When styling your property for the short-term rentals, it is important to keep in mind that you are decorating for a wide audience. Over 400 million users worldwide to be exact use the platform. With approximately 5 million homes listed on Airbnb worldwide, styling your property uniquely is certainly important. Identifying and highlighting the unique selling point of your space in terms of location, size and amenities is the first step towards staying booked and increasing your ratings.
To become a great host, your main goal is to appeal to a wide range of Airbnb users worldwide. This is key in your choice of décor as you’ll need to choose design pieces that are neutral in terms of personal views, religious & cultural beliefs and the likes. Remember that less is always more!
So you’ve decided to become a host, here are our top 5 tips on styling your short term rental apartment:
1. Think Design for Comfort
Firstly, you want your guest to feel like the space has been thoughtfully designed with their needs in mind. Choose designs that suite the size of your property. If you have a bigger space that can accommodate families and groups, your focus is creating more sleeping spaces, work and communal spaces.
Avoid bulky furniture, Keep it minimal and functional. Invest in a sofa bed to maximize space and most importantly to increase your earning potential by accommodating more guests. Add thoughtful items like beach towels, baby cribs, highchairs, slippers, and a few bottles of water sort of a welcome pack. These add some personality to your space and make your guests feel welcomed.
2. Create a #Vacationmode Ambience
Guests love a unique property experience. Your goal as a host is to create that experience for your guests. Let’s say your home is located just by the beach, decorating with a beach inspired theme is certainly the right way to go. Don’t shy away from statement interior schemes, like oversized art pieces, wall murals or magnificent hanging lighting options. The goal is to make your Airbnb listing stand out, and there are plenty of adventurous guests looking for a space with a “wow factor” or the perfect “instagramable spot”.
3. Invest in Soft Furnishings.
Soft furnishings such as cushions, throws and wall art are inexpensive ways to redefine your space. Incorporate statement Morden pieces, cushions, plants, mirrors and memorabilia that represents the city or culture of the city your Airbnb is located. Use a blend of more expensive statement pieces mixed with detailed second-hand unique items to create intrigue and interest. Eclectic interior styles are on trend and can be fun, if they are curated well! If used adequately, your choice of soft furnishings can make the space brighter and appear bigger.
4. Avoid Boring White Walls
Be brave, choose bold wallpapers or knock-out paint colors on feature walls. Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration and unique design ideas that can help transform your space. Try painting half and half walls, incorporating murals or even wall tiles to add some pizzazz. You can decide on styles based on your theme, budget and size.
5. Style With Flowers and Greenery
Explosive flower hangings are usually popular and typically create just the perfect spots for dreamy pictures that guests want to share. Use this as an opportunity to create an instagramable spot in your home.
Allow for as much natural light to come into your space as possible in order to give life to your fresh flowers and live plants. You can opt for long colorful stems in vases on tables, kitchen countertops, or coffee tables to lift photographs. Faux flowers are an excellent alternative for longer lasting options and are less care intensive.
According to Laura Ward, Design Director of At Home with Hostmaker, a well-designed home attracts more bookings on Airbnb and guests have a more enjoyable experience from the moment they enter the door.
