION 3: Decorate with Removable Wallpaper:Removable wallpaper gives you the freedom to be versatile in how you want to design different rooms in your vacation rental.SECTION 4: Maximize Small Spaces:Making a small space comfortable can be a challenge, but is totally doable! The key to maximizing small spaces is to incorporate furniture and accessories that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.SECTION 5: Bring the Outdoors Inside:Plants are life-giving and can really help to change the mood of a room. If you're looking for ways to liven up your vacation rental, consider buying house plants that don't need that much water and sunlight to survive.SECTION 6: Customize Your Outdoor Spaces: Your outdoor space should look and feel like a get-away. You can do this by customizing the accessories in your backyard, front yard, or patio. FOLLOW Mary on the handles below: Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsReferencesAirbnb. (2020). Interior Designer Hosts Share Their Decoration Tips. Airbnb News. Retrieved from https://news.airbnb.com/interior-designer-hosts-share-their-home-decoration-tips/. Airbnb. (2021). How to make your space comfortable for Remote Workers. Retrieved from https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/how-to-make-your-space-comfortable-for-remote-workers-236. Delacruz, N. (2020). Best Removable Wallpaper Peel and Stick in 2020. Inspired Design Talk. Retrieved from https://inspireddesigntalk.com/best-removable-wallpaper/. Millington, A. 3 Top-rated Airbnb hosts tell us how to make the most of a small space. (20216). Business Insider. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/airbnb-hosts-how-to-make-most-of-a-small-space-2016-12. 

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode #2 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and I'm excited to dive into this episode where I'll talk about the effects of interior design on a guest's vacation rental experience, and three tips to create an amazing guest experience. I'm the Founder and Creative Director of Ehzii Mary Interiors, which is a boutique online interior design studio with the goal to help you get new and more bookings for their vacation rentals.When we are planning our vacations and scrolling through different vacation rentals, we realize that the design of the space makes a huge difference (Lodgify, 2021). Let's be real, when we are looking for hotels to stay in, we all pay attention to the amenities and aesthetics. So, hotels that have beautifully designed spaces, tend to have more bookings. The same can be said for vacation rentals. Strategically designed spaces that are beautiful and appealing will tend to attract more paying guests. So, a vacation rental's interior design can have a larger impact on whether people book it or not. Let's get down to the practical, but psychological aspect of design and how it affects people. This is called Design Psychology, which helps us make decisions about architecture, interior design, and space planning. Our day to day environments significantly affect our mood and emotions (Weeks, 2018). Particularly, aesthetics such as light, texture and pattern, and room organization have been proven to reduce the effects of anxiety and depression because they offer restorative qualities to a home (Weeks, 2018).Also, keep in mind that you don't need to spend a ton of money to make your vacation rental cozy and enjoyable (Cascara, 2021). What matters is the few simple touches that make a huge difference on how your home looks and how inviting it is for your guests. These thoughtful touches will remind guests that you value them and that you took the time to think about their needs, and this my friends will make them feel cared for, and help give them an amazing guest experience in your vacation rental (Airbnb, 2021).FOLLOW Mary on the handles below: Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsReferencesAirbnb. (2021). Tips from Airbnb Plus hosts: Design your space for comfort: Learn Airbnb Plus hosting tips to create a cozy and inviting space. Retrieved from https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/tips-from-airbnb-plus-hosts-design-your-space-for-comfort-105. Cascara Vacation Rentals. (2021).Vacation Rental Decorating Tips. Cascara Vacation Rentals. Retrieved from https://www.cascaravacations.com/vacation-rental-decorating-tips.htm . Design Psychologist Career. (2020). Psychology School Guide. net. Retrieved from https://www.psychologyschoolguide.net/psychology-careers/design-psychologist/#:~:text=Design%20psychology%20can%20be%20defined,interior%20design%2C%20and%20space%20planning. HGTV. (2021). Guide to Buy Sheets: Discover how to choose sheets that are soft, comfortable and long-lasting. Plus find out why thread count matters and compare microfiber vs. cotton sheets. Retrieved from https://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/bedrooms/guide-to-buying-sheets. Holmes, L. How to Choose th

Hi everyone! Welcome to episode #1 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I'm your host Mary Amaechi and I'm excited to dive into this episode where I'll introduce myself and tell you how you can benefit from this podcast. I'm the Founder and Creative Director of Ehzii Mary Interiors, which is a boutique online interior design studio with the goal to help you get new and more bookings for their vacation rentals.Quality interior design can have a significant effect on how travelers choose their vacation rentals. And when guests are happy with their vacation rentals, they tend to give really good reviews that help to attract other prospective guests to your listings. According to TurnKey Vacation rentals, when selecting housing accommodations, the majority of travelers agreed that guest reviews are a primary deciding factor when choosing a vacation rental (TurnKey, 2021). And this my friends, is how you can bring in more revenue from your vacation rental business….through good reviews. FOLLOW Mary on the handles below:  Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriors Twitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsReferencesGrand View Research. 2020. Vacation rental Market Size, Share, & Trends Analysis Report By Accomodation Type (Home, Apartments, Resort/Condominium), By Booking Mode (Online, Offline) By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2027.  Retrieved from https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/vacation-rental-market. iGMS. 2021. Vacation Rental Industry Trends for 2021 Shared by Experts [Report]. Retrieved from https://www.igms.com/vacation-rental-industry/ .Magyar, V. (2021). VRTech. The 20 Most Influential People in Vacation Rental Technology. Retrieved from https://vrtech.events/vacation-rental-tech-influencers/.  Sadeghi, M. (2021). 25 Vacation Rental Interior Design Changes That Make a Big Difference. Lodgify. https://www.lodgify.com/blog/vacation-rental-interior-design/.Shulman, B. (2018). Study Shows Travelers Prefer Vacation Rentals Over Hotels. Retrieved from https://blog.turnkeyvr.com/study-shows-travelers-prefer-vacation-rentals-hotels/.