How to set up a luxe Airbnb - Part One

Take your holiday rental from 'nice' to 'memorable'

We all know how it feels when we step through the doors of a chic hotel, a stylish home or a gorgeous boutique - in a moment we are living our best life as our most fabulous self, walking tall, totally in the moment and ready to embrace it all.

Many of us have the opportunity to travel and often choose to stay in serviced apartments, houses and Airbnbs all over the world. There are some which stand out with their 5 star reviews and I often find myself pouring over the photographs and hoping our proposed stay will live up to the promise held in the listings.

Too often they don’t - the flow through the space doesn’t work, it’s so ‘over-styled’ there’s nowhere obvious to put anything down without disturbing the whole space, no coat hook, too many cast-offs or shelves bulging with random books and dog-eared leaflets …

So here, in a series of posts, is a distillation of my experience installing successful interiors.

SPACE PLANNING

A luxe holiday rental is so much more than just ‘a place to stay’. The vibe of a place will set the mood for your visitors’ whole experience and memories.

Space planning is the element which sets that experience into motion - this isn’t just flummery, this is based on my experience creating successful and profitable places.

Let’s start with the moment your guests arrive - like all first impressions, those first seven seconds count in deciding how your guests are going to feel.

First Impressions

THE ESSENTIALS

Clear visual axis from the door into the home - No clutter and no bottlenecks - keep the furnishings pared back - nothing to knock into, knock over or block the entrance hall.

Drop Zone - Consider a console table or narrow shelf depending on the space available. Alternatively think hooks and coat racks - guests need places to drop keys, sunglasses, handbags and all.

Mirror - Mirrors are always useful to throw light around a space and we all need a ‘last-glance’ vanity moment too

Lighting - Think carefully about the lighting - arrivals stumbling around in the dark are a nightmare, quite literally, so think about where the switch/movement sensors are sited - and this goes for every room in the property.

Try to avoid one single, overly bright light but aim for multiple options and obscured lightbulbs.

LUXE UPGRADE

All the Smells - A soft signature scent through a space gives all the luxe vibes and sets the tone as soon as anyone arrives. An electric diffuser on a timer is a fabulous addition to the space rather than a bottle with reeds and oil - but the key thing to remember is that the perfume needs to be delicate and light - not overpowering in an ‘Opium Den’ kind of way.

Whilst we all love a candle I avoid them just in case of accidents - and they’re terrible dust collectors too!

Objet d’Art - A single sculptural object on a console or on the wall is so much more impactful than several small ones. In an entrance hall you’re setting the tone and one makes a statement. And whatever you source, make it memorable or striking - these are the key moments of the visit for your guests.

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Key elements in each space

So we’ve set the stage, let’s now step back and unpick each space... and then you can take all those key factors and use them to inform your decisions in terms of the pieces you choose for your property, room by room.

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Living Spaces - the social engine

SPACE PLANNING PRINCIPLES

Create conversation islands - sofas and chairs facing each other, not dominated by the television

Anchor with properly scaled rug - this creates a distinct zone in the place. The size of the rug needs, at a minimum, to allow the front legs of the seating to ‘hold it in place’

Think about the flow in the space - generally consider 70 - 90cm walkways but also careful placement of furniture - even the slight shift of a chair by 30cm can avoid the feeling of a waiting room or a corridor

Every seat needs a table - coffee tables are great places to accessorise but also think about smaller side tables too

LUXE UPGRADE

Define the space - to lounge, to read, to socialise or even a work zone

Add a secondary seating area - two small chairs near a window for example, angled away from the key seating area instantly gives a sense of more space and a design input

Consider a work space within the property - other than a dining table. Here can be a great spot to include a small desk with dedicated lighting but which you can also dress with a tray and glasses to equally suggest another social area.

Give your furniture room to breathe - siting a sofa even just 10cm from the wall gives the illusion of more space even in the smallest rooms. Similarly furniture with legs rather than block to the floor, allow the eye to travel and ‘see’ more space.

Think Floor Plan

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Dining Spaces - let’s elevate the ordinary and make it an occasion

SPACE PLANNING PRINCIPLES

•            Allow a minimum 90cm clearance around the table

•            Lighting centred precisely over the table

•            If space is tight consider banquette seating

LUXE UPGRADE

Style up the table - linen, runner, glasses and a tray

Take a seat - your guests want to feel like they’ve walked into somewhere they want to take a seat, not a blank set. Neither do you want overly complicated styling which says ‘don’t touch’

Take a seat

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Bedrooms - the sanctuary equation

SPACE PLANNING PRINCIPLES

Symmetry is king - creating visual calm is key here with matching bedside tables and lamps

Think about how your guests will move through the space - ensure clear access on both sides of the bed where layout allows

Be restrained - don’t crowd the space with furniture which isn’t necessary - negative space is more powerful than ‘filled space’

KEY ELEMENTS

•            Defined bedside lighting

•            Sufficient hanging space and hangers

•            Space for suitcases and bags

•            Surfaces for essentials

•            Full length mirror - can always be sited on a landing

Consider a work station/dressing table station

LUXE UPGRADE

Take a seat - is there space for a low chair or bench at the end of the bed...

Be considered about the lighting - create layers (ambient, task and mood)

Getting ready - think about where your guest might dry their hair or do their make up and include a great mirror, small dressing table etc by electric outlets

Think about the aesthetic flow - echo furniture style choices in the bedrooms across the property to give it flow and a real sense of being thoughtfully designed.

Complimentary styling with the same French vintage headboards

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Kitchen

SPACE PLANNING PRINCIPLES

Keep working triangle free - sink-hob/oven-fridge

Avoid too much styling - so there are some clear surfaces

Create defined coffee/wine/drinks station

LUXE UPGRADE

Include one beautifully styled vignette – coffee or drinks tray

Consider a Welcome Tray or Basket - with local delicacies

Local delicacies are a perfect addition

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Outdoor Space - let’s extend the experience as this space can elevate your listing exponentially

SPACE PLANNING PRINCIPLES

Create zones - lounging, dining, a sunny corner

Furniture placement - ensure it feels intentional, not scattered using the space to its best advantage

Lighting - it can transform both the view from inside and the experience outside using fixed lights, lanterns and festoon lights to create atmospheric glow. Ensure it’s either on a timer or easily accessible to turn on and off.

LUXE UPGRADE

•            Invest in throws, cushions and layered textiles for outdoors

•            Include an all-weather rug if the layout permits - think outdoor living room

•            Phormium and Cordyline in fabulous pots add year-round interest and sculptural style whilst needing little attention - but again go big rather than small

•            Can you create two zones – a bistro table viewed from a window for morning coffee and a larger seating or dining area too - be creative

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SIGNATURE LUXE RULES

This is all about creating a considered and elevated experience for everyone who stays so... think like a guest as you walk through your property...

•            Where do I put my bag?

•            Where do I hang my coat?

•            Where do I sit first?

•            Where do I pour a drink?

•            Is there a clear surface ANYWHERE?

•            Where do I collapse at night?

If any of those questions don’t have a clear answer, refine the layout. We are creating outstanding... not average.

So consider...

Fewer pieces, better pieces

•            Don’t crowd the space

•            Don’t fill it with Auntie Maud’s cast offs - unless she has a fabulous vintage mirror or the like

•            Consider echoing the pieces or style through the property to give a real sense of design style

Purpose and mood

•            Ensure every zone in the each room has a purpose and the appropriate mood for the space eg don’t put up a print of ‘The Scream’ opposite the bed

Flow

•            Ensure guests can easily move through the space, nothing is impeding exits or blocking a sightline

•            Sometimes just moving a chair or table by 30cm can make the difference between a nicely laid out room and one that feels like a doctor’s waiting room

Lighting is layered

•            Think like a set designer and be thoughtful about your lighting choices - whilst we all need good task lighting and some ambient, create mood and atmosphere with plenty of layered lighting options

Styling

•            Styling is essential to create a sense of considered space so ensure it is thought through and intentional - nothing should be just ‘plonked’ down




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Next time let’s look at the furniture, fittings and equipment you’ll need

in place to create your ultimate luxury Airbnb …



Joanie