As a homeowner or property manager, you want to maximise the potential of your asset by offering travellers a memorable experience. In this article, our interior designers give you some practical advice on setting up your house or flat for seasonal rental. The key is to persuade visitors to book their stay, but also to ensure that they enjoy their holiday once they're there.

1. A friendly, warm atmosphere thanks to the architecture, the choice of furniture and the decoration.

When travellers are looking for holiday rental accommodation, the first thing they look for is a place that gives them a feeling of comfort and well-being. This is achieved through warm, soothing colours, such as neutral tones with touches of bright colours. These shades will be appreciated for creating a friendly atmosphere. Take a look at the timeless elegance of neutral shades and discover their ability to create spaces that are both soothing and refined.

Here's a checklist of the key points to follow before furnishing your rental flat:

• Lighting has a crucial influence on a room! A bright room is always better than a dark one. Opt for soft, diffused light sources, such as ambient lamps, floor lamps or wall lights. Avoid lights that are too bright or white, which can give a cold feeling. The best lighting is natural light, which you can bring in through large windows, glass partitions, mirrors, etc. Of course, it all depends on the architecture of your interior.

• "Functional" decoration such as textiles: cushions, plaids, rugs and curtains. They add a touch of warmth and comfort to the space. Soft, plush materials such as wool, cotton or velvet create a welcoming atmosphere. You can also add a personal touch with photographs, books, handicrafts or trinkets (travel souvenirs). These little personal touches make your interior unique and invite travellers to feel at home.

Don't use too much furniture! Optimise the space available.

"Simplicity, pushed to the extreme, becomes elegance." - John Franklin

• The choice of furniture is essential, because you need to focus on what's useful without forgetting what's aesthetically pleasing. Start by favouring functional furniture such as the traditional sofa bed, which doubles as a sofa and extra bed for a +1 in your home, or nesting tables and storage poufs, which are excellent options for saving storage space while offering practical surfaces.

• When it comes to storage, don't forget to provide wall shelves, sliding cupboards or wall hooks. Travellers will always be pleased to be able to put their things away and free up space on the floor. Emptying your suitcase when you arrive on holiday is a real pleasure! The first step to a great holiday. Compact or modular furniture is often the right option for homes that can accommodate more or fewer people. For example, choose an extendable or folding dining table that can be extended when necessary and folded away when not in use. 

Eliminate the excess! It's often necessary to sort through objects and accessories because they're often "extra" and clutter up the space. Ask yourself: "Is it an essential item?" "Is it functional?" "Does it have a specific purpose? For example, opt for compact, versatile appliances rather than several bulky ones. Also, reduce the amount of decoration to avoid visual overload.

2. Think about what can make the difference between your ad and another!

"The details are not the details. They make the design." - Charles Eames

Sometimes there's no point in spending too much! Put yourself in the tenant's shoes, and list the things you would need. As travellers, we appreciate modern conveniences and quality equipment. This means comfortable furniture: soft sofas, cosy bedding. But also by electronics such as a reliable Wi-Fi connection, a television with cable channels or a streaming service (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, etc.), and household appliances in good working order. Amenities such as air conditioning, heating and washing machines/dryers can also be added benefits to attract travellers.

But not just bedding and electrical equipment!

You can leave information about the region at your disposal! Once they've arrived, tenants will be pleasantly surprised to have brochures, maps and books on tourist sites, local activities and the region's gastronomy close at hand. You can also let them know about local events by providing them with a calendar of events near the accommodation, such as festivals, markets or concerts. This will enable them to take full advantage of what the region has to offer during their stay.

If you can, offer travellers local products as a welcome: a bottle of wine from the region, local culinary specialities or typical handicrafts. Not only will this add a touch of authenticity, it will also show your willingness to showcase local products.

3. Create distinct functional spaces

To maximise space and provide a pleasant experience for travellers, clearly delineate the different areas of the flat. This will give the impression of a larger room, because several zones will be present. But be careful, it has to be done properly! A large space or a small one needs to be properly laid out to give it an impression of grandeur. We've all seen small flats where you feel at home because the layout has been well thought out.

For this project, MAISON TCHENIO imagined, designed and created a magnificent custom-made sliding door to create two environments. Depending on their wishes and needs, renters can create two different atmospheres. 

Here are a few tips: 

• Identify the activity zones, such as the living room, dining room, kitchen, study area and bedroom. Based on the layout of the flat, choose the zones to be created and determine the location for each zone. 
• Use furniture and rugs to delimit spaces. Use a sofa or bookcase to separate the living room from the dining room, or a folding screen or curtains to create privacy zones / hidden areas (storage spaces). Rugs can also help to demarcate areas by creating a visual demarcation. Yes, the separation can be purely visual, an illusion of grandeur! 
• Use lighting to differentiate spaces. Different light fittings can be used for each zone to create a distinct atmosphere. For example, use softer, subdued lighting in the living room for a relaxing atmosphere, and brighter lighting in the kitchen to make it easier to prepare meals.

4. Design an interior that reflects the spirit of the region.

Consider the cultural, historical or natural characteristics of the region and incorporate them into the decoration of the flat. For example, if your flat is located in the heart of a seaside resort, incorporate marine elements such as shells, photographs of coastal landscapes or motifs reminiscent of the ocean. If your flat is in a mountainous region, choose natural materials such as wood and motifs inspired by alpine nature.

A nod to our beautiful region, Provence! Creating an environment that reflects the essence of Provence in a holiday rental flat is a great way to offer travellers an authentic and immersive experience.

Here are a few ideas for creating a Provençal interior:

• Colours and materials: Choose a palette of soft pastel colours and combine them with natural materials such as wood, stone and terracotta to create a warm, rustic atmosphere.
• Provençal décor: Incorporate traditional Provençal furniture, such as weathered wooden tables, wicker chairs, carved wooden cupboards or wrought iron chests of drawers. These pieces will add a touch of authenticity and rustic charm to the flat.
• Provençal accessories: Choose accessories that reflect Provençal culture, such as hand-decorated earthenware plates, terracotta pots, wicker baskets, lavender-scented candles or colourful ceramic panels. These little details will give the flat a typically Provençal feel.
• Local arts and crafts: Showcase local crafts by displaying works of art, pottery or decorative objects made by local artisans. This will allow travellers to discover Provençal craftsmanship and appreciate the authenticity of the local culture.
• Provençal cuisine: If your flat has a kitchen, equip it with Provençal cooking utensils, such as cast-iron casseroles, colourful ceramic dishes, Provençal spice sets and bottles of local olive oil. Also offer Provençal recipes or regional cookery books to inspire travellers to cook traditional dishes.

In conclusion, to attract travellers on Airbnb and offer an exceptional experience, the design of a holiday rental flat is of paramount importance. By following these tips, such as creating a welcoming atmosphere, using attractive interior design, prioritising comfort, providing quality amenities and offering personalised touches, you can stand out from the crowd and attract the attention of travellers. By investing time and effort in the design of your flat, you maximise your chances of receiving good reviews, building customer loyalty and ensuring the success of your holiday rental on Airbnb.