The proliferation of the short term rental (STR) market in Vancouver BC has done so much more than provide vacationers with greater accommodation options. It has redefined how homeowners can pay down their mortgages and earn revenue from their properties beyond the typical increases in equity.

If you use your property to earn income on the STR market, you’re more than likely using Airbnb. While the potential in doing so can be tremendous, it is also highly competitive. A quick search of luxury properties (above $300/night) on Airbnb Vancouver (not including the new Airbnb Luxe) unveils 561 listings for the most recent 2-week booking period. How will you make your property more competitive?

Property owners who are serious about using their homes to earn significant STR income are turning to interior design upgrades. Enhanced interior design improves renter satisfaction scores, which increases Airbnb star ratings, which in turn increases bookings. Moreover, it allows property owners to showcase professional quality photos of the property, which data shows increases bookings by 17.51%. Another study showed that it earned 28% more bookings and allowed owners to charge a 26% higher nightly rate.

Seeing that you’ve decided to make the wise investment to increase bookings and entice the right kind of renters, you’re now searching for an Airbnb interior designer for your luxury vacation rental/s in Vancouver. You’ve found who you are looking for. Feel free to call Calvert Design right away at 604.924.4034 for a FREE phone consultation, or read below for some helpful tips.

4 Interior Designer Tips to Increasing Renter Satisfaction and Bookings for Your Airbnb Vacation Rental in Vancouver BC

Open-Up Natural Light

Provide natural light from outside with better “access” to your interior. Prolonged exposure to natural light improves the mood of occupants within a space which will elevate their entire experience within your Airbnb. Simple upgrades may include replacing manual blinds for mechanical ones that can be programmed to alter openings with the changing position of the sun. More intensive upgrades may be required should you need to remove a permanent partition that is preventing natural light from reaching more of the interior space.

Bathroom Renovation

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the home for Airbnb renters. A well designed bathroom infers a sense of cleanliness which is the number one star rating criteria. Here’s what you need to know about finding an interior designer for bathroom remodels.

Open the Kitchen to the Rest of the Space

The kitchen of a luxury Airbnb should never be closed-off from the living, leisure, and dining areas. Guests may not mind this when cooking at home, but when on vacation they want to be able to interact with their family/companions and enjoy the view (interior and exterior) while preparing and cooking meals. Openings may need to be made in existing walls to open visual and audible access. Alternatively (or in addition) a kitchen island may need to be added so “the chef” can face outward instead of staring into cupboards and backsplashes. Here’s what you need to know about finding an interior designer for kitchen remodels.

Making Sense of Open Floor Plans

Warehouse conversions and lofts with open floor plans are one of the most popular types of Airbnb properties in Vancouver BC. Investors look to them as low-maintenance options that will attract interest. They are and do, but they come with innate challenges to guests from a functional and psychological perspective. Interior design upgrades for these types of Airbnb properties should delineate space to create “rooms” within an open floor. In addition, specific types of lighting and furnishings should be employed to create a sense of warmth within these properties which traditionally have “cold” personas. For further details on what is required of your Airbnb interior designer, read this guide to warehouse conversion interior design.

Ready to increase ratings and booking for your Airbnb through the science (and magic) of interior design? Call Calvert Design Studio for your FREE 20-minute phone consultation.