In my previous hotel design post here in the A+D Community, I mentioned that Airbnb offers authentic experiences that commercial hotels find challenging to compete with. How more authentic could it get than actually staying in a real home overseas and experiencing how locals live situated in a suburban community? Even better when a host organizes unique cultural experiences that a conventional traveler might miss.
Home-sharing has created an impact in the real estate market and a shift in adventurous traveler's choices of accommodation. It is important to understand the rapidly changing consumer behavior and proper design will enable a property's success. Attractive design will drive more bookings which will result in a better ROI.
Check out this House Tour Video of an Airbnb home in Christchurch, New Zealand:
Due to the recent challenges in travel, consumer behavior has changed. With the rising demands of working from home, more and more travelers seek long-term rentals.
Physical exposures are on hold.
Speaking from an interior architect and avid traveler's point of view, homeowners intending to convert their space into profit might find these design tips handy in consideration of our pandemic landscape.
Presence of a Garage or Carport
With the limitation in public transport, most long-term tenants are locals and may rent or have their own vehicle. Having an available parking space is an added value to the property.
Create a Welcoming Front Door
Check out 
The main entrance is vital to guests' first impression so the porch should be free of clutter with the front door well maintained.
Due to the lack of contact and exposure, Airbnb hosts may consider high-tech digital smart locks for security and ease of entry.
Proper Space Planning
The layout of the entire space should be efficient and should be well-oriented, and celebrates the architecture and its site location. The space should have proper flow and circulation.
Well-Illuminated and Properly Ventilated
The presence of natural daylight in every room is the key. The design should consider how the space will behave in every season. Efficient heating during winter and cooling during the hot months of summer.
Identify Your Target Guest
Will you be accommodating families with children? Travelers with pets? Or business travelers? In doing so, you'd be able to select the right kind of furniture and materials for your space.
Use durable materials for furniture and finishes
The dark-colored leather sofa and suede fabric used on the armchairs ensure ease of maintenance. Consider young children and toddlers occupying the space. Keep carpet, fabric, and upholstery stain-resistant whenever possible.
Select Furniture and Decorative Elements exhibiting local design and flavor
It is by using locally manufactured furniture and decor that we create authentic experiences that will be well appreciated by guests.
Avoid buying furniture sets for it loses your space's personality and instantly diminishes the quality of the interior.
Make Sure the Number of Seating in the Living Area is Sufficient
This house has 3 bedrooms with Queen size beds so it should accommodate at least 6 guests. Ensure there's enough seating space in the living area and dining table for 6 people.
Your Interior Design Should be Able to Tell a Story
The selected decor, furniture, and materials should be consistent with the style and what you as a host intend to convey to your guests.
Feel free to add bold accents but with restraint.
An open Dining and Kitchen is ideal
This ensures a good flow in space. The highlight of this home was the kitchen which stood at the center with an island. There was a dining table on the right side that we only used when it rained, but I can imagine is used often during the winter months.
Equip with Good Quality Appliances
The better the quality, the longer it lasts which would save you from any unnecessary headaches of repair and maintenance. Having everything built-in maximizes space thus making it appear clutter-free and organized.
Provide ample storage
Your guests will appreciate you for that. Inside these cabinets are complete sets of plate ware, cookware, utensils, and a fully-stocked pantry of condiments and canned goods. Nothing worse than empty salt and black pepper shakers with the nearest local grocery located miles away.
Having an outdoor space is ideal.
Living in isolation during the pandemic, the existence of a properly landscaped garden and/or a terrace provides major points for your listing.
Rooms with a View
If the property is located next to a river or the sea, maximizing the view is a brilliant idea that would add value to your property. Even more when you have a balcony that allows you to admire it alfresco.
Choose a neutral palette and light color scheme
Try to avoid loud colors for they might not appeal to everyone. Light colors help in creating a harmonious atmosphere and sense of zen, but don't make it all white, or the space would look clinical and cold.
Remove Personal Items
Store these items in another space that is not accessible to your guests. Family photos will make guests feel awkward as though they're invading someone else's space.
Indirect lighting is always better
Purchase bedside lamps whether they may be wall lamps, pendants or table lamps. Having a mix of light sources adds visual interest. Downlights, floor lights, and wall lights. Invest in good quality lighting fixtures which would end up more economical in the long run.
Create a comfortable workspace
Given the rise in online work, a home office is a great idea as an add-on if there is still space. Otherwise, provide spacious desks for remote work and children's homeschooling.
Reliable and Fast Speed Internet Connection
Due to the virtual community during the lockdown, having reliable and fast-speed internet is a basic need that should be given utmost priority.
Professional Photos of your property
Uploaded photos of your home should not be taken for granted. Whenever possible, seek the help of professional photographers. Otherwise, use photos in landscape format taken during daytime and go as far as staging it to highlight the best features of your home.
Value of Customer Reviews and Social Media Presence
This is critical to the success of the business, so take the time to listen to reviews, value customer feedback, and respond to them professionally.
Entice potential guests through regularly updated and carefully curated posts on social media. Photos should cover not only your home, but also its nearby attractions, ongoing events, and lifestyle images that best illustrate the personality of your home-sharing brand.
Thank you for reading. Hope you found this post helpful.
All of the above are my personal photos.
References:
25 Design Tips to Make Your AirBnb Listing Stand Out
Airbnb Interior Design: Top 8 Ideas to Style Your Rental