Airbnb - it’s pitched as your “home away from home,” but let’s be honest, we’re not hunting for a replica of our living room, are we? The gap between the design of a residential property and a vacation rental can be significant- and as an interior designer who works on both, it becomes clear as day! The objective is the same - crafting spaces that are as beautiful as they are practical - but the tactics are as different as night and day. So, let's roll up our sleeves and delve into what separates the two and effective approaches for each.
Durability vs. Personalization
Residential:
In a private home, personalization is king! I don’t know about you, but I want to walk into my home and have it to look, feel and smell like my family. I want to smile at my kids artwork hung on the walls and tear up at the pictures of little baby toes that have grown into teenage feet constantly on the go. The residential home is about family and displaying moments captured in time- and homeowners typically want spaces that reflect their unique tastes and lifestyles. We might choose more delicate fabrics, intricate decor pieces, or custom furniture that perfectly suits the client's preferences.
Vacation Rental:
Durability reigns in vacation rentals. These spaces need to withstand high turnover and varying levels of guest care. Think about it, while you might not allow your kids to jump on their beds or eat on the couch, I bet you know at least one other family who does. These behaviors might be different for every family- and more often then not people allow things on vacation that they would never allow in their own spaces! Therefore, we opt for sturdy, easy-to-clean materials like performance fabrics, scratch-resistant surfaces, and commercial-grade appliances. Prioritizing these items make turnover easy and last minute replacements due to damage less likely.
Strategy:
For vacation rentals, invest in quality, durable pieces that can withstand wear and tear. For residential designs, focus on incorporating personal touches and unique elements that make the space feel like home.
Neutral vs. Bold Design Choices
Residential:
In private homes, we often lean towards more timeless and neutral designs. While personal touches are important and plentiful, many homeowners prefer a classic look that won't feel dated quickly and can evolve with their tastes over time.
Vacation Rental:
Contrary to what some might expect, vacation rentals benefit from bolder, more defined design choices. In the competitive Airbnb market, a unique and eye-catching aesthetic can set your property apart and create a memorable experience for guests.
Strategy:
For vacation rentals, don't be afraid to take risks with your design. Consider vibrant color schemes, unusual themes, or statement pieces that create a "wow" factor. This could mean a boldly wallpapered accent wall, eclectic furniture choices, or a strong color story throughout the space. The goal is to create an experience that guests can't get at home and will want to share on social media.
For residential projects, while you can still incorporate personality, focus on creating a harmonious backdrop for daily life. Use accessories and easily changeable elements to add pops of color or current trends to a more neutral base.
Privacy vs. Openness
Residential:
In a private home, we often create distinct spaces for different family members or activities. For example, I recently converted our extra bedroom to an office. Why? Because it was summer and working at the kitchen counter was just not helping me get my work done. I needed a quiet private space to work in- and this is often the case in many homes. Moms and dads need their space and privacy as do kids! In a residence, privacy is something we have to heavily consider.
Vacation Rental:
When it comes to holiday getaways, it's all about the togetherness factor! Cozy couch cuddles, epic board game battles, or just chilling around the patio's fire pit - these moments truly define your vacation. That's why vacation properties often favor open layouts, enhancing that feeling of space and fostering group interaction. It's all about making the most of your time together.
Strategy:
In vacation rentals, focus on creating multi-functional spaces that can accommodate group activities. For residential projects, consider incorporating more private nooks or separate rooms based on the family's needs.
Storage Solutions
Residential:
Holiday decorations, memory boxes, or those kayaks you SWEAR you were going to use all summer all need somewhere to belong that doesn’t mess up the flow of the home. I mean, you could store your kayak on the couch if you wanted too, but it’s definitely not ideal. In a private home, we design storage solutions for long-term use, accommodating all of the homeowner's belongings.
Vacation Rental:
On the flip side, vacation properties are in need of short term storage like empty drawers, hangers and a fridge. Storage is often not a huge problem in these spaces as extra closets and storage spaces can be utilized for extra supplies, or locked up for use as an owner’s closet.
Strategy:
In vacation rentals, provide clear, easy-to-use storage options for guests, while also creating separate, secure storage for owner's items. In residential designs, focus on customized, long-term storage solutions.
Maintenance Considerations
Residential:
Homeowners are typically responsible for their own maintenance and may be willing to take on more complex care routines in exchange for certain luxury upgrades like marble countertops or wool carpets. As these can be costly AND require more care than a simple cleaning routine, they are best left to residences.
Vacation Rental:
These properties need to be low-maintenance to minimize time and effort between guest stays. Items such as interchangeable dishes and white linens are easy items to keep clean and swap out as needed. Installing simple flat baseboards will make the place easier to maintain and keep clean. Consider flooring and window treatments that are durable and easily maintained as it will make all the difference in 5-10 years when wear and tear begins to show.
Strategy:
For vacation rentals, choose materials and designs that are easy to clean and maintain. For residential projects, you can incorporate more high-maintenance elements if the homeowner is willing to care for them.
Conclusion
While both residential and vacation rental design aim to create beautiful spaces, the strategies can differ significantly. Residential design focuses on personalization and long-term livability, while vacation rental design prioritizes durability, a wow-factor, and ease of use. By understanding these key differences, we can create spaces that perfectly suit their intended purpose, whether that's a cozy family home or a five-star vacation experience.
Remember, great design is about more than just aesthetics – it's about creating spaces that truly work for the people who use them. Whether you're designing your forever home or setting up a vacation rental, keep these strategies in mind to create a space that's both beautiful and functional. Hope this helps you differentiate between the two design strategies and happy decorating!
Cheers,
If you are just getting started on your first vacation rental, we have tons of free resources to help you- both the Ideal Guest Avatar and the Essential Inventory Checklist are great starting points. Click either guide or the button below to download your copy today.
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