If you are considering renting a holiday home on air bnb or a similar short term rental website its good to be strategic about how to boost your occupancy rates and make your investment a success from the very beginning!
A common mistake is to spend a lot of time thinking about buying/ renovating a suitable property but spend little effort goes into the interior design and finishing touches. When people book a rental, its not just about the location and layout of a property. People are increasingly expecting a little slice of luxury and this is where some thought into your decorating strategy can really pay off!
'A cohesive and strategic decorating plan not only will get the booking in the first place but improve the entire experience thus improving repeat stays and great reviews. This means you will increase your bookings and also your ability to charge a higher rental price.'
There is a lot of advice around in regards to how to renovate a rental property, do your listing and keeping your property clean/ clutter free but we wanted to concentrate on the decorating side of things in this blog as we have so many customers on this exciting journey.
Your aim should be to make any guest feel like they are staying in an inviting and luxurious hotel, a holiday away from the stresses of everyday life. Does this sound daunting? Its actually not that hard to accomplish if you invest in the right areas.
Remember that if decorating is not something you feel comfortable with, you should let the professionals do it for you. We have a styling service where our experienced interior designers will meet onsite to measure, create mood boards in line with your visions and ensure the space will be just perfect. The consultancy fee is even redeemable over a certain spend. Read more about our interior design in home service here.
Here is our guide to becoming a super host.
1.Start by choosing your interior design style
First choose a style that suits the location of your rental. Once you have chosen a suitable style, try to be somewhat consistent throughout the home to take your guests on a real cohesive journey.
Congratulations, being on our website hopefully means you may be considering the beautiful hamptons style which is a great step towards success. Lets face it, everyone loves hamptons style because when you dream of a Hamptons getaway, you instantly think of a luxurious atmosphere and a resort-style experience.
The majority of our customers furnishing properties near the beach choose a classic or modern hamptons style which is always a wise choice.
But if this is not for you remember Hamptons style is not all white furniture and stripe cushions. There are different genres to suit a modern or more industral vibe should white not be your preference.
2. Decide who is your target market is?
Before you make any decisions it a good idea to ask yourself these questions;
Who would you ideally like to stay and what would their needs be? This will be largely guided by the attributes and location of your property. Is it holiday makers or business travellers. Do you want to attract families? Make sure you provide to the needs of this target market.
If you are targeting business people, make sure you offer a nice place to work.
A basket of toys or a high chair for family stays can make all the difference to parents.
2.Comfort is key
Have you ever stayed in accommodation where the bedding was dusty, not adequate or just uncomfortable? This is almost guarenteed to ruin the entire experience. Cleanliness and comfort is key to a great sleep and a well rested guest is a happy guest. Find ways to make you customer wake up fresh as a daisy and they will be back soon.
Quality mattresses, doonas, pillows and linen are essential.
Our brand new range of 'Threads' sheets and doona covers are a 50/50 blend of linen and cotton, the perfect blend of natural fibres that will make any guest feel like they are staying in a five star resort!
The same goes for the lounge. Make sure it is comfortable.
3. Add the wow factor with some quality furniture, decor and appliances
Its not just about getting the customers in, but about repeat bookings and great reviews. An investment in quality furniture/ appliances is something that you will be able to capitalise on very quickly! Remember that the cost of furnishing and decorating is relatively small versus the cost of the total investment.
Here are our must haves statement furniture to make your guest swoon.
- Investing in a bedhead or bedframe is a must.
A beautiful upholstered linen bedhead or bed frame are essential pieces. It instantly creates a focal point for the room and instills a feeling of luxury. It also creates a comfortable spot to lean up against for a coffee or tea.
We have spoken to many customers who have informed us how their occupancy rates went up considerably after making this one simple investment.
- Invest in some artwork
Did you know that art has a significant effect on a persons mood. A carefully curated artwork will transform your space. Stick with soft blues, greens, and neutrals to get the best results.
Our 'Shoreline' canvas set the tone for a crisp and clean space; nothing evokes mood like emotive works of seascape art.
4. Durability is key
You need to be practical when sourcing furniture and decor as it needs to withstand the wear and tear of a rental property. Be realistic and consider you don't know who your guests are and how careful or considerate they will be so doing this will end up saving you money in the long run.
There are a few areas to focus on when considering durability;
-Dining room, the epicentre of mess.
Opt for a sealed table and choose low risk dining chairs with rattan seats, or removable seat pads.
-Lounge room
Choose lounges in a darker linen or a slipcover where the covers can be dry cleaned or replaced.
If you have your heart set on a light colour, choose a slipcover design where the covers can be removed and dry cleaned or even replaced.
-Choose rugs which are durable
Known for their durability, polypropylene rugs are the ideal choice for busy families, holiday homes and pet friendly homes. The durable synthetic fibre of polypropylene is easy to clean and was manufactured to withstand heavy foot traffic. They are perfect for coastal areas where there is lots of sand. They are also highly affordable vs natural fibres.
- Choose your outdoor furniture wisely
Opt for maintenance free furniture which can be left in direct sun and rain.
5.Finishing touches
This is the fun part. The details of your space will play a key role. Leave some books on your bookcase for you guests to read. Invest in high quality soaps. Add decor to suit your theme. Illuminate your space with some lamps. We love little trays vignette displays that can be photographed to be placed on your listing. Add faux green foliage and flowers to add a pop of colour. If you have a house, welcome your guest with a beautful Hampons PVC planter box and a pop of green for a great first impressiion. If your home has any interesting features historically, try to include some historical books or photos.
So now we think you have all of the tools to entice your guests. Once everything is ready, invest in a professional photographer as quality photos will be the gateway to your success.
Our last advice is to go the extra mile when you guests arrive, Make sure the kitchen is properly equipped with basic suppliees. Invest in quality hand soaps. Prepare for the entertainer with nice cheese boards, glasses etc. Create a detailed welcome book with information on sightseeing, restaurants wifi, local activities and relevant accessories like beach towels, toys and kids’ furniture etc.
We wish you well on your new endevoour and hope to see you in our showrooms soon!
