DECEMBER 31, 2024
#113: Turning Large Airbnbs into Cozy Retreats: Jen Arkell’s Design Secrets
Vacation Rental Interior Design Tips for Large Airbnbs
What’s the secret to designing large vacation rentals that feel both inviting and functional? In this episode, I sit down with Jen Arkell, a homeschooling mom of seven and a creative force in transforming oversized short-term rentals into warm, welcoming retreats. With her knack for combining practicality and charm, Jen’s insights into vacation rental interior design tips are invaluable for Airbnb hosts and property owners.
Jen shares her personal experiences and unique strategies, emphasizing thoughtful layouts and guest-centered details. From stocking kitchens with must-have essentials to creating spaces that cater to large groups, she ensures every rental feels like home while staying practical for hosts.
Jen Arkell’s Interior Design Secrets for Large Vacation Rentals
Designing large vacation rentals comes with unique challenges, but Jen’s approach simplifies the process. Her methods focus on:
- Functional Layouts for Groups: Ensuring common areas are spacious and bedrooms provide privacy without sacrificing style.
- Stocking Essentials: From cookware to linens, Jen highlights must-haves to enhance the guest experience.
- Budget-Friendly Choices: Finding cost-effective yet high-quality furnishings to create a polished look without overspending.
These actionable tips, drawn from her hands-on experience, make Jen’s advice approachable for any host.
Highlights and Key Points:
- [00:01] Introduction: Meet Jen Arkell and learn about her journey in the short-term rental industry.
- [02:17] Designing for Large Properties: How to create functional and inviting layouts for big groups.
- [04:22] Kitchen Must-Haves: Stocking kitchens to meet the needs of large families and groups.
- [07:22] Staging Process: Jen’s step-by-step method for preparing properties.
- [12:41] Intuitive Design: How her natural creativity guides her process.
- [15:02] Balancing Budget and Quality: Tips for furnishing rentals without breaking the bank.
- [24:03] Balancing Life and Work: Managing homeschooling, parenting, and a design business
- [31:00] Team Building: Working closely with cleaners and vendors to ensure property upkeep.
Golden Nuggets
- “Start small, and scale from there.”
- “Show yourself grace when you can’t find the perfect piece; it’ll come together in the end.”
- “Pouring into your family creates a natural teamwork dynamic that helps you manage your goals.”
- “Trust the process—everything happens for a reason.”
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