Airbnb has been growing in popularity over the past few years, and now there are many people renting out rooms and properties on the site. These quick tips from our interior stylist Melanie Grace will show you how to set up an Airbnb property that stands out, choose a style that suits the location, and preparation tips for guests.
Start with a Clean Slate
Before you even start thinking about al the “fun stuff”, make sure you clean everything thoroughly and I mean like a cleaning ninja. Remove any dust or dirt from surfaces, windows, and yes even those skirting boards. Also, remove any personal items such as pictures, books etc if you are not starting from scratch and simply working with existing furniture. You should also vacuum the floor and wipe down the walls. Wash curtains and clean rugs. Preparation is everything.
Create an Inspiring Space.
Once you’ve cleaned up, it’s time to start decorating – yes the “fun” part…! Start by choosing a color scheme. If you’re going with a neutral palette, choose colors that will work well together. You can use a color wheel to find complementary colors, or just pick colors that you love. Remember to think about marks on walls with guests. You do not want to be constantly cleaning all white walls. But you do want the area to be light and welcoming.
You should consider how you want them to feel when they arrive. You can do this by creating a welcoming space that feels comfortable and inviting. This includes choosing colors that will make your home feel warm and cozy. While white is nice it’s overdone and boring and totally impractical for an AIRBNB. Not to mention I presume guests are going to feel like they cannot touch anything or relax for the constant fear of making something dirty. Yes it looks good on Instagram but seriously not good to relax in.
Choose a style that works for the property not you.
It’s also important to think about how guests feel when they arrive at your AIRBNB property. Do you want them to feel comfortable and relaxed? Or do you prefer an elegant, formal atmosphere? Think about what kind of vibe you want to give off. This will set the background of the style. Also think about your location. Are you going to style your property coastal when it’s located in the mountains? Guests are choosing your AIRBNB because of the location and style/photos. It’s about the whole experience.
Add Colourful Accents.
You can add color with accessories like pillows, throws, and rugs. If you’re styling a room that has a lot of light space, consider adding layers of texture to make it warmer.
Add Personal Touches to Your Property.
You can also personalise your AIRBNB by adding items that reflect who you are as a host. For instance, if you love y cooking, put out a collection of cookbooks. If you’re a dog lover, consider putting up photos of your furry friends. Sometimes little personal touches make a difference so it’s not like a sterile hotel. Adding a beautiful collection of locally made goods is a wonderful idea and a great way to get 5 star ratings for a small investment. It is always the “little” extras that make a difference to a AIRBNB experience and this is where a AIRBNB stylist can help if you feel it is all too much.
It’s all about the bed do not be fooled.
A dive in gorgeous styled and super comfortable bedroom will make your guests feel like they really are on holiday. To ensure that your guest room is cozy, try using soft lighting, warm colors, and super comfy bedding – I highly recommend linen sheets and a great quality mattress. There is nothing better than going away and then being able to wake up after an amazing nights sleep in the best bed. Think cloudy mattress toppers. Also, keep the temperature low enough so that your guests won’t need to wear extra clothing.
Need help setting up your AIRBNB? Give us a call and we can take care of everything even if you are interstate, we manage it all for you. Say Hello here.
