There is a lot of generic advice out there about updating your holiday home. (This should follow the same first house checklist). Whilst helpful, sometimes it is easier to follow a more actionable room-by-room guide and I hope that is what you get from this post!
Why bother?
Updating your holiday home interior may not always be on the top of your priority list but it is worth doing. Travel marketing, including holiday home rentals, is more visual focused than ever before. Thanks to platforms like Instagram and Bimble, that is trend that shows no sign of slowing down. If your holiday home isn’t up to scratch, then you will start to see that hurt your occupancy rates.
“One key thing we have seen over the last few years is that Instagram is a really effective marketing tool for holiday homeowners, so giving you property a decor update will not only make it better for guests staying next season but also allows you to market your home on social media networks, focusing on the design and decor and adding some ‘Instagramble’ touches will really help.
Phil Schofield from Schofields
You don’t need to break the bank to make the changes but some effort will go a long way.
Entrance
First impressions count! Create a feeling (or illusion if needed) of space in your entrance hallway or area to make those first steps as positive as possible. Is that handy shoe rack actually getting in the way of the door opening fully? Remove clutter and use hooks or alternative storage units such box shelving to make the most of the space you have.
Mirrors instantly make a space look bigger. A clever reflection of light opens up even the smallest of spaces and creates a lighter, roomier entrance hall. Add a house plant to bring warmth and love to the entrance and you have, inexpensively, made an instantly better first impression!
Living Space
Your guests will want to use the living space differently so aid them with a choice of occasional chairs that they can move and use to suit their needs. Maximise the space with versatile furniture. A great example of that is a large footrest that can also be used as a place to sit. Comfort and convenience without taking up all the floor space!
There is a reason that people have chosen to stay in the area that your house is in. Bring that in to the house through local artwork. Don’t clutter the walls but a nod to the location through a local artists quality landscape is worth considering.
When done with lots of consideration and skill, wallpaper can add heaps of character to a room. If you are need of inspiration then you can’t go too far wrong by plumping for the Graham and Bloom wallpaper of the year, Bloomsbury Neo Mint.
If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, make sure that you have provided kindling, logs and matches for people to have a cosy night in your house. A small touch but goes a long way in the memories of those who use it. Even for those who don’t want to light it up, just seeing it in pictures will add another tick next to your listing.
Bathroom
Whilst a practical room, it is also important to make this a relaxing space for your guests. Give your walls a lick of paint with the Deluxe colour of the year, Tranquil Dawn. The name of the paint says everything you need to know!
Like with the hallway, adding a plant can add a lot of value to a room. Plants offer three great qualities to a bathroom in a guest house: fresh smelling, colour adding and air cleaning. An Aloe Vera plant is a no-brainer as it looks after itself well and has so many other health benefits! The steam from the bathroom may even be enough to keep it alive without any additional care needed.
In an increasingly eco-conscious market it is advisable to add items that are recyclable and refillable. From bamboo toothbrushes to cruelty-free shampoo, it isn’t difficult to make small changes that will be appreciated by your guests.
It is important to have a washer and dryer in the bathroom if you are planning to have the guests at your holiday house often. Check this guide from Unclutterer, that can help you to choose one.
Bedroom
Be brave and be bold with bedroom decoration to create the ultimate cosy room. Rich, traditional colours can create a feeling of warmth and comfort which is what a bedroom needs to be! Add shelves with books, candles and plants to add something a little extra to the room.
Make the most of throws to bring the colours of the room together without having to change carpets or other furniture. Bedding on rotation can be a pain for guest house owners and throws over the bed can help take some pressure off the turnaround of the same bedding colours for each guest. Find a bed with storage under it as a store of single beddings, cushions and throws.
Whatever changes you manage to make to your house, I hope you see the benefits of it very quickly!
