As a key speaker at an annual global Airbnb Open Festival, interior designer and Designbx co-founder Kerena Berry presented to over 300 Airbnb hosts, to help hosts increase occupancy, guest ratings and daily rates. We share some of the best tips in our blog below, plus a link to ‘The Designbx Airbnb host guide’.

There was a time when Australians denied having a distinct culture, but our popularity as a tourist destination is solid proof that foreign visitors believe we’re a unique and beautiful part of the world. As Airbnb hosts, it’s our job to reinforce our unique culture and provide the setting for our customers’ travel fantasies. 

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Travelling is one of the best things that you can do for your health. It helps your physical and mental health, and can be excellent for the soul according to Positive Health Wellness. So what type of experience does an Airbnb customer expect? At Designbx, we can help by providing a few design tips to make your home attract five star reviews.

Firstly, imagine your target demographic. What interiors do they expect from a seaside getaway, a few days in our unique inner city suburbs, or a tranquil stay in the Hunter Valley? Put yourself in the shoes of your potential customer as you complete the free Designbx Style Quiz, which will provide a visual style board.

Once you have a clear vision, let’s get to work on the foundations: walls and floors. A fresh lick of silk or satin paint, or a sugar soap scrub will provide the most common basic necessity: a visually clean and hygienic space. Choose flooring that’s easy to clean and works with your style.

Next, make sure there’s enough furniture for your guests in each area, and always assume they’ll move as an entire group between rooms. Ensure they have a wonderful sleep by using latex covers, which have memory for extra comfort.

Designbx Airbnb Project in Curl Curl, NSW

Temperature is critical, and don’t just assume air-conditioning is the one solution; think about your floor coverings, window treatments, materials and props. Feel free to overcompensate with extra blankets, feather doonas, rugs, heated towel racks, blinds & curtains. Don’t forget fly screens!

Tantalise the senses. Have soft, relaxed music playing on arrival. Spotify is a very cheap option, and you can set up playlists to enhance the atmosphere. Timer lights and heating are always appreciated. Ensure the house smells fresh and homely on arrival by using vaporisers.

Plush slippers by the door spoil guests and encourage them to take their shoes off. We even put gumboots on the veranda of a rural getaway and provided baskets labelled with the name of each chicken so guests could start their day with a little egg-hunting adventure.

Add a guestbook with tips and quirks you may be used to but could become frustrations for people in a new environment. How does every appliance operate, where do they find supplies, what are the cultural attractions? Again, imagine you are the guest.

A little guest basket champions local produce and shows pride in the community; or in situations where the house is isolated, it could provide goods impossible to find locally. These little touches remind people that you are welcoming them into your home.

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Let’s have a little fun with aesthetics. Refer to your Style Board when making any purchases. Enhancing architectural features is a good place to start. High ceilings scream for oversized artwork, and feature pendant lights look great on large kitchen island benches.

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Ensure your styling stays similar from one room to the next. Use a harmonised colour scheme, and experiment with texture to add character. Layout is crucial. Interior designers use spatial planning to place items in a room. This ensures you have a fluid path from one space to another. At Designbx we use Floor Plans to help designers and clients collaborate on layout decisions, which saves time and money.

Designbx Airbnb Project in Hunter Valley, NSW

Double the amount of dinner and kitchenware, pillows and towels you expect will be required. Make sure you provide ways to block out the sun. Use durable finishes, aged timbers, non absorbent bench tops, commercial fabrics on sofas or ever-reliable leather. Opt for poly blend or natural fibre rugs, which are easily cleaned with a damp cloth.

For more organic touches, indoor plants purify the air and add aroma while flowers use visuals and unique perfumes for a sense of wellbeing. While a bedside table is a prime position for a vase, make sure you choose a flower that doesn’t have a powerful fragrance that might inhibit the ability to sleep.

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Don’t forget to entertain your guests. In any home you would expect to find books, music, games, DVDs or a hard drive with movies, and even musical instruments. There are times when we simply want to relax and have a quiet night in. 

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Never ignore safety. Even the most minor injury to a child will infuriate your adult guests. Place everyday items in easily accessible spots: don’t store heavy ceramic bowls on high shelves, and place linen in heavy lidded chests.

Underlay under rugs not only present better but also won’t curl up on the ends and create trip hazards. Place slip treads on all your stairs, especially in wet areas. Blind cords must have winding hooks (especially in children’s rooms). Also ensure you keep up to date with pool, spa and fire rules & regulations.

Add a touch of luxe. Ikea offers feather inserts for cushions that start at $5, so why risk looking cheap? Feather or duck duvets might cost more but feel beautiful and encourage guests to turn off heating, saving you money in the long-term.

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Feature toiletries in every wet room. The feel and smell of quality toiletries are lasting in the mind. Tea and coffee are common vices, so have a tea box (T2) and a POD coffee machine. With linen, opt for quality 300-plus thread count (no polyester), which wash well and last longer.

Designbx Airbnb Project in Twin Waters, QLD

Once you’ve created the perfect Airbnb home, capture your beautiful spaces on camera. Go professional, preferably with an interior or real estate specialist. Select a hero shot that captures your key feature. If the feature is exterior, like ocean views, remind browsers that it’s a home by taking the shot from inside. Soft lighting like a cloudy day is perfect, and avoid filters so people can see the real space and finishes.

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We’ve given you a few DIY tips but forecast the positive effect a professionally designed and decorated space may have on price and occupancy, and spend accordingly. From commercial interior design to personally designing your home, Designbx is an online interior design solution that is both affordable and collaborative. Unlike most freelancers out there, we offer set priced packages and access to a wider network of designers.

If you don’t know where to start you can always reach out to the expert Designbx Team for a FREE Interiors Design consultation.

 “Designbx   |   “Top interior design tips for Airbnb hosts”    |  designbx.com

The post Airbnb Hosts – Top tips to become the best Airbnb hosts appeared first on Designbx.

Bright Bazaar

http://www.brightbazaarblog.com

Refreshing take on color from one of the world’s leading interiors bloggers, Will Taylor of Bright Bazaar. What began as a popular blog attracting over 400,000 readers a month is now a one of Pinterest’s top influencers with over 2.4 million followers. One of the best blogs to take note on how to decorate with colour.

Decor 8

http://decor8blog.com

Holly Becker launched decor8 in 2004 as a small interior design studio in Boston. Nearly a decade later, the blog has become extremely popular for it’s well chosen photos and the personal touch in every post about home decor.

Design Sponge

http://www.designsponge.com

Design*Sponge is a design blog run by Grace Bonney. Launched in 2004, the blog attracts 1 million devoted readers across the globe for Its fresh and authentic stories, and practical ideas anyone can apply in his home.

Young House Love

http://www.younghouselove.com

Sherry and John live in Richmond, Virginia spending their days doing projects, photographing them, writing posts, and raising their daughter Clara and son Teddy. Readers love their obsession with DIY and how fun it is for them making this blog. The lively ideas and the their loyalty for this blog sure worth the follow.

Brit&Co

http://www.brit.co

Founded in late 2011, Brit&Co is a leading destination for the DIY generation, currently reaching over 10 million creatively-minded people each month. The blog provides tools to teach, inspire, and enable creativity among women and girls.

Its Over Flowing

Founded in 2008 by Aimee Lane who shares her inspiration for creating a simply inspired home. On the blog you will find a collection of house tours, photography tutorials, organisation tips, DIY projects, fabulous shopping finds and room makeovers.

Apartment Therapy

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com

In April 2004, Maxwell, with his brother Oliver Ryan, launched Apartment Therapy, reviewing stores, offering tips, posting photos, becoming the most successful blog in America and the world over.

The Jungalow

http://www.thejungalow.com

Justinas bohemian aesthetic emerged out of her multicultural upbringing in Berkeley, California. With partnerships with brands from One Kings Lane to Anthropologie and a social-media following of over 1,300,000 people, her bohemian style, approachable voice and novel ideas inspire millions to get free spirited with their home decor.

Remodelista

http://www.remodelista.com

Remodelista.com is the go-to, undisputed authority for home design enthusiasts, remodelers, architects, and designers. Remodelista decodes the secrets to achieving this aesthetic, with in-depth tours and lessons.

Sanni Apell

http://www.saniapell.com/blog

Sania Pell, a talented writer created a place to share her favourite interior styling and great design; fine art and contemporary craft; exciting new products and flea market finds; handmade and homemade. You can read her articles in famous magazines such as Elle Decor. The blog is well known for her excellent taste and inspirational photos.

The Design Files

http://www.thedesignfiles.net/section/homes

The Design Files was established by Lucy Feagins, a stylist and set dresser, who works alongside InsideOut and Domain publishing design related news and advice. Gaining a large following to become one of The Time’s UK’s Top 50 design blogs across the world, their home archives offer insight into style trends, beautiful homes around the world and industry news. Not only do their articles cover interior design, but offer extensive information for creatives, foodies, gardeners and architects. 

Now, go forth and explore! Each blog from around the world offers unique and practical advice as a go-to bible for designers and creatives. By following Interior Design trends and news it sparks newfound inspiration and creativity that you can apply in your own homes and practices.

The post Global design blogs worth knowing about appeared first on Designbx.

1. Start with a wooden floor

First of all, start with a clean, fresh base. Wooden floorboards are the ultimate Scandi trademark. Opt for light tones to open up the space and to give as much lightness and airiness as possible. Think about your walls and ceiling colours as well. Your interior will look bigger and brighter instantly — the more white the better.

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2. Use a muted palette

Once you have your base mastered, move on to the big block pieces. For larger items, like your sofa, table, chairs or curtains, try using neutral colours. We especially love using a myriad of greys (avoid a white couch that you’ll be stressing about when the little ones get within a 10-metre radius of it). To master the look, add touches of wood here and there to incorporate warmth.

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3. Add colour by using splashes of pastels

Although a neutral-based style, Scandinavian interior design colour schemes are often infused with soft pastels. Our favourite is blush pink, as it is the perfect complementary colour to any wood. Mint green is also a fun way to add some colour into your Scandi kingdom.

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4. Create a complementary feature wall

So how best do we style our walls in a Scandi home? It can be hard to figure out how to add different pieces of wall art without making it clash with a neutral interior, but by adding pops of pastels you can creating a striking look.

Be creative! Use photos, prints, paintings, quotes or even drawings that your mini-me made! You can create a fun art project for the kids by encouraging them to create, using your colour palette.

By using similar frames throughout and some clever pre-planning, you can ensure your unique feature wall works harmoniously with the Scandi style.

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5. Layers, layers, layers!

The great thing about Scandinavian interior design is you can go wild with textures. As long as the colours are harmonious and neutral, you can mix as many as you like! This is what adds depth and character to Scandi spaces. Use leather, linen, jute, metal, fur, wood…you name it, you layer it!

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6. Get some Scandinavian furniture

The cleans lines, simplicity and beauty of these timeless pieces are undeniable. By adding even just one or two of these beauties, you can completely transform your space. There are so many affordable options to finding Scandinavian-style furniture without skimping on quality and practicality. Try Pop and Scott, MRD Home, Sokol, Eadie Lifestyle, or Mr & Mrs White.

Combinations that are paving the way into 2018 are:

• Woven pastel leathers, featuring in seating, wall hangings and rugs
• Tibetan fur, dyed in striking neutral  or jewel tones is a key trend for children’s bedrooms and playrooms
• Raw hand-crafted materials like pottery and rustic timbers, paired with the traditional curved and clean lines of Scandinavian design – this new style is being echoed as Japandi (a fusion of Scandinavian and Japanese design movements).

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7. Be minimal with the little things (less is more)

The easiest way is to think about what you really need, and forget the rest. Marie Kondo wrote a best-selling book on how tidying up can be life-changing and not only declutter your home but your mind as well. To that we say, yes please! But keep the items you absolutely love. And no, you don’t need those 50 jumpers you haven’t worn since high school.

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8. Use greenery in the right places

Plants are a surefire way to bring texture and contrast to those neutral walls. In spaces that just need a little something, sculptural, oversized and grouped plants will work best. Your pot is as important as the species of your plant, so pick wisely.

A single or dual tone will last the test of time. Our favourite brands include Designtwins, Pop and Scott, Ivy muse, Urban Eden, and Milk and Sugar. To not overdo it, just add one large potted plant to each room. Make sure you use plants that can survive indoors and don’t need much light. If you’re not into big plants, or can’t keep one alive no matter how hard you try (we’ve all been there), then why not add a simple cactus? They’re always a nice, easy way to add some greenery.

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9. Install a fireplace

Living in Australia, we may not all need a fireplace, but if we were to embrace them, either for function or pure aesthetics, they would look a little like this. The Scandinavian ‘staple’ fireplace would be tall, thin and likely to be perched in a corner. We may not ever install one of these but we love these different styles to ooh and aah over. If the real thing is impractical, a faux fireplace creates a setting to do a vignette of artwork, greenery or personal items.

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10. Be meticulous and creative with lighting

Last, but certainly not least, lighting! It’s so important in any space, but the fun thing with Scandinavian interior design is that you can incorporate various sizes and shapes with great success. Try using cool bulbs, lampshades and garlands.

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Scandinavian interior design gets us so excited, and makes us spend way too much time on Pinterest, but we hope this has inspired you to redecorate.

Do you want to find out what your ideal style is? Check out our style quiz and get your dream home project started right away!

The post How to create Scandinavian interior design appeared first on Designbx.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in twelve Australians works from home, but that figure will skyrocket over the next few years. There’s also a legion of artists and entrepreneurs who finish the daily grind only to go home and work on pet projects.

“Keep an ABW (activity base working) approach at home. A healthy way to detach from work when not scene “

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Our ambitions are expanding as our spaces shrink, so it’s never been more important to have a comfortable, productive work environment. But anyone who’s worked from home knows that doing it successfully isn’t simply a matter of finding a flat surface and a comfy chair. Thankfully any room in your home can have a dual identity and become a brilliant space for creation and focus, or you may decide to style a room specifically for your career. It’s all a matter of smart planning and clever design.

“Built in bookcases behind the dining table reverts from functional office to personality filled dining room with a clear of the table”

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“Making a space specific to your work space doesn’t need to be large, just considerate to your style and functional needs”

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Take storage for instance. Most people living in the city or suburbs already have challenges when it comes to space. It seems daunting but the answer may be as simple as stacked baskets, boxes or crates that keep your surfaces clutter-free and guarantee your work is safe. But consider measurements, textures and colours to make sure that stack in the corner is a feature, not an eyesore.

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Few of us have the luxury of having a dedicated room for an office. How do we meet the challenge of creating a room with a double identity, and which room do you choose? The good news is any room can seamlessly make a daily transition from its primary function to makeshift office, or coexist happily. The Industrial styling of your living room may be the natural site for architectural inspiration, or your Boho Chic bedroom’s exotic vibrance may energise a graphic designer.

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Your workspace could be a great excuse to add a library or study to a larger living area, not only complimenting the room but aesthetically improving it. A floating desk can create a more sociable environment and improve productivity by including friends, partners or the kids. Rather than feel isolated as you work, feel integrated. Be honest about the usefulness of each room.

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A formal dining area may be used rarely, especially in modern households where schedules clash. There’s no need to completely eliminate its original function or remove furniture. Just redesign the space to make it lively and inspirational. Simply swapping an elegant style like Scandi for Modern Eclectic’s vitality may transform a rarely used space into one that looks and feels productive.

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Probably the most positive example of adding a workspace is a collaborative area designed to be a hub of work activity for everyone in the home. It’s a case of ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’. Just make sure everyone’s catered for, including practical seating for kids and adults. Sometimes a soft and attractive partition can be all it takes to separate your work life from home life.

“A space for all”

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In a home with Coastal design, dropdown blinds may be the perfect touch, or perhaps your divider can be more subtle, simply telling the rest of the family that the space is dedicated to work without dramatically splitting the area. Storage shelves are a good example, keeping the room open and letting the light in. Freestanding room dividers are an easy fix but don’t ruin your interiors by adding a feature that clashes with your style. Make sure you consider finishes.

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It’s always possible to achieve pleasing, practical design. For instance, if your room is French Accent, stay ‘on theme’ with careful attention to detail and textures. Most importantly, it’s incredibly important to feel comfortable as you work, so your office, like the rest of your home, needs to be truly you. Consistency is key and that includes materials and lighting that create a seamless flow from one space to the next. As our work and private lives become more integrated, it’s increasingly important to think of your home office as a truly integrated space that inspires you and reflects your personality.

  “Room to be you”

Designbx  “Home offices for every lifestyle“ www.designbx.com

The post Home Offices for every lifestyle appeared first on Designbx.

It is almost impossible to say that we aren’t intrigued to see how the celebrities live and that we don’t want to follow celebrity style.  A celebrities fashion sense often rings true to the style of their home but also not.  Lets take a peek in some homes…

Cameron Diaz

This Manhattan apartment is modern eclectic in every way. This opulent and glamorous oasis was designed by “it” designer Kelly Wearstler, need we say more.

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Julia Roberts

This Greenwich village apartment shares a neutral blend of coastal and traditional chic
elements.  It’s understated colour palette allows the truly amazing views remain the focal point.

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Johna Hill

One of Johna’s many properties, this 1950’s casual beauty in the Hollywood hills is an eclectic blend of coastal, modern eclectic, and vintage overtones. A fun and bright approach.

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Tyra Banks

This Beverley Hills mansion is Traditional Chic perfection.  The soft and neutral palette lends itself to the rustic architectural features.  Airy, fresh, and beautifully detailed.

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What’s your style? Just remember a space should bring happiness, select pieces, colours and finishes that brighten your day.

The post Celebrity Style appeared first on Designbx.