Let’s take a look at a project we worked on last year with our dear friend Kate.
Kate and I used to share common career aspirations in the digital marketing industry. It’s a fast pace that apparently ends in burn out, as she and I both made our way out of that world over the past decade.
These days, Kate is pursuing the “4 hour work week” as an AirBnB Super Host. (It’s actually a full time effort but she does enjoy the freedom of being her own boss.) Since finding her feet, she has pulled together 4 separate apartments that are 2 – 3 bedrooms each.
I have been happy to act as an advisor/consultant as she has furnished these properties quickly and on a budget.
I will share a few pics and some of the thought process on the selections that we made together, specific to short term rental needs.
If you are here because you too are thinking about pimping out a space to AirBnB, well keep reading for the decor decisions we think you should consider as you bite the bullet.
Think about stability and durability
Believably so, having a ton of guests in and out of your home is a little rough for the wear. Expect spills, dings and a diminishing quality to your furnishings. It’s par for the course. Choose furniture & finishes accordingly.
We like crypton fabric and/or washable slipcovers for durability.
Think dual purpose living/sleeping arrangements.
AirBnB prioritizes listings by the number of beds, so if your living room sofa is a pullout, good on you.
Think like a guest and plan spaces accordingly
This is not only convenient for your guests, but it will spare you some frustration along the way. Kate & Chako advocate plenty of counter surface near a mirror (set up a vanity if your bathroom will not accommodate). This helps to keep messy makeup stains off of the bedding or other areas that may makeshift for unmet guest needs. Additionally, be sure you have a purposeful spot of luggage, even a luggage rack if you don’t wish to spring for the appropriate bedroom furniture.
Media Tech is important
In this day and age, unless your guests are specifically marketed for unplugging, it is really important to be readily connected to the online world. Keep a stash of backup chargers, make sure the wifi is fast and reliable, spring for Hulu/Netflix/Amazon accounts specific to your property, etc.
Amenities and Special Touches go a long way.
It’s all about the review after the stay, so once you have pulled your stylish abode together, make sure to stage a few special experience oriented amenities together. A few examples include an instagram worthy tea & coffee cart, the latest tech in gaming, baby or beach gear, whatever suits your area and demo best.
Speaking of Instagrammable moments – create them!
When a guest is looking to book a stay in a home, it’s an excellent opportunity to play pretend. Choices like trendy accessories, over the top of the moment paint colors and bold furnishings can make your home stand out above the rest. They also really inspire guests that may share your style but don’t have the guts or the means to make that their decor choice in their own home.
You need a hashtag!
They hammer this idea the heck home on the Netflix reality series STAY HERE and it makes sense to me anyway… but create a great hashtag for your AirBnB project, display it (or mention it in your check-in info) and then build the perfect backdrop that your guests can’t resist. I think that if you are wise, you will go ahead and snap a few totally cliche Instagram style examples around your home and then print them in your welcome guide to help inspire your guests that give a what about this aspect of their stay.
