Somerled Designs vs Bee Setups: Which Is the Better Choice for Airbnb Furnishings?
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Somerled Designs vs Bee Setups: Which Is the Better Choice for Airbnb Furnishings?

If you’re comparing Somerled Designs vs Bee Setups, the short answer is this: Somerled Designs typically charges $20,000–$50,000 in design, project management, and assembly fees—before even purchasing furniture. Bee Setups, by contrast, charges a flat setup fee ($995–$6,500) plus furniture costs, offering a true turnkey Airbnb furnishing solution in 3–6+ weeks.


In this guide, we’ll break down fees, processes, pros/cons, and why Bee Setups is often the more cost‑effective and ROI‑driven choice for short‑term rental (STR) investors.




Who Is Somerled Designs?



Somerled Designs is a design firm that works with homeowners and investors on large‑scale furnishing projects. Their pricing model is based on charging by square foot for design fees.


Typical Costs with Somerled Designs:


  • Design fee: $12,000–$15,000 (based on sq. ft.).

  • Project management fee: % of overall budget or flat fee.

  • Assembly fee: Charged separately.

  • Total in fees (excluding furniture): $20,000–$50,000+.



On top of these fees, you still pay for all furniture and décor, which can push the total budget far higher.



Bedroom with wooden bed, colorful pillows, and sunset artwork. Large windows show a patio. Warm, inviting atmosphere.

Who Is Bee Setups?



Bee Setups specializes in turnkey Airbnb furnishing for investors and hosts. Instead of billing by square footage or layering in multiple fees, Bee Setups uses a flat setup fee model, paired with the actual furniture budget.


Typical Costs with Bee Setups:


  • Setup fee: $995–$6,500 depending on package.

  • Furniture budget: $15,000–$25,000 for a 2–3 bedroom STR.

  • Timeline: 3–6+ weeks depending on project size.

  • All‑in service: Includes design, sourcing, delivery, assembly, essentials, and staging.



This streamlined pricing makes Bee Setups far more predictable and investor‑friendly compared to Somerled’s fee structure.



Somerled Designs vs Bee Setups: Key Differences


Feature

Somerled Designs

Bee Setups

Pricing Model

By square foot + multiple fees

Flat setup fee + furniture

Design Fee

$12–15k

Included in setup fee

Project Management Fee

Additional

Included

Assembly Fee

Additional

Included

Total Fees (before furniture)

$20–50k+

$995–$6,500

Furniture Budget

Extra

$15–25k typical

STR Focus

❌ No

✅ Yes

Avg Timeline

8–12+ weeks

3–6+ weeks


Cost Comparison: Somerled Designs vs Bee Setups




Somerled Designs



  • Design Fee: $12–15k.

  • Project Management: Varies, often thousands more.

  • Assembly: Billed separately.

  • Total Fees: $20–50k+.

  • Furniture: On top of fees.




Bee Setups



  • Setup Fee: $995–$6,500 depending on package.

  • Furniture: Typically $15–25k for a 2–3 bedroom property.

  • All Services Included: Design, sourcing, delivery, assembly, essentials, staging.

  • Predictable & Transparent: No hidden fees.



👉 Result: For investors, Bee Setups provides cost certainty and a faster path to ROI.




The Turnkey Airbnb Setup Process with Bee Setups



Here’s the streamlined approach Bee Setups uses:


  1. Consultation Call – Define property, budget, and guest profile.

  2. Choose Package – Standard, Essentials, Premium, or Luxury.

  3. Custom Design Plan – STR‑optimized layouts to maximize bookings.

  4. Sourcing & Logistics – Supplier coordination handled entirely.

  5. Delivery & Assembly – On‑site team sets up everything.

  6. Final Styling & Essentials – Décor, linens, kitchenware, all guest‑ready.



⏱ Average Timeline: 3–6+ weeks, depending on property size and furniture volume.




Pros & Cons: Somerled Designs vs Bee Setups




Somerled Designs



Pros


  • Custom design firm experience.

  • Suited for high‑budget, luxury projects.



Cons


  • Charges by square foot, driving up costs.

  • $20–50k in fees before buying furniture.

  • Separate project management and assembly charges.

  • Longer timelines (8–12+ weeks).

  • Not STR‑specific (focus is broader residential design).




Bee Setups



Pros


  • Transparent flat fee pricing.

  • STR‑focused design for maximum ADR & occupancy.

  • Full turnkey solution: design + delivery + assembly.

  • Predictable timelines (3–6+ weeks).

  • Lower fees → more budget goes into furniture & guest experience.



Cons


  • Best suited for investors/STR hosts (not general homeowners).

  • Furniture budget typically starts at $15k minimum.





Case Study: Somerled Designs vs Bee Setups



Client A – Somerled Designs Route


  • 2,000 sq. ft. property.

  • Paid ~$15,000 in design fees.

  • Additional $12,000 in project management + assembly.

  • Total fees: ~$27,000 (excluding furniture).

  • Furniture: ~$20,000.

  • Total Investment: ~$47,000+.

  • Timeline: 10 weeks.



Client B – Bee Setups Route


  • Similar 2,000 sq. ft. STR.

  • Setup fee: $2,500 (Premium Package).

  • Furniture: ~$22,000.

  • Total Investment: ~$24,500.

  • Timeline: 5 weeks.

  • ROI faster: guest‑ready in nearly half the time, with total fees a fraction of Somerled’s.



📈 Outcome: Bee Setups → less than half the cost, faster setup, higher ROI potential.



Somerled Designs vs Other Competitors


Competitor

Pricing Model

STR Focus

Avg Fees

Avg Timeline

Somerled Designs

$20–50k fees + furniture

❌ No

$20–50k+

8–12+ weeks

Furnishr

Flat fee + furniture

❌ No

$5–10k

6–8 weeks

Havenly

Online design service

❌ No

$1–3k

4–6 weeks

Showplace

Discount membership

❌ No

<$500

Varies

Bee Setups

Flat setup fee + furniture

✅ Yes

$995–$6.5k

3–6+ weeks


FAQs: Somerled Designs vs Bee Setups




How much does Somerled Designs cost?



Most projects with Somerled Designs cost $20,000–$50,000 in fees alone, plus furniture. Fees include design (~$12–15k), project management, and assembly.



How much does Bee Setups cost?



Bee Setups charges a flat setup fee of $995–$6,500, plus furniture (typically $15–25k). Fees include everything—design, delivery, assembly, essentials, and staging.



Which is faster: Somerled Designs or Bee Setups?



Somerled projects typically take 8–12+ weeks, while Bee Setups averages 3–6+ weeks.



Which is better for Airbnb investors?



Bee Setups is built for STR investors—designs are optimized for bookings and ROI, with lower fees so more of your budget goes into furniture and guest experience.




Conclusion: Somerled Designs vs Bee Setups



While Somerled Designs offers custom design services, their pricing model—$20–50k in fees plus furniture—makes it cost‑prohibitive for many Airbnb investors.


By contrast, Bee Setups provides a predictable, transparent turnkey solution with flat fees, STR‑focused design, and a faster setup timeline. For investors looking to maximize ROI, Bee Setups is the clear choice.


👉 Book a free call today to get your Airbnb guest‑ready in 3–6+ weeks: https://calendly.com/bee-setups/homesetup

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