Case Study: Midnight Hollow Cabin
100th Percentile: How Aquarius Built a Top-Performing STR from Scratch
In the heart of Oregon’s most iconic alpine region lies Midnight Hollow Cabin—a boutique 2-bedroom retreat nestled in Rhododendron, a quintessential Pacific Northwest mountain village near Mt. Hood.
Designed entirely by Aquarius Staging & Design, this 1,000 sq ft short-term rental was imagined, drawn, built, and styled from the ground up. From early architectural drawings to the final throw pillows, every inch of Midnight Hollow reflects Aquarius’s signature design philosophy: beauty with purpose.
The result? A small-footprint property that delivers outsize revenue performance and ranks among the most successful short-term rentals in the market. Midnight Hollow is living proof that design isn’t just aesthetic—it’s strategic. And when done right, it directly drives ROI.
ROI by Design
Midnight Hollow Cabin is now a market leader, earning its place as the #1 revenue-generating property in its size class and outperforming even much larger homes in the same region.
It ranks:
#1 in revenue among all homes that sleep 4 (115 properties)
#2 in revenue compared to homes that sleep up to 8 (391 listings)
#13 overall out of 480 active short-term rentals in the region
And sits firmly in the 100th percentile for its size class
These aren’t just standout numbers—they’re astounding metrics that demonstrate how thoughtful, high-impact design can redefine expectations for compact rental properties.
Flipping the Script on the Market
When reviewing the Mt. Hood and Rhododendron short-term rental landscape, we noticed something missing: a space for high-design, small-footprint luxury cabins. Most two-bedroom listings in the area felt uninspired—relying on outdated finishes, rustic clichés, or generic decor. There was no category for modern, aspirational design in a compact package.
So we created one.
Rather than try to fit into the market’s existing mold, Midnight Hollow broke it—offering a new standard for what boutique vacation homes could be. Designed with intention, the home became more than a listing—it became an experience. One that commands premium bookings, earns consistent 5-star reviews, and sits at the top of its class in performance.
This is what happens when you stop competing—and start redefining.
Design as a Revenue Engine
While many vacation homes rely on square footage or amenities alone, Midnight Hollow was built with a singular focus: to turn design into performance.
Aquarius approached the project as both artists and strategists—balancing visual harmony with spatial functionality. Every decision was intentional:
The architectural layout optimizes natural light, flow, and connection to the surrounding forest.
The interior palette balances moodiness and warmth, encouraging guests to unwind, linger, and return.
The decor speaks to the natural contrasts of the Pacific Northwest—where industrial steel meets organic textiles, and mid-century silhouettes coexist with nostalgic comfort.
The effect? A home that feels cinematic, cohesive, and emotionally resonant. Guests don’t just stay here—they feel something here. And they’re willing to pay more for it.
Why Aquarius-Designed Rentals Outperform
Midnight Hollow exemplifies the Aquarius approach: design that pays for itself.
Here’s how:
It competes with homes twice its size—and wins.
It earns more revenue than nearly every comparable property in the market.
It converts browsers into bookers through elevated staging, lighting, and composition that photographs beautifully.
It commands premium nightly rates because the design experience feels luxurious, not just functional.
This property proves that design is more than decor—it’s a business strategy.
The Aquarius Difference
Midnight Hollow Cabin isn’t just a success story. It’s a proof of concept.
It shows that a small, well-designed home can outperform its larger competitors. That thoughtful, cohesive staging can drive tangible returns. And that design rooted in regional soul can transform a property into a category leader.
At Aquarius, we don’t just style homes. We build brands, shape guest experiences, and optimize every design decision for ROI. Whether it’s a short-term rental or a forever home, we apply the same level of detail, artistry, and strategic thinking that brought Midnight Hollow to life—and to the top of its market.
