Seems like everyone is getting in on the AirBnB, VBRO business these days. And why not? Thanks to it’s ease of use and enticing second income opportunity, listing your cottage for rent is easier than ever. Before renting out your cottage– or even if you’re not renting out your abode– these tips and tricks for long lasting style are great to keep in mind for any space to help them age gracefully.
The first step according to Joe Nahem, of design firm Fox-Nahem Associates, is: “Look at what else is out there — compare: What can I do to make [my home] a little better?” Taking stock of what you have in your cottage is important when considering any design changes. If you’re looking to renting out your cottage, it’s important to keep in mind that even well-behaved guests will give some wear and tear. Rather than fret over your home coming undone, replace delicate with clever yet hardy materials that makes for long lasting style.
Some materials to consider next time you want to rearrange for guests include:
- Linen – Durable choice for bedding, that only gets softer whenever used and washed.
- Stone – Sturdy option for countertops, be it in bathrooms or the kitchen.
- Salvaged Wood – Combined with a matte polyurethane finish, upcycled wooden flooring or furniture adds well-worn charm to any room.
Gambrel’s Sag Harbor rental is outfitted with durbable bedding that will only look better with age. Photo by Eric Piasecki via nytimes.com.
Gambrel’s Sag Harbor rental is outfitted with durbable bedding that will only look better with age. Photo by Eric Piasecki via nytimes.com.Another tip is to avoid using materials that are hard to maintain, like perfect lacquered surfaces or pristine carpeted floors.
“When designing rentals, simplicity in furnishings is the key,” said Kerri Rosenthal, founder of KR Interiors. When furnishing a room with the listed materials above, adding pops of color from minimalist pottery or throw pillows is a good way to make a home inviting.
“To add character, I like to pull from my collection of vintage quilts and have one at the foot of each bed,” Cortney Novogratz of HGTV’s design show ‘Home by Novogratz’ said, noting that you could also, “add some fun books on the side table, with fresh flowers for an inviting touch.”
Check out this article for more long lasting style tips and advice from other designers. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and never miss a post!
