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

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There are many flavours of a Country style, with cultural elements according to the Geography (e.g. French country, American country, English country). With its rustic yet traditional touches, each Country style will draw from the culture it is used in. In large this style is warm and inviting. Open space is not considered important. It’s more about oversized robust furniture, walls adorned with memorabilia, artwork and decorative objects. The Country style displays traditional overtones such as comfortable seating, striped fabrics, rustic timbers and warm tones. Robust florals, gingham and plaid bring a quintessential country look. 

1. Top tip

With each year your Country style will flourish. Your trinkets, treasures and beloved belongings will adorn walls, cabinets, bookshelves, oversized trunks and baskets. The layer of time brings richness.

2. Traits

The key to country interior’s is to stay in touch with natural and raw materials that evoke a sense of cosiness. For example, rustic interior design elements, indoor plants, aged metal, cotton and linen striped, floral, plaid fabrics, oversized, comfort, exposed stone, timber beams, glass fronted cupboards, ceramics, press metal.

3. Designers/artists

Those who dabble in traditional and modern variations of country style interior design range from Michael Thonet, Justin Bishop, James Treble, Maria Speake, Lynda Kerry and Rob Mills. 

4. Pantone colours

5. Brands that fit

Bianca Lorenne, Eco Outdoor, Casamia, La Maison, Wallrocks, Orient house, Christophe Living, Horgans, Designers Guild, Cadry’s, George Smith, One World Collection, Impakt Emporium, Cotswold Furniture, Laura Ashley, RM Williams, Colourbond, Lucca Antiques.

6. Fragrance or tune

Sniff Soy Candle-Cashmere. Rich yet light.

You don’t need to live on a farm to embrace the country charm. The Country style is all about being grateful for what you have and showing it off. The perfect country home embraces comfort and traditional interior design. Whether it is a beautiful fireplace or a soft carpet, the Country style is timeless and radiates warmth. 

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The Luxe style speaks to us of precious metals, reflective surfaces, exotic timber, velvet and silk. It spells elegance. You’re individual and imaginative, and attention to detail is key, with daring colour palettes, extreme scale, sexy and lavish fabrics creating an intriguing and sumptuous space. Luxe interior design pulls from the sophistication and refinement of the Hollywood regency era. It draws design elements from around the globe and has brought ornamentation back into homes in a modern way.

1. Top tip for Luxe style

Our top tip to creating the perfect Luxe style is to embrace the mirror (it reflects light and adds depth to a room) and ensure the trim is a lustrous metallic to give sophistication and presence.

2. Traits 

There are many common traits that complement the Luxe style including guild, mirror, glass, velvet, buttoning, rose tint, marble, gold, crystal, colour glass, wallpaper, perspex, fur, animal print, granite, chandeliers, vintage, high gloss, wallpaper, metallic. 

Most of the above traits can be used as focal points in a room. For instance, an oversized piece of art can give your space a ‘wow’ factor. 

3. Designers/Artists

Luxe fans love these household names: David Hicks, Greg Natale, Kelly Wearstler, Suzanne Kasler, Luis La Pegna, Philippe Starck, Tom Ford.

4. Pantone colours

5. Brands that fit

Luxe style brands: Café Lightning, Boyd Blue, Café Culture & Insitu, Loui Vuitton, Style Factory International.

Luxe style is all about the finer details in life. With its elegance and extravagant finishings, Luxe can make your home feel and look like a million bucks! 

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Pertains to characteristics of a tribe. Tribal interior design often ignites the visions of Africa, with smooth worn timbers, planks of stone, hand dyed batik fabrics, intricate grass weaving and animal prints or furs. Think about the bold and beautiful colours of Wakanda from Black Panther. Linen and desert colours are traditional to this style but of late designers are teaming tribal pattern and finishes with exuberant splashes of colour – it’s a tribal revival. Artwork and sculptures bring scale and dominance to a space. This style will elevate any interior style while infusing it with history and culture. 

1. Top tips

Baskets are key to this look. The best part is there are no limits to their use; bedsides, coffee tables, fruit bowls, wall hangings, or even bed ends. Stay true to the tribal weave.  Baskets are also perfect for hiding any mess! 

2. Tribal interior design traits

Tribal interior design focuses on reconnecting with the beauty of nature by using raw organic handmade pieces such as the above mentioned baskets. Some key tribal interior design traits include fringe work, beading, rattan, bone inlay, shell, leather, feathers, hand stitching, pottery, batik and mud cloth.

Distinctive tribal prints are also key to adding a rustic and authentic tribal feel. However, try not to go overboard with the tribal prints so use it on a few key pieces. For example, you might want to use an Aztec-inspired rug or Southwestern cushion covers. 

3. Designers/Artists

Lindy Gee, Nate Berkus.

4. Pantone colours

Sticking to a monochrome palette has been a feature of the tribal revival style. 

5. Brands that fit

Manyara Home,  Eco Chic, West Elm, Urban Outfitters, 

6. Fragrance or tune

Pigeon & Weasel Candle-classic Vanilla. Fresh yet mystical. 

To achieve a chic African design style, sticking to warm natural tones and experiencing with a range of natural textures is fundamental! Add some Tribal influence to a Rustic interior design theme or Boho interior design look.

The post Tribal style guide appeared first on Designbx.

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1. Top tip

The key getting retro interior design right is to think outside the box. For example, when choosing seating, favour bean bags, hanging pod chairs, day loungers, and oversized footstools. 

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2. Retro interior design traits

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Wallpaper, rubber, neon lights, mood lights, texture, shagpile, cork, carpet,  timber, felt, wool, pattern, faux leather, glass.

3. Designers/Artists

David Hicks, Stephen Ormandy, Fred Lowen, Pierre Paulin, Gina Sarfotti, Fredrick A. Kayser.

4. Pantone colours

5. Brands that fit

Fenton & Fenton, Candy Chair, Living Edge, Missoni, Ercol,  Arflex, BoConcept, Globe West, Retrojan, Xavier & Me, Marimekko, Ercol, Retro Print Revival.

6. A perfect day

Cleaning off the low riders in the garage after a cruise to check out the local vintage car show.

7. Fragrance or tune

Chicago Candle Co.-Whiskey & Ginger Ale. Warm and buttery, the blend of fragrances creates almost a cinnamon roll scent.

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If you are in love with all the decades, retro interior design is perfect for you. Retro interior design focuses on the trends and styles from the past – it’s a blast from the past! If your going retro consider adding a little Art Deco interior design or a Rustic interior design look. 

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1. Woods and Metals

The rough charm of rustic design calls for raw woods and distressed metals. Avoid polished and and shiny finishes, as this can deter from the raw and appealing roughness of rustic interiors.

Leaving woods such as oak and pine in their natural, unpolished state allows them to develop a natural patina and matte look. Add copper and tin accents to really avoid the cool and new sheen that metals like chrome and steel have.

2. Colours and Patterns 

Choosing darker hues such as forest greens, dark denims and oxblood reds can create a cosy and inviting space. By avoiding bright neutrals and pastels you’ll will allow the space to reflect a rustic and traditional style. Try to pair these with traditional patterns such as plaid and patchwork.

3. Up-cycling

A great practical element to rustic interiors is that you can find pre-loved furniture items or recycle materials which fit perfectly into the style. 

Wooden crates act are great shelves and storage units, and you’ll find a million and one uses for the humble mason jar. Searching for antique or vintage treasures, like wooden chests, can make your interior more unique and timeless.

4. Baskets

Baskets are a great natural addition to rustic style, as create rugged charm and bring practicality to the space. Large chunky woven baskets can be used in many ways in almost every room for organising clutter and hiding objects, from holding firewood to tv remotes or throw rugs.

5. Bring nature in

Adding some greenery into your home brings a subtle touch of colour and elegance. To enhance the rustic and natural feel use decorative twigs, stones and leafy branches as a natural twist to accessorise shelves and table tops. Indoor herb garden ideas, including using mismatched pots can give a rustic effect with an extra culinary benefit!

Large indoor plants can also accentuate the boldness and rawness that comes along with rustic interior design. 

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If you’re aiming for the traditional green, gold and red colour scheme, modernise the look by adding some luxurious ornaments in burnt copper, gold and sage green colours. For a more coastal, white, blue and silver theme, try bleached timber ornaments, complemented with grey and pastel colours.

Now we have the basics down pat, let’s begin!

1. Lighting

To start with, most shops sell Christmas tree lights with either green or white wiring, so be sure to get the correct lights that will match your tree. Plain white sparkling lights go well with any colour scheme and matches easily with all kinds of ornaments. Alternatively, you can layer your lights, from small white lights to larger coloured bulbs. Make sure you always start at the top of the tree and work your way down and around, so the power pack lays nicely on the floor, and not dangling from the top of the tree!

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2. Garlands

Garlands are placed on the tree after the lights because you want to hide an electrical wire with pretty decorations. A little prior preparation for this stage can help stop a disaster later down the track. Split up your ornaments into three piles, large, medium and small. Start with the large ornaments and sprinkle them evenly around the tree, in the most visible areas (don’t forget the bottom). Continue on to the medium sized ornaments and then lastly, small sized. If you have timber ornaments that don’t match your theme, you can apply a thin coat of paint to give them a washed look. After the ornaments are placed, you can go crazy with the tinsel, beads and other goodies. Get crafty this Christmas and try make your own macrame that can be hung on your tree.

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3. Filling in the gaps

Even after layering lights, tinsel, beads and ornaments onto the tree, we can still be left with bare areas that really stand out. Luckily they are an easy fix with ribbon. Find ribbon that matches your theme and tie bows around bare tree stems to fill in the blanks. You can also fill the gap by hanging up lollies and chocolates for a Christmas day delight.

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Now all that’s left to do is stand back and be amazed by your creation. For more Xmas tips check out our stocking guide and Christmas colours!

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