A listing to love: Design ideas from hotels to elevate Airbnb interiors
Get 5 star reviews with great design to boost the appeal of a short term vacation rental.
Tourism is a vital sector to many countries around the world, including quite a few in Southern Africa. In a report commissioned and published by Airbnb, travel on Airbnb contributed R8 billion rand to South Africa’s economy in 2020, the crisis year for tourism.
The company is also investing in local economies with initiatives such as the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy which helps train hosts and teaches them how to properly manage their properties to be profitable. There’s no denying that owner-managed vacation rentals are a flourishing business and it is also shifting norms and standards within the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Just like hotels, success for these rentals is built upon pricing, service and the experience created in the environment. Interior design is the visual backdrop to that experience and gives signals to the client about the type of people attracted to the establishment as well as the atmosphere of the space. If a hotel or vacation rental isn’t visually attractive first, potential patrons could be put off, regardless of its prime location or the excellent service. The great news is that there are opportunities to build something really special and interior design plays an important role in the creation of that guest experience that’ll keep the 5 star positive reviews rolling in.
Here’s what Airbnb’s can learn from the interior design of hotels to make their listing stand out.
Design with a cohesive colour scheme
The vacation rental market is quite saturated and guests always see the property online first, whether it’s Instagram or the rental page itself. A cohesive colour scheme is visually appealing and signals that things are considered and well organised. The colour scheme can also speak volumes about how guests will feel inside the property - calm and relaxed with soothing pastel tones, energised and happy with bold brights and you can even get that minimalist luxe feeling with a monochromatic colour scheme. Whatever the experience intended for the guest, make sure the decor colours align and create a visual feast.
Dress the windows
In hotels, window treatments control light, absorb sound and are a continuation of the design theme. Vacation rentals can also enjoy these benefits from dressing windows correctly. Quality block out curtains or soft, light controlling sheers can change the mood of a room instantly and the value in good window treatment should not be underestimated. In small spaces, a well-dressed window can make the room feel more cozy than squashed. Guests could see the rental in a new light if the right window dressing adds to the overall feel.
Consider a “Wow!” wall
Every vacation rental owner hopes their guests will post gorgeous pictures and videos of the property so, why not give them something that catches their eye. Whether it’s an accent wall in the living room or bedroom, a unique backsplash in the kitchen, or a photo-worthy staircase, wallpaper can give the property an unforgettable identity. It’s a fun way to bring in colour and pattern and one can be a little more adventurous and bold for a vacation rental. If the decor budget is tight, one could also use a little bit of a top quality wallcovering as large-scale artwork or put it somewhere unexpected like at the back of the coffee bar as a design moment that’ll have guests smiling as they snap those pics for the ‘gram.
Comfort is key
Vacation rentals are a little bit boutique hotel and a little bit home. Because of that homey element, it’s important to create comfort. Mixing textures can elevate the feeling of the property and soothe guests with a tactile experience. A velvet armchair or ottoman, a beautifully upholstered headboard, soft accent cushions or a grasscloth wallpaper are all ways to incorporate textures into the design or a vacation rental. It’s also important to consider the upholstery of furniture pieces to withstand high volume use and frequent cleaning. If the property has an outdoor area, investing in good outdoor upholstery adds another touch of comfort and great design.
Let’s walk this design journey together
At Home Fabrics, we’ve seen an increase in the number of interior designers working on Airbnb properties as owners know that good design will yield a healthy return on investment. We are able to assist with these projects by being mindful of the budget and recommending soft furnishings that meet the demands of a vacation rental while delivering on the aesthetics. Speak to us or visit our showrooms for expert guidance on fabrics and wallcoverings in your next design project.
