Top 3 Airbnb Design Tips From An Interior Designer
As a little girl one of my favorite cartoons was Betty Boop. I had a black and white VHS that I would watch on repeat. In one of the shorts there was a door to door salesman that was selling small household appliances.
The salesman came into Betty Boop's precious cottage and like an idiot tore her little house apart trying to show her how they all worked. I can remember that video triggering such anxiety and frustration in me.
How could anyone destroy such a cute little place?? The disrespect and stupidity, UGH! I just did not understand it! In the nearly 40 years of my life I have come to realize I am a highly sensitive person which means aesthetics mean a lot to me and environments have a great affect on my mood and well being.
Being a highly sensitive person can seem like a liability unless you are an interior designer who creates spaces people want to pay money to be in. In that case having this wiring is a great asset.
Because I am wired this way I am aware and sensitive to EVERYTHING that affects and shapes the environment around me from the lighting to the smells to the textures to the temperature. My senses pick up everything when I walk into a room. And the truth is a lot of people are affected this way but maybe aren’t aware of it.
Having an awareness of how an environment affects people’s moods and well being is very important when you are in the hospitality business. The brands that make it big in the hospitality industry have perfected their understanding of how environments affect moods.
I have spent countless hours studying and learning these secrets and I want to share a few tips with you so you can execute excellent designs in your Airbnb that will leave your guests coming back for repeat stays.
Airbnb Design Tip 1: Let there be light
Lighting is a key player in any well designed space yet so many people overlook its impact on a space. Lighting is the key element in setting the “mood” of a space. The best way to control the mood of a room is by putting all of your lighting on dimmers.
There are three types of lighting that are needed in a space: task, ambient and accent lighting.
A room needs all three to be a well light space. Don’t rely on the one flushmount light in the middle of the bedroom to be the only source of light. Your guests will need some sort of dim lighting next to the bed for reading at night or to be able to see their wine glass as they lounge in bed watching a movie.
In order to properly light a room consider all of the scenarios and envision what type of light will be needed for that space.
A living room will typically need some sort of central fixture along with accent lighting and if applicable task lighting. Remember for a room to be well lit it will often need six to fifteen different sources of light.
Airbnb Design Tip 2: Bring on the texture
What makes a person interesting is the layers and textures of who they are. No one wants to hang out with a 1-dimensional person. This is the same with a room.
We want to create spaces that pull your eye through the room and that cause you to want to touch, see and discover it more. Sometimes our properties don’t have unique architectural detail (if you have a space that does then use that to your advantage) so we have to create unique detail through the texture we add to a space.
You can add bead board wainscoting or shiplap to create texture.
Note: Shiplap has been all the craze since the farmhouse movement blew up America's tv screens so use it wisely.
Consider the time period your property was built and choose a wood product that would have been used during that time period. We can also add texture through textiles, rugs and artwork.
Add velvet throw pillows and soft furry blankets to living room couches.
Lay a woven jute rug runner in a hallway or a chunky rug in the bedroom.
Hang a piece of driftwood, a salvaged architectural piece or an old tobacco basket on the wall.
Airbnb Design Tip 3: Local or unique art and accessories
One of the best ways to give a property a unique, curated feel is through the art and accessories you choose. This is what gives your property character and its own personality.
If your property was a person how would you tell the story of who they are through the art on the walls and accessories displayed?
I typically avoid “word” art unless it is very specific to the property or geographical location. In such a case I will choose word art that is unique and adds to the “story” of the property. For example, if you are near a body of water or pool hang a larger sign that says SWIM with an arrow pointing to where to swim.
Note: There is nothing more confusing in a design than to see art and accessories that do not compliment the location and reflect the local culture. For example, seeing nautical art or accessories in a lake house, photos of cactus found in California in a Texas Hill Country cottage or paintings of large mountains or forests in Florida.
Next Steps
You may be dreaming about that mailbox money, making plans to launch your first short-term rental and wondering how you’re going to make your property stand out above the competition down the road. Or you’ve already launched your rental and are not seeing the ROI you were hoping for and you’re asking yourself, how do I get guests to book my property over the guy down the road. Wherever you are on your Airbnb journey I want to help you succeed at whatever you are putting your hand to. Je Ne Sais Quoi, is a self-paced interior design course that will help you elevate your rental design, create a 5-star property, and easily increase your profits. This program teaches you everything you need to design, source and install your short-term rental property. Je Ne Sais Quoi is designed to give you what you need to rinse and repeat great designs on all of your properties. Join Je Ne Sais Quoi now.
