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
Jean192
Level 2
Truro, MA

we've install ductless Mini Split Ac throughout the unit recently, its getting very hot at the beach and sometimes the ocean breeze isn't enough

Theresa406
Level 1
San Diego, CA

We just hung some fabulous pendant lights in the hall as you enter. Wanted to add to guests first impression. We are also updating bedspreads in our room that seems the less used. We are thinking a few tweaks to this room and guests will love it! And I have plans for my niece to come take pictures with her fancy camera. We did professional the first time but, I think for the updates this will work. 

We have not renovated as such but we have added an outdoor shower so guests returning from the beach can wash off sand and salt water.  Also we plan to do some landscaping around the entry.  We have been traveling ourselves but plan to be available for guests in March 2020.

Yep these are all good suggestions!

Claire565
Level 3
St Leonards, GB

Yep, I slept in one of my rooms for 3 nights to see how it felt. And I will be making improvements based on that. I also changed the shower curtain in the bathroom to one I could put in the washing machine. 

 

Kerry143
Level 3
British Columbia, Canada

Its just on going with small upgrades or decorative touches. We did major updates when we started so we are now in the cruising stage right now. Nothing big... more outdoor work. Winter here in B.C. is wet so we are limited to indoor work. Always nice when you can do it yourself.  And Estate sales and second hand stores are my best friends.

Peter1118
Level 2
British Columbia, CA

Thanks great Ideas we are sprucing up right now-peace 

 

Kirk-and-Lisa0
Level 2
Paso Robles, CA

I enjoy adding something new fairly often; problems is I have (2) Airbnb Plus Listings that I do not have an option of updating the photos.  Can we have new photos done, or do we have to quit the Plus program to update?  It's been well over a year since the photos were taken (in the dead of winter) and I'd love some new outdoor patio & garden photos....... 

Ruth255
Level 3
Hudson, FL

Thanks for posting the ideas and it's nice to know I did the right things already.

What I would prefer is, that I could set the AC to certain low temperature. People don't care using the AC to a very low temperature in the summer months. They are out and about all day not caring about the environment and the really high bill. At night they use all the blankets because it's so cold. Can anybody please tell me, if I could set and stop the AC at a certain, still comfortable level?

Thanks for any helpful hint.

Ruth

Patrick568
Level 10
California, United States

Great ideas!