The AirSpace Phenomena — are all Airbnbs becoming the same?
Does the AirSpace phenomena mark the death of originality in homeshare design?
Over the last year writer Kyle Chayka has introduced a worldwide phenomena that he refers to as AirSpace. “AirSpace”, as Chayka describes in an article for The Verge, is the changing landscape of our reality as dictated by technology. More concisely put, technology is breaking down geography altogether by applying a homogeneity to our landscape as we know it. Coffee shops in San Francisco, Berlin, and Hong Kong look identical with reclaimed wooden bars and marble countertops.
This same conundrum is also sweeping Airbnb listings worldwide.
Currently there are more than 2 million spaces for rent on Airbnb across 190 countries. The original draw of Airbnb was that in these spaces we would be able to experience life as a local in a place where we were actually a visitor.
Instead we have been inundated with a movement of ‘pleasant sameness’. Airbnb listings all over the world are decoarted with almost identical sprinklings of decor and furniture whose similarity is reminiscent of visiting various Ikea showrooms across the world. Sort of like being wrapped in a warm blanket and slowly dozing off; but that is also what some people say it’s like to freeze to death.
Airbnb doesn’t have requirements for their host’s when it comes to design. But they do give some tips, and there are also countless blogs dedicated to helping Airbnb hosts navigate their home decor. We run one of them. Most of these tips surround the idea of adding personal touches to the listing with out inundating it with personal items. This helps guests feel that they’re in an actual home without feeling as if they’re invading our space. The issue presented by the phenomena that we’re speaking of here is the urge to identify with the ‘hipster aesthetic’.
Instead it is gentrifying areas that were once culturally rich, and Airbnb hosts should opt out of falling into the trap of pleasant sameness.
Sure, now you’re asking, “But, how?” Well, take a look at the Airbnb as it is today. Is there any bit of furniture or decoration that shows some of our personal taste? If the pieces scream ‘MOTEL’ then it’s time for an update. Wall hangings, sculptures, wind chimes, and color blocked furniture can add a splash of personal style to an Airbnb while also ensuring it’s original in this strange homogenous world we’re living in.
