A guide for property Developers: Styling your Serviced accommodation
With the holiday rental market buzzing with giants like Airbnb, Sykes Cottages, and Canopy & Stars, it's crucial to ensure your investment property stands out. How? By making it a unique and unforgettable experience for potential guests.
Let’s start with the basics, why do we want to get away? What do we want to experience? Travelling, weekend breaks, holidays… the desire is universal. People seek an escape, a taste of a different lifestyle. In the world of holiday rentals, your property becomes an opportunity for guests to step into a new reality, craving authenticity and a departure from the ordinary.
Here’s my top 6 tips to elevate your rental:
Colour consistency is key.
Picking your scheme doesn’t need to be too complicated when it comes to SA. Ask yourself ‘Why do people want to travel here?’ I would pick a scheme that mirrors your local area or location vibe. Pinterest can then be an excellent tool for crafting your palette. For example “Mountains Colour Palette” You will soon narrow down the colours that you are drawn to that resonate with the essence of your property. Then it’s simple, stick to these colours, or variations of lighter or darker tones. This trick will create consistency, and will help your property to feel calm, welcoming and well designed.
(Source: Pinterest)
2. Purposeful furniture
Before you act on the temptation to use old furniture that is laying around, just take a step back and ask yourself if this item will compliment your chosen aesthetic? If it doesn’t, can it be revitalised with cost-effective updates such as furniture paint, upholstery or new knobs? I will always look for any items we can repurpose before I buy new.
Each item used should also serve a purpose. Simplicity is key. Only invest in a handful of key items that sell your story. I would invest in artwork and at least one statement item in each room. This could be a coffee table, a headboard, or even a really nice lamp.
Locally made artwork can add a really nice touch. I have stayed at a few rentals myself whose artwork has been something to do with the village or location or that has complimented the style and feel of their rental. This is a very clever thing to do as it shows this developer knows the story they are creating for their guests.
(Source: Thirteen Furniture Co)
3. Optimise layout and flow
This trick is a little more difficult and depends on the space you have, but strategic furniture placement will make a big impact with the overall flow of your property.
Avoid placing furniture in your guest pathways and focus on creating intimate areas in larger spaces. Think about the view your guest will have when they walk through the door, and also the view they will have while enjoying the space. You want first impressions to be a complete wow factor. Think minimalist here, and let colour/pattern take the lead.
4. Choose appropriate window dressings
(Source: Linwood Ashfield - Turquoise)
Window dressings are a big deal! These could be expanses of fabric that will set the tone for your look and will grab your guest attention right away. Go back to your colour palette and decide if you want your window dressings to be bold, or subtle. Softer neutrals or bright and fun?
Ensure that window dressings in the bedroom have a blackout option. Although it can be nice to some to be woken up by natural light, some guests planning a lie in may not appreciate the early wake up call.
5. Comfort is non-negotiable
I have friends who have left their holiday early because their mattress was so uncomfortable. Do you think they told me about the amazing decor and hospitality? No. Will I be booking this place? Absolutely not.
I cant emphasise how important it is to invest in a quality mattress and comfortable seating. These are the things people notice. It is also just as important to create the sense of a haven. Plump up those cushions, showcase blankets and highlight cosy elements like the fireplace or warm lighting. Put up some fairy lights or battery candles, comfort is the ultimate selling point.
6. Styling on a budget
This is where I have personally seen many holiday rentals fail. Without little touches, your property runs the risk of feeling cold, unloved, un-lived in. These are the types of items I hunt for:
Lanterns
Placemats
Vases
Pictures
Ornaments
Books
Faux plants
Mirrors. Please for the love of god make your your rental has a full length mirror. (My own personal bugbear)
Some of these bits can be sourced at your local charity shop, or can foraged (plants etc).
Remeberber you are painting a picture. You are trying to sell your rental as a home from home. You wouldn’t walk into a friends home to blank walls, no cushions… (well unless they are die hard minimalists) but you get my point. The details are everything.
(Source: Pinterest)
Why consider hiring an Interior Designer:
This blog only skims the surface of the in-depth expertise of an Interior designer. We have a unique perspective when it comes to visualising, identifying problem areas and infusing premium style (even on a budget). It is a skill and we have a whole pandoras box full of tricks.
Remember, everything is now flaunted online by influencers. If you do this right, I can guarantee you will see an increase in your bookings.
Ready to transform your rental?
For personalised assistance in styling your SA, reach out to me at velvetbloominteriors@gmail.com
I would love to hear from you.
