On World Architecture Day, we’re reminded of how thoughtful design shapes the spaces we live in. Whether restoring historic properties or crafting modern comforts, every detail in your Airbnb tells a story. Let’s celebrate this by creating beautiful, functional spaces that leave lasting impressions on guests, with the help of Airbnb interior design tips to elevate your property to its full potential.
If you’re seeking to design a truly captivating and welcoming space for your vacation rental, you’ve come to the perfect place. We’ve collaborated with Sonia Rubio, a professional interior designer to bring you 10 invaluable tips to transform your Airbnb property into a haven for guests.
Whether you’re an experienced host or new to vacation rentals, these tips will help you create a space with perfect home decor that guests will love and remember. Let’s take your Airbnb interior design to the next level with these 10 expert tips!
Table of Contents
1. Manage Budget Wisely
Budget plays a crucial role in any interior design project, including Airbnb properties. It determines the extent to which you can refurbish and redecorate your space. Before diving into the design process, it’s essential to assess your financial resources and set a realistic budget.
This will help you prioritise renovation areas, whether it’s upgrading a bathroom, renovating the entire building, or addressing specific plumbing improvements. A well-planned budget ensures that you allocate resources efficiently and achieve the best results for your investment.
2. Obtain Permits
Refurbishing an Airbnb property may involve significant changes to the building’s structure or layout. Depending on your location and the condition of the property, you may need various permits from the local council to legally begin the refurbishment process. As you obtain permits, you’ll also determine the scope of the work you’re permitted to undertake.
For example, if your property is a listed building because of its historical significance, you may need extra permits to preserve its unique features while making upgrades. Understanding and following permit regulations is a crucial Airbnb interior design tip to prevent delays or legal issues.
3. Consider Fire Risk Assessment
Safety is paramount when refurbishing any property, and Airbnb accommodations are no exception. If you’re planning to convert a commercial building into apartments or significantly alter the layout, an important Airbnb interior design tip is to conduct a fire risk assessment.
This assessment evaluates potential fire hazards and ensures that the design and refurbishment plans adhere to fire safety standards. By addressing fire risk concerns early, you can create a safe and welcoming environment for your guests while meeting necessary regulations.
4. Define Your Style
The design style you choose for your Airbnb property sets the tone and creates a unique experience for your guests. Consider factors such as your target audience, property location, and branding identity when selecting a design style. Whether it’s rustic charm, contemporary elegance, or a theme inspired by famous literature, your interior design style should reflect your property’s unique personality.
Depending on Budget
Remember that budget considerations play a significant role in shaping the overall interior style and functionality. If you opt for a classic style and have the budget for classic furniture pieces, you can create a charming and timeless ambience in your living room. However, combining classic and modern furniture can create a unique and eclectic atmosphere, such as pairing Edwardian style with contemporary elements for a delightful fusion.
Depending on Functionality
While staying true to a classic theme can be appealing, it’s essential to balance aesthetics with practicality. For instance, classic sofas may not always be the most comfortable choice for a place where guests come to relax or sleep. In such cases, incorporating sofa beds can provide versatile sleeping options without compromising style.
Depending on Property’s Location
Moreover, the design approach also depends on the property’s specific area and structural limitations. In some older properties, you cannot install rustic wooden chandeliers due to ceiling weight restrictions. Thus, constructors had to opt for lighter ceiling lights that still complemented the intended rustic theme. Finding the right balance between budget, style, and functionality helps you create an attractive and guest-friendly environment.
5. Opt for Plain Colours
Colour plays a vital role in shaping the ambience of your Airbnb space. Consider using neutral colours as a base to create a calming and inviting atmosphere. Next, add pops of colour with small items like throw pillows, painted ribbons on the walls, or other decorative elements that reflect your brand or theme. This balanced approach is one of the key Airbnb interior design tips that helps you create a harmonious and visually appealing space, catering to a broader audience while maintaining a unique character. Incorporating various colour palettes can enhance the home decor and make the space feel more welcoming.
6. Complete Architectural Drawings
Before diving into the construction phase, it’s crucial to have accurate and detailed architectural drawings in place. These drawings provide a blueprint of the refurbishment plans, including dimensions, layouts, and structural elements. Ensuring precise measurements and comprehensive documentation saves you time, money, and potential headaches during the construction process. It also enables you to identify any design flaws or adjustments needed before the actual work begins.
7. Prioritise Electrical and Plumbing Plans
A well-designed Airbnb property should offer comfort and convenience to your guests. Therefore, consider planning electrical and plumbing installations carefully. Determine the optimal locations for outlets, lamps, and heating/cooling systems.
Don’t forget to check local regulations. For example, there should be no outlets near water splash areas, and there are specific IP ratings for lighting that you can use in wet areas like bathrooms. Such planning prevents any post-refurbishment surprises and ensures that your property is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
8. Consider Environmentally-Friendly Heating
With the growing emphasis on sustainability, it’s essential to consider eco-friendly heating solutions for your Airbnb property as an interior design tip. “Infrared heating systems, for instance, have significantly reduced the cost of plumbing in our cases. We opted for an underfloor heating system, which removed the need to replace radiator pipes. Instead, the underfloor heating system served as an efficient alternative.
Moreover, people have a range of less invasive options if they choose to use this system. For example, they can install glass panels under the ceiling or on the walls.” By choosing green alternatives, you help create a cleaner environment and attract guests who prefer eco-friendly accommodations. Read our article “15 Ideas to Run an Eco-Friendly Vacation Rental” by clicking here.
9. Account for Building Restrictions
Working with listed or older buildings comes with its own set of challenges and constraints. These properties may have historical value, and specific features may be subject to preservation regulations. It’s important to do thorough research and consult with experts who know about historic buildings to understand the limitations and opportunities for refurbishment.
For example, buying furnishings or fixtures from any marketplace may not be appropriate for preserving the historical integrity of these buildings. For instance, in some historic properties, skylights must follow a conservation style rather than the standard skylights found elsewhere, which can be more expensive.
10. Opt For Durable and Easy-to-Clean Materials
An Airbnb property experiences frequent foot traffic, with guests coming and going regularly. Therefore, selecting durable and easy-to-clean materials for furniture, carpets, and accessories is essential. Choose strong and durable materials that can withstand wear and tear, ensuring your property stays in excellent condition even after multiple guest stays.
For example, while shag rugs may appear cosy and inviting, they tend to collect dirt easily, making them challenging to maintain. Similarly, although glass objects can add an elegant touch, they are prone to breaking, which may not be suitable for a busy vacation rental. Another example is black faucets, which may look stylish but can accumulate sediment in the UK’s water conditions, leading to potential maintenance issues.
Investing in high-quality faucets is a smart choice that creates a long-lasting and guest-friendly environment, benefiting both your property and the planet. To maintain cleanliness, consider choosing rimless toilets. They not only improve the overall hygiene of the space but also make cleaning easier.
Concluding Remarks
By following these popular interior design style tips, you can create an outstanding and inviting Airbnb property that makes a positive impression on your guests. With careful planning, budgeting, and attention to safety and sustainability, your refurbished space will stand out in the competitive vacation rental market, attracting more visitors and receiving excellent reviews. Happy hosting!
