Host with Kate

04/21/2026

Big news for Virginia homeowners 🏡

Starting in July 2027, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) like backyard cottages, garage apartments, guest suites, and in-law spaces will largely become by-right in single-family zoning areas across Virginia.

That means fewer hurdles for homeowners who want to create flexible housing and additional income opportunities on property they already own.

As someone who has been talking about ADUs, home sharing, and smarter use of existing housing for years… this feels like a really big deal.

I’ve seen firsthand how on-property rentals can help offset a mortgage, create breathing room financially, and open doors for families.

ADUs can be used for:

✨ rental income
✨ aging parents
✨ adult children saving for their next step
✨ guest space
✨ multigenerational living

Sometimes the smartest housing solutions aren’t giant new developments… they’re right in our backyards.

Proud to see Virginia moving in this direction.

Would you ever build an ADU on your property?

More: https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/16/a-new-law-will-make-it-easier-to-build-a-tiny-house-in-your-back-yard-starting-next-year

04/07/2026

This is the one photo a property manager snapped… me deep in conversation 😂

I was so busy talking with future hosts last week in Dallas, I forgot to take photos of myself engaging

Which honestly says everything

Spent the week at Airbnb-friendly apartment communities meeting residents who are so close to being ready to host

They don’t need a full overhaul
They don’t need to be perfect
They just need a few tweaks + a little clarity

Stoked to see how many of them take advantage of the World Cup opportunity this summer 👀

04/06/2026

Just helped a client + longtime family friend bring this historic mountain lodge to market ✨

We focused on:
• layout + guest flow
• high-impact design updates
• amenities that actually matter (hot tub, game room, gathering spaces)

Monterey Lodge is now a 10-guest retreat designed for connection, comfort, and memorable stays.

Officially live on Airbnb!

👉Airbnb.com/h/montereylodge

03/31/2026

I think a lot of people still assume short-term rental opportunities like this are only for homeowners or investors…

But what I’m seeing in Dallas this week is something different.

These are everyday renters, living in their own apartments, who have the option to share their space when they’re not using it - whether that’s for a weekend away, work travel, or big moments happening in the city.

It’s not about doing it full-time.
It’s about having the option.

And that shift alone can open up a lot.

I’ve been having some really interesting conversations with residents this week about what this could look like for them, and it’s honestly been fun to see the lightbulb moments.

Curious… is this something you’d ever consider?

03/19/2026

Stop washing your entire duvet after every guest stay.

In my short-term rentals, I use the 3-sheet method to keep beds feeling clean, comfortable, and hotel-level - while saving time on turnovers.

My typical setup:
• Fitted sheet
• Flat sheet
• Comforter (primary warmth layer)
• Flat sheet
• Blanket for texture + extra warmth

This system protects the comforter so I only need to wash sheets between most stays, which helps extend the life of bedding and makes turnovers much more efficient.

I’m currently testing a hotel-grade comforter from (gifted product) in this setup and will share how it performs after a few turnovers.

Save this if you host.

02/25/2026

What sort of "cherry on top" amenities do you provide? 🍒

01/21/2026

After 10+ years of working with home-sharing hosts (and designing 12+ furnished rentals of my own), I’ve learned that the most memorable spaces aren’t necessarily the fanciest ones. They’re the ones that feel thoughtful, personal, and cared for.

I wrote a new blog post all about this, and how a little design intention can completely transform a furnished rental. ✨

Hostwithkate.com/blog

01/20/2026

Big events = big opportunity (if you’re prepared). 🎯
We break down how hosts can handle high-demand events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 without losing their minds 👇

Major events can supercharge bookings – or completely overwhelm your operations.In the first episode of Turnover Tactics, a new series from Host Planet power...

12/19/2025

I’ve been looking back at the bedrooms I’ve created over the years — spaces I lived in, hosted in, and poured myself into along the way.

What stands out most are the patterns: macramé, plants, secondhand art, layered lighting, good curtains, cozy throw pillows… and apparently a lifelong devotion to twinkle lights ✨

Different homes, cities, seasons, and budgets — but always the same intention: to make a room feel warm, personal, and truly lived in. Bedrooms have always been my favorite room to design 🤍

11/14/2025

This bathroom said “help” and I said “BRB, grabbing peel-and-stick tiles.” 😌

DIY moss panels + a $180 Wayfair vanity = a major refresh without a major price tag. Budget makeovers are my love language✨

P.S. Thanks to Minoan for the solid vanity discount!

11/05/2025

When we bought our property in 2021, our guesthouse wasn’t even permitted. Fast forward to today, The Bohive now covers nearly our entire mortgage and we’ve hosted hundreds of guests from all over 🐝✨

I just shared the full story (and numbers!) on the blog — how we went from lime-green floors to a boho retreat that gives back to our community.

When we bought our property in 2021, the guesthouse out back wasn’t exactly ready for guests—or legal, for that matter. It was unpermitted, lime green (yes, floors and curtains), and full of potential if you squinted hard enough. We knew we wanted to share the space one day, but first, we had to...