How to set up a Luxe Airbnb - Part Two

Everything you need to furnish a luxurious holiday property

Time to think about the key pieces to elevate your holiday property - this isn’t an exhaustive list as your property will be as individual as the next one, more rooms, different configurations and so on - but these are the essentials to sit alongside the pieces which can elevate a place. My focus is on giving you the guidelines to furnish a luxurious bespoke holiday place.

And for my entirely distilled list for the ultimate Luxury Edge, scroll to the bottom…

Thoughtfully designed interiors

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Living Spaces

These spaces are the social engine of every property and especially in a holiday let as it’s where everyone can gather, socialise or just relax. Here’s my breakdown of the pieces which are essential and my key luxe additions.

CORE FURNITURE

• Sofa/s - deep, comfortable

• 1 or 2 occasional chairs - contrast texture and/or shape

• Coffee table

• Side table/s - at least one per seating zone

• Console or media unit

• Smart TV

  
  

SOFT FURNISHINGS

• Large rug - ensure it is anchored by furniture

• 4 - 6 cushions - mix of textures

• Cashmere, wool or heavy cotton throw - luxe is not a fleece blanket

  
  

LIGHTING

• Floor lamp - ambient

• Table lamp/s - creating pools of light

• Optional wall light or dimmable overhead

  
  

ACCESSORIES

• Tray - for drinks/books

• Sculptural object

• Subtle greenery - real not faux

• The Knowledge - a basket or box with up-to-date details of local attractions etc

LUXE TOUCH

• Playful touches - thoughtful selection of games and pack of cards

• Coffee table books - a couple relating to the local area

• Ephemera - Source a couple of vintage pieces or artisanal ceramics or the like which relate to the locality and use as display items

• Reading material - a couple of current high end magazines eg Wanderlust, National Geographic Traveller

  
  

  

  
  

  Sit down, relax

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Dining Areas

A place to gather, eat, drink, work and play and there are some choices which will make all the difference.

CORE FURNITURE

• Dining table - always consider a round table if space is tight

• Dining chairs - upholstered ones are more comfortable but choose carefully

• Optional bench or banquette - can give a real point of difference and be really flexible depending on the shape and size of a room

• High chair - but with a designated storage space

• Sideboard/console table - space dependant

• Rug under the table - but to the appropriate scale and providing its edges won’t present a trip hazard

  
  

TABLETOP

• Linen runner and/or placemats

• 6 - 8 place settings (plates, bowls etc) - always keep in mind how many people your property can accommodate and provide more than one place setting per person (unless it’s an especially large property in which case the dishwasher will be on after each meal!)

  
  

LIGHTING

• Statement pendant light - centred over the table

• Dimmable lights are always preferred

• Side lights to create atmosphere if you have space to include a sideboard or console table

  

  
  

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  ACCESSORIES

  
  

• Trays

• Stylish large vase/s - with fresh or faux stems

• Art etc on appropriate walls

  
  

LUXE TOUCH

• Bluetooth speaker

• Charging station for phones etc

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Bedrooms

A place of retreat and recharge and sometimes where not just downtime but worktime happens too. Think about how the spaces in your property can reflect the multiple needs of your future guests and how they can flex to offer some different spots for work, rest and play. Sometimes a dressing table is also a great work station and, if you’re thoughtful in your furnishing of the property, you can create an area where guests can work and then relax.

And remember these are not hotels - this is not a place for a full coffee-making station or a fridge - there’s a wonderful kitchen area already - but do think through where guests might place a drink or if they have sufficient power sockets.

CORE FURNITURE

• Divan base with headboard - attached to wall ideally to make life easier when changing the linen

• Hotel-quality mattress - key to great reviews is a great night’s rest

• Bedside tables - matching

• Clothes storage - wardrobe or smart hanging rail with matching hangers

• Easy chair - if room allows and similarly with an end of bed bench

• Dressing table - if possible which can double as a work station

  
  

LINEN

• White high thread count quality bedlinen - and go plain hotel supplier grade so it’s easy to replace or supplement when necessary

• Duvet and high quality pillows - always 2 per guest

• Cushions - 2 to 4 or a long bolster

• Throw - quality eiderdown, blanket or quilt

• Spares - blanket and alternative pillow option

  
  

LIGHTING

• Bedside lamps - with easily accessible switches

• Wall lights or overhead light - ideally dimmable as this is predominantly a place for rest

• Mood and task lighting - lamp for dressing table for both work and make up etc

ACCESSORIES

• Trays - a depositry for ‘stuff’

• Think biophilia - add a stylish large vase with fresh stems or an orchid in a beautiful dish

• Art - etc on appropriate walls

• Mirrors - full length mirror and one on a dressing table or the like to do make up etc

• Hairdryer

  
  

LUXE TOUCH

• Always consider a duvet larger than the bed ie super king on a king size bed - gives super luxe vibe

• A tray on the bed with a book and a couple of water glasses or local chocolates always feel decadent

• Quality hair dryers like a Dyson really elevate

• Fabulous book by the bed - for example ‘Other People’s Love Letters’ edited by Bill Shapiro

• Neals Yard or Neom mini sleep mist

• Bedside charging points

• Bluetooth speaker

  
  

  

  A beautiful place to stay

  
  

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Bathrooms

We’d love to think we always have time to linger in the bath but that’s not always a reality in day-to-day life, but when travelling, let’s create bathrooms which feel like a spa sanctuary.

KEY ESSENTIALS

• Towels - good quality bath sheets, hand towels

• Bath mat - a quality thick and absorbent bath mat but avoid manmade materials - ideally to match the towels

• Glass screen - if there is only a shower over a bath option rather than a shower curtain

• Toilet roll holder - which doesn’t require unscrewing or any jiggery-pokery to change an empty cardboard roll

• Storage - for spare toilet rolls and key essentials ideally out of sight

  
  

ACCESSORIES

• Refillable glass or ceramic soap dispenser - avoid mismatched bottles

• Similarly for shower/bath gel, shampoo and conditioner

• High quality wall mounted options - great in a shower or if there is limited space around a basin

• Storage space - a basket or shelf for personal items

• Lidded bin

  
  

ELECTRICS

• Spot lighting

• Ideally a de-misting mirror with light

• Super-efficient extractor fan

  
  

AND DON’T FORGET ...

• Hooks for towels

• Water glasses

  
  

LUXE TOUCH

• Tray for personal toiletries - on a shelf for example shows real thought

• Art etc on appropriate walls - why wouldn’t you include a piece here?

• Underfloor heating on timer - even if there’s a towel radiator - as soon as a single towel is hung over the radiator it blocks much of the heat

• Glass storage jars for cotton wool pads/cotton buds/disposable bath hats or the like - they can be replenished at turnover and they look great on the side

  
  

  

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Kitchen

In any home this room is the workhorse of the property and it’s potentially no different in a luxe holiday rental - but whilst there may not be much cooking on large scale happening with every set of guests, there might be with some. Most of all you want to ensure that there is everything and more they might need as well as a few thoughtful extras.

Do keep in mind that you’re not furnishing a permanent home so you don’t need air-fryers, slow cook pots etc – this is a luxe holiday property so I’d be more likely to include egg cups and a poached egg pan than other larger pieces of electrical equipment

Think through the layout of the cupboards, consider shallow baskets and trays to contain smaller items, but most of all make sure there is enough crockery, glassware and silverware for a houseful of guests.

I’m not going to give you an exhaustive list here of everything which is on my ‘Essentials Plus’ list although you can always drop me a Note and I’ll send it to you, but rather let’s focus on the pieces which will ensure you elevate your property.

EXTRAS

• Hot water tap - great addition if refurbishing a kitchen but needs clear instruction card to avoid accidents

• Glassware etc - appropriate for outdoor use if your property has some

• Hooks - for towels

• Box file with all instruction manuals - clearly labelled and stored in one of cupboards

  
  

If you’re fitting new appliances avoid a gas hob as it’s more challenging to clean so install an electric or induction hob instead. If you install an induction hob remember you’ll need induction saucepans.

LUXE TOUCH

• Table lamp - really adds a signature luxe vibe so find a space for a great lamp if you can

• Wooden spoons on display - in a beautiful pot or container

• Pots of herbs - adds some greenery and looks great

• Tray for hand soap, hand cream, washing up liquid - contains everything in it's place but also looks considered

• Display space - if space allows a small pair of shelves or if there’s an appropriate window sill then add a couple of decorative pieces alongside any artwork on the walls

• Welcome Tray - with local produce is the nicest touch

• Milk, bottled water, bottle of wine in the fridge - never to be underestimated is the moment of pleasure when a guest discovers your forethought

• Handheld clothes steamer - inexpensive but thoughtful - a real point of difference

  
  

  

  
  

  Kitchen Styling

  
  

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Outdoor Spaces

If your property has some outdoor space, a terrace or more, then elevating this space with some thoughtful additions will transform your guests’ experience. And even if the weather isn’t conducive to enjoying the space, always be aware of the sight-lines from the inside of the property.

This is especially important to consider if you have large windows or stretches of glass doors - rather than looking dark and eery at nighttime, set up appropriate lighting to come on at dusk. This extends the feeling of space, adds another layer of detail and is the kind of element which demonstrates the level of design consideration which has been carried through the property.

LUXE DETAILS

• Furniture - sofa or seating set and dining table and chairs space dependant but is there also space to add a bistro set to create a separate zone

• Outdoor Rug - to define an area similarly to a sitting room and anchored by the edges of the sofa/seating

• Soft furnishing - cushions and throws

• Storage - this needs to be accessible

• Lighting - as touched upon but apart from fixed lighting washing walls say, think about festoon lights and/or lanterns

• Large planters - cordyline and phormium work well as evergreen plants requiring little attention and their large scale architectural shape are really striking on a terrace

  
  

  

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In-between Spaces

Those first seven seconds are paramount but the circulation spaces are places which are often overlooked but can be the key to a fabulous space. It’s here where you can let your imagination run wild with colour and pattern so long as the ‘red thread’ of commonality in the decor reaches into all of the spaces, but don’t be afraid of embracing these spaces - in fact make them a priority!

KEY ELEMENTS

• Mirrors - throw light around but thoughtfully placed to not cause undue reflections

• Artworks - a series of pictures with similar theme and style of hanging through the space reflect the design thought employed

• Flooring - echoing the same flooring through the spaces feels luxurious with the sense of visual flow

• Light switches - ensure they are sensibly sited and noone will be fumbling around to find them

• Night light - add a low level plug-in light for use during the nights

• Safety first - add a second hand rail for the stairs if they are steep

• Infant provision - if you are making provision with a collapsible cot bed and high chair for babies and toddlers, also invest in a decent stair gate or pair of stair gates which can be stored and then put into place as necessary

  
  

LUXE TOUCH

• Let there be light - a striking light fitting above the stairs where it can be seen from all levels is a great way to add a fabulous big feature

• Take a view - consider the sight-lines and position artwork accordingly

• Reading nook - an accent chair in a corner or by a window is always a great addition but do remember to make it look purposeful adding a small side table with a light and a decorative piece - it can give a real sense of space

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Window Dressing

A property can be beautifully decorated with lots of thoughtful touches, but so often the last thing which has been considered is what goes at the window. Whether it’s obscuring a view, offering privacy or blocking out the light a hasty and last minute decision about what will ‘do the job’ can let the whole place down.

Take a moment before installing shutters at every window - windows are a key structural element of a room, define the quality of the light and the sense of proportion so how they are dressed will determine how the room feels.

Let’s briefly touch on the ‘main players’ although this is not an exhaustive list…

PLANTATION SHUTTERS

• Fashionable additions and easy to adjust

• Ensure they don’t block too much light - they can make a gloomy room gloomier

  
  

SHEER CURTAINS

• Can give beach house vibes but choose very carefully to avoid any echoes of seedy net curtains

  
  

ROLLER/HONEYCOMB/VENETIAN BLINDS

• Unobtrusive and there are day/light options

ROMAN BLINDS

• Tailored and stylish option which can be fitted within the window aperture or above it.

• Custom made or off-the-peg they are a great way to add texture, colour and pattern

  
  

CURTAINS

• Add glamour and height to a room

• Always ensure they are floor length - if there are radiators below the window combine a roman blind or roller blind with dress curtains

• Avoid curtains which pool on the floor - it might appear luxurious to have a puddle effect but the reality is they appear messy and distracting as soon as the curtains are disturbed

• Aim for lined and interlined curtains with triple pinch pleats for a real sense of luxuriousness rather than tab top options which should be avoided.

  
  

LAYERED TREATMENTS

• Treat the window in layers - a functional element like a blind can sit within the window frame achieving light management, privacy and thermal performance

• A pair of curtains then add the aesthetic element - sitting outside the frame of the window adding textural character and visual weight

  
  

And if you’re lucky enough to have a particularly beautiful window reveal or original panelled shutters, allow them to speak for themselves

OBSCURE GLASS

Replacing clear glass with obscure glass or even some of the fabulous films which can be made bespoke enable an unsightly view to be obscured or privacy enabled

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THE LUXURY EDGE

And finally here are my key thoughts in addition to those above to ensure your property stands out. Some of the elements I’ve included might sound excessive but think about your guests’ stay - you’re presenting the kind of experience and lifestyle they want to replicate at home.

Designer Edge

• Consistency of tone through the property - so it flows and everything feels like it belongs together

• Quality over quantity - give your pieces space to breathe

• A standout piece or feature in every room

  
  

The Luxe Essentials List

It’s the invisible luxury items which are so often overlooked which will elevate your property:

• Welcome Guide to the property and area

• curated toiletries

• beautiful towels/robes/bath mats

• high threadcount bedlinen

  
  

Key elements

• strategic rug placement to define a space eg a rug under the dining table

• sufficient hanging spaces and hangers

• storage space for luggage

• quality waste paper bins in each room - not a cheap plastic one

• excellent mirror and dressing table option for doing make up and hair

  
  

On Repeat...

Great housekeeping will ensure your property always reflects the listing photographs but, and without seeming like a total control freak, also ensure it is maintained to the best standards with these in place ...

• Have a copy of the listing images to hand to ensure styling is consistent - guests want to feel like they’ve walked into a picture-perfect listing and often comment most favourably when the reality matches the beautiful images which caught their attention initially

• Inventory for each room

• List of supplies which should be available to next set of guests

• Ensure any maintenance issues, repairs etc are handled directly

  
  

Health and Safety

Do ensure you are fulfilling local health and safety requirements such as provision of appropriate fire extinguisher/fire blanket/first aid box/fire doors etc

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So there you have it - a guide to the key focus areas in setting up your own luxe Airbnb or holiday let based upon my years of setting up and installing fabulous places to stay that linger in the memory of the visitors and are a successful ongoing business.

If you’d like copies of my inventory sheets, kitchen equipment and housekeeping outlines then do send me a note.

Here’s to more fabulous places to stay

Joan