With short-term rentals proving to be an ever-enticing alternative to traditional hotel stays, it takes something special to make your Airbnb stand out. So, whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur with a side hustle and seeking some simple tips to transform your humble home into an escape that will attract potential guests. Or, you simply want to elevate your interiors to enjoy the vacation vibes from the comfort of your own living room every single day, Casey McPhail, co-owner of McPhails Furniture is here to help.
Sweet Dreams
Investing in luxurious bedding and bedroom furnishings is one of the easiest ways to make your home (or potential Airbnb) look and feel a little more opulent. After all, how many people do you know who speak about how well or how terrible they slept and then attribute that to the bed!
Casey recommends choosing sheets with a high thread count and tactile fabrics like Egyptian or organic cotton. “Opt for neutral colors like whites, creams, nudes to create a sense of calm and relaxation. Choose a mattress that the majority of people will like. Now is not the time to be polarising. And finally, finish with some soft furnishings like fluffy pillows, a woollen rug, and a cashmere throw to add a warm welcoming vibe to your short term rental sleeping spaces.”
It is advice that regular Airbnb host and owner of WowBnBz Victor Parodi has adopted in how own business, with his two most popular rentals “Blue Dreams” and “Green Stays” in Sydney’s Miller’s Point regularly enticing guests with their comfortable yet contemporary decor.
“As an avid traveller I always appreciate accomodations with a cohesive and appealing aesthetic. That’s why I try to adopt a similar approach to my Airbnbs – starting in the bedroom, where I’ve invested in plush bed heads, complementary pillows and of course a cosy comforter,” says Victor.
Functional Furnishings
One of Casey’s favourite Airbnb design tips is to opt for furniture that’s both sensible and stylish. After all, you want your guests to feel like they’ve checked into a five-star hotel, not a backpacker’s lodge!
Keep to clean lines and muted colours which will create a sophisticated and timeless look, whatever your overall aesthetic. Additionally, you don’t want guests to be dealing with clutter. So invest in pieces that provide storage that makes sense.
Consider investing in a high-quality sofa that is comfortable, a sturdy dining table and chairs, and even an elegant bar cart or drinks trolley stocked with your favourite spirits and gold-rimmed glasses, so guests can treat themself to a resort-inspired afternoon cocktail.
“I added one of these to Blue Dreams,” says Victor. “And it’s become one of its most popular features.”
Show-stopping Statement Pieces
However, having said that, one of the easiest design tips Casey can offer to make your homestay feel like a top-tier hotel is to also inject your neutral-base with a touch of dramatic decor. Think: unique light fixtures, colourful indoor plants, an interesting rustic-style bookshelf, a unique mirror, a stack of coffee table books, or a bold piece of artwork. It is always a good idea to have a focal point or a stand-out piece in the space.
Spoil them with a Spa-like Sanctuary
Casey recommends you encourage guests to embrace every area of your home by transforming a basic bathroom into a relaxing resort-like retreat. “A few easy and affordable additions include plush towels, a fluffy bathrobe, scented candles and some high-end bath products to create a luxurious experience for your guests.”
Go Green
Casey’s final design tip to transform your home into a hotel-like stay is to add plants or fresh flowers throughout. Whether it’s a bouquet of blooms on the dining room table or fresh ferns in the bathroom, a touch of green is all you need to take your property from good to great. They also have the power to provide a homely feel and a sense of calm.
“I like to say that my Green Stays space is Green by both name and nature!” says Victor. “As well as the obvious emerald tones woven throughout the decor, I like to make an effort to include greenery throughout. The feedback is always great from guests who often tell me it really helps elevate their overall experience into something special.”
