3 Design Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make As An Airbnb Host
Are you an Airbnb host looking to improve your property’s rental performance? We all want our home to be beautiful. If you have unique features you will catch the eye of potential guests! When I walk into an Airbnb, I notice the design of the house immediately, but there are also some common mistakes that are made.
In this article, we will discuss three of the most common design mistakes that Airbnb hosts make and provide tips on how to create a beautiful and inviting atmosphere for your guests. Even small tweaks can help boost guest satisfaction and increase bookings. So let’s get started!
Making the home too personal
People book an Airbnb to have a more personal experience than going to a hotel. But how much is too personal? There are ways to share what you love with your guests throughout your home, but not to the point where they feel uncomfortable. Here are a few ways to give that personal touch without going overboard:
- Art can add SO much to a space. Pick pieces that you like and place them around the house but keep the family photos to a minimum. If you are into photography, showcase some of your own work. Love gardening and florals? Incorporate this in bright canvases or prints around the home. Guests don’t need to see a picture of you around every corner to get an idea of who you are as a host. Get creative with it!
- Supply extra essentials but keep your own items in a separate space. While it’s great to give your guests something like an extra toothbrush, they don’t want to find it next to the one you used the day before. If you have extra linens, be sure to keep yours in another closet.
- On the other side of things, while you don’t want to have too many of your own items around make sure your home doesn’t feel sterile. There is a happy medium!
Thinking of your Airbnb as an “Instagram Moment”
Having a unique Airbnb can be great and certainly sets you apart from the rest. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing to go big and lean into a theme. If you choose to really dive in, you have to be prepared to host a specific kind of guest. Creating a picture-worthy home for groups like bachelorette parties is a big trend right now, but it’s a commitment. Here are a few smaller ways to bring fun features into your home as a host:
- An affordable way to make a statement somewhere like the bedrooms or bathroom is by adding a bold paint color. You can paint all of the walls or opt for one larger accent wall that contrasts with the others in the room.
- Wallpaper is a bit more expensive, but still an affordable way to bring some life into a room. There are plenty of options out there, even peel and stick that you can install yourself. If you choose to do this in a bathroom, make sure it is a material that can withstand the steam.
- If you have smaller spaces or corners in the house, accentuate them. Add something like a build in bench or hanging swing – this can provide additonal seating and it’s something guests don’t see in every day homes!
- Decor is a small but impactful way to tell a story in your Airbnb. If you are near the beach you can add items around the house that play into the theme. Put pillows and blankets in the living room that have different colors and textures to add dimension. Don’t try to change the period of your property (modern, victorian, cool contemportary) but play into the homes features to really highlight it’s original beauty.
Beauty over function in your Airbnb
So we spoke about ways to make your home unique and comfortale, but it’s important to make sure you don’t only think about the beauty. Your Airbnb need to also function properly for the guests that come to stay in your home. There are ways to achieve beauty and function in the home, which we will discuss below:
- Be smart about the expensive furniture you buy. If you splurge on a high end sofa and that’s the only piece you have in the living room, guest’s aren’t going to have anywhere to relax and get comfortable. Think about spending more money on something like a console or buffet piece in the dining room – while guests will be able to appreicate the beauty, it’s not something they will be sitting on every day. Keep in mind that there will be ware and tare on the items in your home, you don’t want to have buyers remorse!
- Mixing old and new pieces of furniture is a great way to get the sense of luxury, but also save some money. Head to a thrift store and see what you can find! When you have unique pieces in your home, it shows that you care and have taken the time to find what fits in the space.
- The floors and kitchen counter tops are going to see a lot of traffic, so you want something that will last. When it comes to flooring, pick one that can be cleaned easily and won’t get damaged. Tile where it makes sense and vinyl flooring throughout the main areas are great – they make some really beautiful options these days! As for countertops, consider something that is going to uphold when spills and scratches happen (because we know they will). Quartz is a man made stone and has much more durability than any natural stone out there. Butcher block is also a perfect option for a kitchen that will get a lot of use. Be smart with your choices, and you will be thankful in the long run!
In Conclusion
When it comes to designing an Airbnb, the key is finding the right balance. You want your guests to have an amazing experience during their stay, but you also want to think about the longevity of your rental space. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect Airbnb!
