10 ways to improve your space

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10 ways to improve your space

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From easy, affordable upgrades to larger renovations, there are so many ways to give your space a refresh. Here, we share some home improvement ideas from hosts like you. Whether you’re ready to tackle your to-do list now or planning something down the road, get ready to get inspired!

 

1. Remember that small updates can have a big impact

Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh coat of paint or some everyday cleaning products to breathe new life into a room. Superhost Harold from Montreal, Canada, is planning a few “light renovations.” He’ll be “washing walls in high-traffic areas and painting the guest room and bathroom,” he says. “Painting is the best way to spruce up a space!” For an even simpler refresh, try changing out bed linens, adding new throw pillows, or just replacing the shower curtain.

2. Make the most of your slow season

Got larger upgrades in mind? Once you’ve identified your low-demand season, take advantage of it to make updates, especially if they’ll require your space to be unoccupied for a few days or weeks. “Winter here is a slow time, so it’s perfect for larger projects,” says host Martin of Proendos, Spain. Superhosts Delfina and Jorge from Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, notice that fewer guests check in during November, January, and February, which is when they “had all the furniture in the kitchen painted, changed the vacuum cleaner for a wireless one, and bought a new duvet.”

 3. Take a second look at your guests’ first impression

When guests arrive at your door, what’s the first thing they notice? If it’s peeling paint or a badly lit walkway, you might be missing a chance to wow them right from the start. “As the weather gets better, we start with painting our front door,” says host Maria from Athens, Greece. And Superhost Markus of Dornbirn, Austria, is installing “new LED outdoor lights with motion detectors in the entrance area to our apartments.”

4. Make changes that can help you save time on cleaning

From furniture to fixtures, some changes can make cleaning your space faster (and more cost-efficient!). Superhost Beth from Flagstaff, Arizona, replaced her high-maintenance bed frame with a more streamlined "platform bed that does not require polishing.” And Superhost Beatriz of São Paulo, Brazil, has a neat trick for making hard-to-reach spots more accessible: “I'm going to put little wheels under some furniture to speed up the cleaning process.”

5. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances

Reducing the energy use in your space isn’t just better for the planet—it can also help you save on your bills. Host Markus from Dornbirn, Austria, plans to try out a smart thermostat: “I’m hoping this will reduce my heating costs, as I will be able to reduce the heating output [when the space is] unoccupied.” And Superhost Pete from Los Angeles “just added countdown timers for the bathroom ceiling heater and fan” to help his guests be more energy-conscious.

6. Keep up with preventative maintenance

Whether it’s replacing your HVAC filters, changing out lightbulbs, or dusting and resetting modems and routers, there are certain tasks you can do on a set schedule to keep everything in your space running smoothly. Depending on where you live, the local climate can add to your to-do list. “I replaced the toilet flapper chain with a piece of nylon cord, and I oil hinges on a regular basis,” says Superhost Sarah from Sayulita, Mexico, where humidity and salt in the air can erode metal fixtures.

7. Double-check your space’s safety preparedness   

Updating your space for safety is always a worthwhile investment. “Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and signage for guests to follow in case of, heaven forbid, an accident or incident” are a good place to start, says Superhost Bryan from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. For peace of mind, stock your space with a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit. You should also familiarize yourself with any rules and regulations specific to your region.

8. Create a welcoming outdoor area

Guests love a nice green space, and you don’t need a sprawling backyard to create one. Superhost Lawrence of Parkville, Australia, is setting his sights high and “planning a potted garden on the roof deck. I will use indigenous coastal plants.” And Superhost Irwing from Panama City, Panama, is inspiring guests to enjoy a little time outside. “I want to make a garden on the balcony and add a patio furniture set to create a space where guests can connect with nature.”

9. Stay in your space to anticipate guests’ needs

If you’re not sure where to start, try putting yourself in your guests’ shoes. “Before you jump into a renovation or upgrade, pack a bag and stay in your own space for a couple of nights,” says Superhost Sarah of South Charleston, Ohio. “Then make a list of things you needed, missed, or that didn’t work quite as you imagined.” Be sure to go in through the guest entrance to get the full experience.

10. And don’t forget to update your listing!

Every improvement to your space is a chance to make your listing more compelling, so be sure to update your description, list of amenities, and photos. If you can, consider investing in professional photography like Superhost Jacqui from Worcester, U.K., did. “It was worth it,” she says. “Bookings went up.”

 

We hope these ideas get you thinking about all the ways you can improve your space now and in the months and years to come.

 

39 Replies 39
Anton140
Level 1
England, GB

Currently through the winter we have redecorated and currently also having the porch torn down and replaced. New lounge furniture will be arriving before the season starts at Easter. Photos of the changes will be posted on the web page.

Ellen653
Level 1
Ross-on-Wye, United Kingdom

Great ideas. Personally we are installing an en suite to the main bed room and updating the family bathroom.

Evelyn0
Level 10
Arkport, NY

Right now doing a big renovation.. we have to remember to inform any upcoming guests of ALL of our upgrades since they can request a refund if the apartment doesn't look like what they book.

 

Us to. We've been renovating since mid November. We updated the electrical system, painting, new light fixtures and in a week we will be tearing the living and dinning room floor out to put new flooring in. We work on it daily and we can't wait until it's done. I"m so glad we are able to do the work ourselves

Douglas78
Level 1
Windham, CT

My current kitchen was only convenient for one person cooking at a time I am using the slow. To renovate my kitchen expand it and adding double appliances of everything making it more convenient for multiple guests to cook at one time.

Normen0
Level 10
Canada

We have a a few friends who also have AIRBNB rentals. We meet in each other’s spaces and discuss what’s working and what isn’t. We share with each other when we find something great. 

Martha679
Level 1
Hamburg, PA

We put out outdoor flood ligts on a timer (5 -11PM) so we don't have to remember to turn them on. This guides our guests safely to their entrance. We also installed a hard-wired baseboard heater in the bathroom . Guests rave about how warm and comfy it is now.

Gudrun13
Level 3
Santa Fe, NM

I blocked the calendar for the month of January (slow season)

so I can do a remodel and spruce up the place with fresh paint,

a new sitting area and new furniture. I wonder if I should leave

the pictures there and adding the new ones - this way guests

can compare "before" and "after" looks?!

After my recent remodel I had photos reshot in Remodeled areas. I want guests to see the space as it is , it’s reassuring & a timely picture of what they are getting. I have stayed in overseas Airbnb’s that look different from what’s posted. 

You could leave a before and after book in the room where guests stay!  I would love to see that if I stayed some where that was remodeled.

Sandra1742
Level 2
New Braunfels, TX

I look forward to reading new ideas and personal improvements people have done to their listing.  We have a brand new home and there's always something to make it more inviting.  We're putting a ceiling fan in the Airbnb room and considering opening up a 2nd Airbnb room this spring.  Going to update the photos on my listing which I  think every year it should be updated,, especially if you want to show any improvements.  Looking ahead to a second year with Airbrnb.!!!!

Kathy372
Level 2
Alamo, CA

I’m happy to report that I currently do most if not all of these ideas;  thanks for posting. I’m reassured that I’m doing things right. 

Joshua494
Level 1
Louisville, KY

A ‘night in our guests shoes’ helps see with fresh mind-sight what I previously may have assumed was above average in my space. Great tips & thanks for sharing!

Blessings,

Joshua

I have a few months of winter break so I tore out the small dark shower and am replacing it with a bright, open cheery space with a rainfall fixture and some plants. It will be lovely and a great shower. Can’t wait until it’s done!