It’s not the size of your vacation property rental that matters — it’s what you do with it. You don’t necessarily need to own a large vacation rental property to have your calendar full all year round and earn good money with Airbnb.
In addition to considering the price guests often take into account the overall look of your property and decide whether it fits their wants and needs. Keen to maximize available space and make your guests feel at home? It’s time to get savvy with your design ideas, and make sure you avoid these six common mistakes:
1. Skimp on Storage
Clever storage solutions are key when you’re offering a petite place for rent. You’ve heard of the old adage “A place for everything, and everything in its place?” Well, that’s a great mantra for a small space.
Highlight ways in which you can make the most of storage. We’re not just talking about shelving units and cupboards, think outside the box! Invest in storage containers for underneath beds, use spare vertical space, corner units, and over-the-door-storage.
A word of caution — make sure you don’t go over the top, too many boxes and baskets will just look cluttered. Remember to leave guests enough space for their own bits and bobs too.
2. Fill Your Space
Guests are coming for a much-needed break, and it’s hard to relax in a space that’s cluttered and full of “stuff.” When space is at a premium it’s important to keep it simple and to think about what your guests really need (and want).
The kitchen doesn’t need every gadget, the lounge doesn’t need to be heaving with books, games, and ornaments, and not every wall needs to be adorned with artwork and pictures. Aim for a space that’s airy, light and tidy.
3. Pay No Attention to Your Layout
Buying random items of furniture and placing them wherever you have space is a recipe for disorder, and certainly won’t make your rental look appealing. If you want to maximize space, you will need to think things through.
Draw up a floor plan (you will need your measuring tape for this), and cut out shapes to scale (to represent your furniture). You can then move items on your plan in order to come up with the perfect layout.
4. Shut Out the Light
Small spaces need light. There’s nothing worse than entering a dark and dreary property — not the best first impression for your guests. Dark corners can make a room feel depressing and smaller than it actually is.
Opt for a couple of lighting solutions — ceiling lights to add instant illumination and lamps for a subtle glow. It will be perfect for guests who enjoy indulging in a good book by the fire or a chilled-out chat over a bottle of wine.
You should also let natural light floods into the room — heavy curtains and nets can be oppressive. Blinds are a good option, guests can have them open, closed or half open depending on their preference.
5. Play It Too Safe
Magnolia is a safe bet if you’re looking for a universal color that’s light and inoffensive, however just because your space is small it doesn’t have to be monotonous.
Color can add drama (if you choose wisely — we suggest tester pots and swatches of fabric to experiment before you decide on the right look). Check out the latest trends and source a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
Adding texture is another easy way to insert interest. Pair shiny tiled floors with a soft and shaggy rug, and compliment plain walls with warm wooden bookcase lined with well-thumbed tomes. Add a brightly patterned cushion or two to a stark leather sofa, and team with a folded chenille throw (perfect for cozy nights in). Create a space that oozes charm, adds dimension and appeals to the senses.
6. Add Partitions and Disrupt the Visual Flow
Cohesion is the word we like to use to describe how a small space should come together. If your rental property consists of a procession of small rooms maintain the visual flow by sticking to a consistent color pallet. Your property doesn’t necessarily need a “theme”, but if you like the idea of earthy tones and warm soft furnishings it’s a good idea to incorporate that look throughout.
If your main living space is open plan (but still on the small side), try not to put up too many barriers e.g. screens, large sofa’s, a huge coffee table in the center of the room, etc. It’s tempting to compartmentalize areas in terms of designating a space to eat, a space to relax, etc. but take care not to create an overly regimented space that’s devoid of character and a sense of roominess.
Sometimes the Best Things Really Do Come in Small Packages
Work your design magic, avoid the pitfalls we’ve mentioned above and you could create a space that offers charm, coziness, and comfort in abundance. When you’ve got it, don’t forget to flaunt it! Marketing your property could be the difference between a handful of inquiries and a choc-full calendar. Here’s to increasing revenue, maximizing profits and securing those all-important bookings.
