Wondering, “How should I decorate my Airbnb?”
So, you’re an Airbnb host and you want to make your Airbnb look awesome. You want guests to walk in and think, “Damn, this place is sweet!” But you’re not sure where to start. Don’t worry. As someone who decorated my own profitable Airbnb with no design background, I’ve got you covered.
#1- Know Your Audience
Understanding your target audience is key to creating a successful Airbnb experience. Remember this one rule. It’s not about you; it’s about your guests. So before you start decorating, take the time to research and understand the demographics of your target audience. What is the location of your property and the type of guests you want to attract? Are you targeting families looking for a cozy retreat, business travelers seeking a comfortable workspace, or vacationers in need of a relaxing getaway? These are all important considerations.
Tailor your decor to meet the specific preferences of your target audience. This will create a more customized and comfortable space for your guests. For example, if you’re targeting families, you may want to add child-friendly amenities such as high chairs or child-safe toys and games. If you’re catering to business travelers, a comfortable workspace with a desk and ergonomic chair would be a fitting addition.
You can even tailor your decor to meet seasonal needs. For example, if your Airbnb is located in an area that is popular during a specific time of year, such as a beach destination in the summer or a ski resort in the winter, decorate and supply your space accordingly. Providing seasonal decorations (by the way, guests LOVE Christmas decor), outdoor furniture, or equipment such as beach chairs or beach totes will enhance the guest experience and attract higher booking rates (cha-ching!) during peak seasons.
By understanding your target audience and tailoring your decor and amenities to meet their specific preferences, you can create a more appealing and memorable experience for your guests, leading to 5-star reviews and repeat bookings.
#2- Keep It Simple
I’m sorry, maximalists, but more is just too much when it comes to Airbnb decor. Guests often prefer the “less is more” approach, meaning less clutter and mess. Avoid overcrowding the space with too many knick-knacks or bulky furniture pieces. Stick to a few key pieces that are functional and stylish. I recommend using neutral colors for the walls and sticking to classics for items that tend to be more permanent – like fixtures and finishes. It’s also a good idea to choose timeless, neutral pieces for larger budget furniture items like sofas. Save the trends and pops of color for minor budget items like throw pillows, throw blankets and small accessories. When you have to replace these overly trendy pieces that are outdated, you’ll be thankful they’re less expensive.
#3- Make It Comfortable
As an Airbnb host, you should prioritize comfort for your guests. For example, invest in a comfortable mattress. A good night’s rest can be all the difference between a mediocre review and an excellent one. Extra touches like blackout curtains, bedside lamps, and cozy throws enhance the comfort level of the bedroom. Absolutely invest in a comfortable and durable sofa for guests to lounge in. Remember, the bare minimum is to provide a place to stay, but the 5-star host provides a space where guests can truly relax and recharge. So, make comfort a top priority when decorating your Airbnb.
#4- Add Some Personality
Ok. So here’s the part that is about you. While it’s important to keep things simple and uncluttered, adding subtle touches of personality can make your space more memorable. Infusing personality to your Airbnb is like adding spice to a dish – a little goes a long way. You can hang artwork that reflects your style or add a few quirky decorations that guests will remember. You could also add personal touches like a welcome note or a local guidebook of recommendations. Remember that the key is to strike the right balance between adding personality and maintaining a clean, uncluttered space.
#5- Think Practical
No matter your design style, when considering “How should I decorate my Airbnb” you should think practical. What are the practical things your guests will need? Do you have enough storage for their belongings? Think about how your guests will use the space and make sure it’s functional for their needs. For example, if your Airbnb is advertised as sleeping 8 people then your dining table should be able to accommodate at least 8 people as well. If your peak season is snow season, have you provided snow melts and shovels? It would be be appropriate for a beach vacation rental to be supplied with beach towels .
If you have a small space, try to add a small multi-tasking desk or table where guests can work or eat, and make sure there are plenty of outlets for charging devices.
When considering the practical aspects of decorating your Airbnb, also think about safety and convenience. Ensure that there are clear instructions for operating appliances and accessing amenities. Provide emergency contact information and basic first-aid supplies for peace of mind.
When I’m asked “How should I decorate my Airbnb?”, my most practical advice is to decorate with durable pieces or choose items that can easily be replaced should they accidentally be damaged.
#6 – Add Local Flair
Incorporating local flair into your Airbnb will set your Airbnb apart. One way to do this is by using local artwork or decorations that showcase the unique culture of your area. Scout local art galleries for paintings, sculptures, or handicrafts created by local artists.
Some hosts provide guests with local snacks or beverages to try during their stay. This not only adds a personal touch to their experience but also gives guests a taste of the local cuisine. You could offer a selection of locally grown fruit or locally made sweets, snacks, or drinks that are unique to your area. Coffee beans from a local roaster is a guest favorite! Use some caution though. Be careful to avoid common allergens. I would also advise you to avoid alcohol (This is a safety and insurance issue, which I will post more about on this blog). When in doubt, check with guests before their arrival if they would like these complimentary treats.
By incorporating local elements into your Airbnb, you can create a more immersive and authentic experience for your guests, helping them to connect with the local culture during their stay. Guests will appreciate it, especially if they’re on vacation.
#7 – Cleanliness Is Key
When thinking about, “How Should I Decorate My Airbnb?” it should be obvious that it needs to be clean. Cleanliness is critical to the success of your Airbnb. It is often ranked highest on guests’ priority lists, so it needs to be your priority as well. A poor review mentioning lack of cleanliness will hurt future bookings. Make sure your Airbnb is spotless before guests arrive.
Also, provide cleaning supplies so guests can keep the place tidy during their stay. I don’t mean that you need to go all out in outfitting your Airbnb with professional cleaning supplies. I’m referrring to basic items like paper towels and microfiber cloths to wipe up spills. Stock your kitchen with an ample sized trash bin.
If you are considering hiring a professional cleaning service between guests, make sure to do a complete walk through of your Airbnb with your cleaner. This ensures that they understand your expectations and can address specific items or areas that need attention. A clean and well maintained space is key to earning 5-star reviews.
#8 – Get Feedback
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask guests for feedback, especially if you are new to Airbnb hosting. Guests often appreciate a host who is eager to provide a great experience. Their feedback can offer valuable insights into what they liked and didn’t like about your space, helping you to make improvements to your Airbnb.
Really though, decorating your Airbnb doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple, comfortable, practical, clean, and add some personality and local flair and your guests will love staying in your space.
This post was a practical, no nonsense guide to “How should I decorate my Airbnb?”
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