The Quill List! Featuring: Terrahavi in Durham, North Carolina

Jan 24, 2025

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Welcome to the latest Quill List feature!

Recently, I was planning on a short stay in the Raleigh-Durham area for a few nights while my husband worked and we took our daughter to tour Duke University. During my search, Victoria and Hansi's property immediately caught my eye! I discovered their rental on Instagram and reached out to see if we could feature it on the Quill List—and I’m so glad we did.

I had the pleasure of meeting this fabulous young couple in their beautifully designed home to learn more about their journey, and from that conversation, this blog was born! Enjoy hearing how Victoria and Hansi ventured thoughtfully into the short-term rental industry and how their first property is already exceeding expectations with higher-than-predicted occupancy rates and glowing guest reviews.

Enjoy! - Val

Victoria and Hansi, tell us a bit about yourselves.

Us: We currently reside in Northwest Raleigh, NC. North Carolina has been home for me my whole life and Hansi is able to claim NC as his home since his family relocated from NY to NC 19 years ago. We've known each other as favorable acquaintances for 10 years and have rekindled a deeper relationship for the past 3 (we just went ring shopping! 😆). We love exploring local food scenes as true foodies and are always on the lookout for hidden gems and unique flavors. Music festivals are also something we both enjoy where we get to embrace the vibes and connect with others that enjoy it as much as we do.

Victoria: I was born in Durham, NC, I am a 27-year-old, Vietnamese-American woman who works my 9-5 as a float personal banker who works and travels as a banking specialist across various branches within the Triangle East area. I provide financial guidance, and operational support, and build relationships with customers and employees of Fifth Third. I have 4 rescue cats and lots of plant babies. In my free time, I’m a creative at heart and find joy in refurbishing furniture, practicing photography, and having fun with interior design.

Hansi: I’m 29, and have called Raleigh home the past 19 years. For my full-time 9-5, I work as a marketing manager. I get to use both the creative and analytical sides of my brain to market products and services. I feel like these characteristics are also something that drew me to AirBnb. In my free time, I enjoy working out, trying new things, and hanging out with friends and family.

_{above photo: shop the orange chairs, green patterned pillows, and red shaded floor lamp}

How did your short-term rental journey begin?

Hansi and I had our independent passions for entrepreneurship within real estate, but when we came together, our knowledge for digging deeper into short-term rentals really bloomed. We played around with the thought for a while during our dinners together because we just knew it was a passion project for us that could be imagination or reality. Ultimately, our determination and influence on each other made it an amazing reality!

We dabbled with the idea of Airbnb arbitrage and went through the process before we came to the conclusion that purchasing a home would be more viable. With both our backgrounds in finance, Hansi's background in marketing and natural artistic talent, and my passion for designing a space, we went head first into this project.

It was like a whirlwind of learning experiences, but we were able to share ideas and knowledge with each other, which made the process so memorable and, honestly, beautiful—despite the times we butted heads (that bathroom wallpaper 😂)!

We love working as a team on something, and this project felt like our golden egg. I remember when we finalized the Airbnb—it felt surreal. We took a break and traveled to D.C. for my best friend's birthday, and while making the invitations for a "housewarming/ribbon cutting" party, we realized, "Okay... we need to come up with a name for our baby."

We explored so many ideas, brainstorming names that felt right in both our hearts and guts. We wanted something that captured the essence of staying in an Airbnb. For us, staying in an Airbnb was about exploring, enjoying, indulging, and living life—escaping the day-to-day and experiencing a new world.

We started Googling synonyms for words like "life," "living," and "space," and that’s when we came across the word "terra." We loved how it rolled off the tongue! Then we wanted to make it more personal, something that represented us. That’s when I began playing with renditions of our names, and that’s how we came up with the "havi" part: the first two letters of each of our names, Hansi and Victoria.

"Terra" is a Latin word meaning "earth" or "land," and "Terrahavi"—our interpretation as "Land on Earth of Hansi and Victoria"—had the unique flair we needed to feel like it was the one.

What was your design process for this space?

I'll be honest... the design process for this space was a whirlwind of ideas that came together with the help of Pinterest!

We’re big fans of the mid-century modern look, but we also wanted to blend it with an abstract, modern, and colorful vibe. At the same time, we knew we wanted to incorporate and reflect Durham’s rich history of art. This city is vibrant, artistic, and deeply rooted in music and cultural heritage, and we wanted to honor that while adding touches to our personal aesthetic.

To keep track of our designs, we used Photoshop to roughly piece everything together in one room—and relied on a lot of imagination!

_{Victoria and Hansi used images from Pinterest and the internet to create mood boards, like you see above, to help collate their "cluster of ideas".}

The color scheme for downstairs is SO inviting and It photographs brilliantly. How did you choose those colors, and obtain the right balance in your design?

We chose those colors because we wanted to be vibrant and stand out from the rest. As frequent Airbnb users, we’ve always found the most joy in staying in spaces with their own unique qualities.

Having a set color palette feels like the first and most important step in bringing a design to life and making it visually pleasing—the rest is all about experimentation. We went bold with our color choices, knowing there’s a fine line between aesthetically daring and overwhelming. But we felt confident in our ability to strike a balance by using a mix of bright and softer tones, all tied together with warm undertones.

For example, we couldn’t ignore the bright orange we painted on the exterior of the house. We wanted to pull that color into the interior design, making it feel like the whole house was one cohesive canvas. The goal was to create a space that flows seamlessly and, of course, brings a little serotonin—special shoutout to the rainbow window film!

_{above: The rainbow window film applied to the front door provides privacy and adds whimsy. You can see my daughter Isla admiring its reflection on the dining table here during our stay at Terrahavi.}

_{Terrahavi exterior}

Ummm.....The checkerboard rug though! (drool) I think it MAKES the space POP and stops the scroll on your listing. Tell us where you got it, how you chose it, and if you would buy it again!

We got it from Rugs USA! It’s called the Rasali Checkered Box Rug in Navy, size 8' x 10'. It comes in various sizes and shapes, and I feel it has the ideal thickness for handling heavy foot traffic throughout the house.

We chose it because we wanted something that would really create a wow factor in the living room, where the most time is spent. It also helps clearly define the space between the kitchen and dining area, which is essential in an open floor plan. The pattern is so fun—it feels like it naturally encourages lively, bold conversations with friends and family, sparking lots of laughter and connection!

We would 100% buy it again, both for business and personal use!

SHOP THE RASALI CHECKERBOARD RUG

Shop Terrahavi's living room style below (boards prepared by Quill Decor)

Tell us about how you decided on the feature walls in the bedrooms. Why did you choose those colors, and where to start and stop them?

We decided on the feature walls because the rooms are on the smaller side, but we wanted something that felt grand and unique while staying within budget.

For the king room, I wanted a design that naturally drew the eyes upward since it’s the primary room. The ceiling lights have a special dimming feature that really elevates the space, so we wanted to continue that effect. The feature wall almost deceives the eyes, making the wall appear more filled while drawing the eye up. This works beautifully alongside our choice of a shorter headboard, which confines the focus on the bed itself for a cozy, inviting feel.

In the queen bedroom, which is the smallest room, I aimed to create another type of visual illusion to enhance the ceiling height. We also designed the wall to resemble a "headboard," similar to the primary bedroom but carried it out using a slightly different method.

For the trundle bedroom, we tried something completely unique. We played with the wall space in the center, scaling it almost like a painting in an art museum. This added an artistic touch that stands apart from the other two rooms.

Overall, the feature walls were chosen to bring a sense of coziness to each bedroom without making the spaces feel closed in. We selected colors that complement the tones used downstairs, keeping a cohesive flow throughout Terrahavi. For upstairs, we leaned into subtle yet warmer hues, giving the rooms their own distinct personality while creating a peaceful vibe perfect for winding down.

The placement of each feature wall was carefully considered with the size of the room in mind. They enhance the intimacy of the spaces by framing the beds with color while keeping the rest of the room open and airy. Each room feels inviting yet uncluttered!

Are there any fun stories along the way to setting up your rental?

I’d say our most fun experience while setting up the rental was DIY-ing some of the pieces in the property! It gave us a chance to tap into the artsy parts of our brains and put our critical thinking skills to the test—especially since we’d never built furniture from scratch before.

When we purchased the home, the downstairs bathroom had exposed piping. With the help of Hansi’s dad and a nail gun, we figured out how to build a mini cabinet that fits perfectly with our tiny sink! Creating something useful like that was such a rewarding experience (although figuring out which way the hinges should go was honestly the hardest part—lol).

We originally planned to buy the twin property behind Terrahavi, but another buyer put in an offer before we did. At first, it felt devastating, but it actually worked out so well in the end. We gained an amazing neighbor and friend, and Terrahavi’s brown flooring suited our aesthetic much better than the grey floors in the other home.

The Asian art downstairs was found at Goodwill, and the ladies in the primary bedroom came from Amazon! I’m of Vietnamese heritage, and I grew up with Asian art around me. I feel like although the interior is mainly contemporary mid-century modern, there is plenty of Asian representation that flows throughout the house and reminds me of my childhood.

How do you feel having a well-designed rental property affects your overall business?

Personally, we feel like an Airbnb is not just a place to lay your head, but also a place that makes you feel comfortable—like a home away from home. That’s what we wanted to create, especially in a city as vibrant and thriving as Durham. I was born and raised here, and I want others to experience how beautiful this city is, feeling a true sense of the Durham experience, from inside the home to outside in the city.

We believe a well-designed Airbnb is essential for creating a memorable experience that sets us apart from local competitors. A thoughtfully designed space attracts guests who appreciate a well-done space, which in turn is more likely to draw people who respect their surroundings. Since Terrahavi feels welcoming, curated, and visually appealing, we believe it encourages guests to book our property over others. It’s cute, sparks joy, and makes people excited to call a space like this their home for a little while. It’s kind of like going to an art museum or taking the scenic route—enjoying the beauty around you. I feel like it reminds you to stop for a second, breathe, and take it all in. It’s a reminder of the little things in life that make you feel alive.

Our attention to detail shows that we care about our guests' experience, which in turn leads to higher occupancy rates, positive reviews, and more repeat bookings. It isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about elevating the overall guest experience while helping our business thrive.

When we first started looking for homes, we used a website called Bnbcalc.com, similar to Airdna.com, to generate data like predicted occupancy rates. The system estimated we’d hit a 75% occupancy rate within our first year of hosting. Now, with just a month and a half until our one-year anniversary, we’ve exceeded that goal and are on track to reach 91% occupancy by the end of 2024. Our interior design is definitely one of the reasons why we’ve been so blessed.

What is something special and unique about your property or the experience you offer your guests that makes you stand apart in the short-term rental marketplace?

Of course, the property and design speak for themselves! But beyond that, as we mentioned before, we’re avid Airbnb users, so we understand what it’s like to be on the guest side of things. We’ve experienced hosts who weren’t very accommodating and others who went above and beyond. We know how great it feels to be welcomed by a kind and thoughtful host, and we want to make sure our guests feel that way every time.

Whether they’re staying somewhere close to home or far away, it’s our job as hosts to provide a comfortable, all-around welcoming environment for them.

Hahaha, I think being laid-back hosts is definitely one of our strengths too! We don’t mind if you have friends over—as long as you’re respectful of the neighbors and don’t break anything. Honestly, we’d probably want an invite too—lol!

What were your favorite resources for furniture and decor for the house?

Our favorite resources for balling on a budget were definitely Amazon, Wayfair, and thrift stores.

Shop Terrahavi's dining room style below (boards prepared by Quill Decor)

1. ceiling pendant | 2. artwork | 3. green chair | 4. rattan chair | 5. table

What advice would you give to other young professionals like yourselves who are looking to obtain a rental?

Our biggest piece of advice would be to dive in headfirst—but do it logically. If not now, then when? What we mean by “logically headfirst” is to go for it, but be smart about it. We spent a year doing research and collecting data before we felt ready to start looking for the perfect Airbnb. By the time we were ready, we knew exactly what we were doing.

Take the time to research the market. Location is key, so look into areas that are attractive to travelers. Create a financial cushion and ensure you stand out with your design. Be sure to understand local regulations and market your property effectively. Analyzing the data and keeping your profit margin logical is crucial.

You don’t necessarily have to make enough profit to pocket a lot (though if you do, amazing!), but it’s important to make enough so that you can cover the mortgage even during slower periods. Shop around at different banks to compare mortgage rates and find the loan that works best for you. Setting up an LLC with your state is also a good idea, as it allows you to open a business checking account and apply for business credit cards. Look for cards with rewards programs or an introductory period of 0% interest—this can help fund furniture, decor, essentials, and utilities without dipping into your personal savings.

In conclusion:

Research the Market: Study the local short-term rental market. Check occupancy rates, average nightly prices, and peak seasons. This will help you gauge potential income and determine if a rental is a viable investment.
Location is Key: Choose a spot that attracts travelers, whether it’s near a city center, beach, or tourist hotspot. Proximity to amenities and attractions will impact your success.
Create a Financial Cushion: Budget carefully, covering both upfront costs (furnishings, renovations) and recurring expenses (cleaning, maintenance, and insurance). Always have a buffer for unexpected repairs or low-occupancy periods.
Stand Out with Design: A well-designed property attracts more bookings. Focus on quality furnishings, cohesive decor, and guest-friendly amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi and comfy bedding.
Understand Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with short-term rental laws and zoning rules in your area. Compliance is non-negotiable to avoid fines or losing your license.
Market Effectively: Use professional photos and write compelling descriptions for your listings. Highlight unique features of your property and nearby attractions. Good marketing attracts the right guests.
Plan for Property Management: If you’re balancing a full-time job, consider hiring a property manager or using rental management software to handle guest communication, check-ins, and cleaning.
Focus on Guest Experience: Small details—like local guides, a welcome basket, or clear appliance instructions—can leave a lasting impression. Happy guests mean glowing reviews, which are essential for success.

Most importantly, have fun! This is an incredible and potentially lucrative adventure. It’s a unique opportunity to express your personality and creativity. From choosing decor to crafting the guest experience, every decision adds a part of yourself to the property. Enjoy designing a space where people can relax, explore, and make memories.

Embrace the learning curve, celebrate small wins, and soak it all in. When you bring passion and joy to the process, it shows—and that energy is something guests can feel and appreciate. A business you love is one you’ll be motivated to grow and nurture.

Victoria and Hansi, thank you for sharing your beautiful property with us. You two are truly an inspiration to anyone looking to start or grow a short-term rental business.

As I mentioned above, having recently stayed at Terrahavi and had the pleasure of meeting Victoria and Hansi, I can personally attest to their brilliance as warm and inviting hosts. They’re down-to-earth and incredibly chill, and somehow that vibe shines through in both their design and the overall atmosphere of their space.

Their story is proof that with thoughtful planning, creativity, and a passion for hospitality, it’s possible to create a space that not only feels like home but also stands out in a competitive market. Terrahavi reflects their vision, hard work, and dedication, offering guests an experience that’s both welcoming and inspiring. Victoria and Hansi have truly set the standard for what a short-term rental can be, and I can’t wait to see how their journey continues to unfold.

Until next time, happy hosting everyone!

To stay in Terrahavi, email [email protected] or check out the listing on Airbnb. And be sure take a look at their Instagram to keep up to date with everything going on at Terrahavi: @terrahavi

The Quill List is our curated collection of extraordinary short-term rentals celebrated for their inspiring design and dedication to the guest experience. At Quill Decor, we’re thrilled to highlight properties that bring creativity and care to every detail, setting a high standard in the rental market.

If your property combines innovative design with outstanding hospitality, we invite you to apply for a feature. Selected hosts will be contacted for an interview, sharing your story and celebrating your approach to hosting with a larger audience. Complete the application below to start the journey—we look forward to discovering your space!

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The Quill List! Featuring: Terrahavi in Durham, North Carolina

Welcome to the latest Quill List feature!

Victoria and Hansi, tell us a bit about yourselves.

How did your short-term rental journey begin?

What was your design process for this space?

The color scheme for downstairs is SO inviting and It photographs brilliantly. How did you choose those colors, and obtain the right balance in your design?

Ummm.....The checkerboard rug though! (drool) I think it MAKES the space POP and stops the scroll on your listing. Tell us where you got it, how you chose it, and if you would buy it again!

Shop Terrahavi's living room style below (boards prepared by Quill Decor)

Tell us about how you decided on the feature walls in the bedrooms. Why did you choose those colors, and where to start and stop them?

Are there any fun stories along the way to setting up your rental?

How do you feel having a well-designed rental property affects your overall business?

What is something special and unique about your property or the experience you offer your guests that makes you stand apart in the short-term rental marketplace?

What were your favorite resources for furniture and decor for the house?

Shop Terrahavi's dining room style below (boards prepared by Quill Decor)

What advice would you give to other young professionals like yourselves who are looking to obtain a rental?

Hey!

Other great reads for you...

Sabbatical Travel Update: Where We've Been, Where We Are and How It...

Round Up: The Best Sofas for your Airbnb

Round Up: The Best Lamps for Your Airbnb

Join the Quill Newsletter

Join Our Free Trial

The Quill List! Featuring: Terrahavi in Durham, North Carolina

Welcome to the latest Quill List feature!

Victoria and Hansi, tell us a bit about yourselves.

How did your short-term rental journey begin?

What was your design process for this space?

The color scheme for downstairs is SO inviting and It photographs brilliantly. How did you choose those colors, and obtain the right balance in your design?

Ummm.....The checkerboard rug though! (*drool*) I think it MAKES the space POP and stops the scroll on your listing. Tell us where you got it, how you chose it, and if you would buy it again!

Shop Terrahavi's living room style below (boards prepared by Quill Decor)

Tell us about how you decided on the feature walls in the bedrooms. Why did you choose those colors, and where to start and stop them?

Are there any fun stories along the way to setting up your rental?

How do you feel having a well-designed rental property affects your overall business?

What is something special and unique about your property or the experience you offer your guests that makes you stand apart in the short-term rental marketplace?

What were your favorite resources for furniture and decor for the house?

Shop Terrahavi's dining room style below (boards prepared by Quill Decor)

What advice would you give to other young professionals like yourselves who are looking to obtain a rental?

Hey!

Other great reads for you...

Sabbatical Travel Update: Where We've Been, Where We Are and How It...

Round Up: The Best Sofas for your Airbnb

Round Up: The Best Lamps for Your Airbnb

Join the Quill Newsletter

Can I send you free art?

Join Our Free Trial

Ummm.....The checkerboard rug though! (drool) I think it MAKES the space POP and stops the scroll on your listing. Tell us where you got it, how you chose it, and if you would buy it again!