Krista Collard
Feb 19, 20215 min
The Gate House by Yeates Wines, Eurunderee NSW Australia
If you’re thinking about making an investment with an AirBnB, now’s the perfect time. There’s record low interest rates, and even if travel is restricted now, there’s sure to be A LOT of pent up demand for travel once the COVID vaccine is in full swing. Start preparing now and you could find a great return on your investment come spring time.
With my house currently under renovation (yay!) I’ve spent quite some time living out of AirBnBs recently, and now consider myself somewhat of a connoisseur. While the quality of AirBnBs vary from property to property, some things are a godsend - like when you’ve spent a week using a camper stove next to the bathroom and finally have access to a functional kitchen! Here’s 10 amenities you’ll want to include in your AirBnB, and how to best go about them.
Sage on Phillipps, Somerton Park SA Australia
A full length mirror seems so simple, but this is one amenity that so many places forget to include. Think about the reasons you're often staying at hired accomodations: business, weddings and vacations. Chances are you want to look your best, and without a full-length mirror that can be really challenging. If you have the space, opt for sliding mirror doors on your cupboards, or purchase a free standing mirror as a statement piece. Adhere a simple mirror to the back of a door for a space-saving option.
Bundeena Treehouse The Royal National Park Sydney, NSW Australia
Let’s face it - most of us enjoy a good cup of coffee in the morning! While access to instant coffee is acceptable in a pinch, having a really coffee maker really makes a world of difference. Make sure you also include enough coffee, milk and sugar for your guest’s stay - two pods or sachets won’t cut it if you’re renting your AirBnB out for a week! Include other options like tea and hot chocolate too, and make sure they’re also well stocked.
Speaking of coffee, you’ll want to ensure your kitchen has all the essentials as well. Chances are, if people are choosing an AirBnB over a hotel, it's because they want the experience of living in that particular neighbourhood, which will probably mean cooking at home a few nights. Having basics such as olive oil, salt + pepper and butter on hand will be sure to impress, as well as utensils such as scissors, serving spoons, kitchen knives and chopping boards.
Hideout Cabin, Moss Vale NSW Australia
One of the most important aspects of any stay is, of course, the bed. A nice linen blend for your sheets is always pleasant, as well as a comfortable doona and extra blankets for cold nights. Even if the mattress isn't the best, a nice memory foam topper can be an affordable option for people to get a fantastic night's sleep. Make sure you also have a few spare pillows either on the bed, or in the linen cupboard - there’s nothing worse than having only one lumpy pillow to choose from!
Hunter Property-Spa, Cessnock NSW Australia
Remember that a big part of your AirBnB is the aesthetic; people don't want to feel like they're in a white box. Abstract art is a great way to spice up most design aesthetics, and will help make your space feel warm and welcoming. Remember that themed artwork can be a great way to set the tone of your property, but don’t go too cliche or you’ll risk being tacky. A coastal property, for example, doesn’t need a photo of a beach and seagulls in every room!
San Francisco, USA
Don't be afraid to use the quirky features of your space to your advantage - a slanted ceiling, for example, could be used for a TV in the bedroom, like in the photo above. Think also about ‘the gram’ - can you blend comfort with Instagramable style? Remember bold colours and textures work really great in small spaces, which is why we often tell people to go bold in powder rooms. If your AirBnB is small, colour and texture can do a lot to add character, and can even help you get free publicity when your guests are inclined to post to social media from your property.
Shikumen Loft Suite, Shanghai China
If you’re marketing your property as a technological retreat, then you may be able to limit your technology, or skip over this amenity altogether. However, it’s come to be expected that most modern AirBnBs will include at least a basic TV set up. While you don’t need to go overboard with a 60” flatscreen in every room, making sure your guests can kick back and enjoy themselves is a big plus. Aside from a TV, having some bluetooth speakers or a simple sound system available can also be a great addition, depending on the vibe of your property.
Hideout Cabin, Moss Vale NSW Australia
While many people travel with their own toiletries these days, having some on hand is never a bad idea. In fact, your guests will feel all the more grateful when they forget their toothbrush and find one available under the bathroom sink (new and unused, of course!). If you don’t want to feel too much like a hotel, including locally sourced products can be a nice touch, as can organic and eco-friendly products. Think also about the little extras that might be nice to include, such as toothbrushes, dental floss, and sanitary items.
For that special local touch, giving your guests some insider information is sure to please. Creating a well-presented booklet listing the best cafes, restaurants and attractions in town can be really helpful to those unfamiliar with the area, or give repeat visitors something new to try. You could also try teaming up with local businesses to offer a discount code to your guests for use during their stay.
Hideout Cabin, Moss Vale NSW Australia
Finally, think about leaving a few special treats for your guests. Make sure to include some different options including sweet snacks, salty snacks and possibly white wine or a prosecco. Remember, red wine and chocolate can leave stains, so it might be best to avoid those. Again, using locally sourced items will gain you brownie points, and is a great way to make your property feel truly unique.
Are you ready to take the plunge into an AirBnB investment property? Contact me today to discuss your styling needs.
Krista Collard Interiors is a full service design-build firm focusing on creating timeless spaces that honour sustainability and functionality across the Greater Sydney area.
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