Furnishing a holiday home is very different from furnishing the place you live. Every piece has to look beautiful in your listing photos, feel comfortable for every guest who walks through the door, and survive sandy feet, the odd glass of red and back-to-back changeovers. We own and host holiday homes ourselves, so we've learnt which pieces earn their keep and which ones don't last a season. Here's how we approach furnishing the holiday homes, Airbnbs and short-stay rentals we style across the Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne, Daylesford and beyond.
Plan before you shop
Before you buy a single chair, work out who your guests are and how many people the property sleeps. A family of five needs a big dining table, bunks and somewhere to dump the beach bags. A couple on a weekend escape wants a gorgeous bed, a comfy spot by the fire and a place to sit outside with a glass of wine. Measure every room, sketch a simple floor plan and write a list room by room. It stops the impulse buys and makes sure every guest has a seat at the table and on the sofa. Our room-by-room styling checklist blog post is a good place to start.
Beds come first
If you only splurge on one thing, make it the beds. Guests remember a great night's sleep, and they mention a bad one in their reviews. Choose quality mattresses with protectors (we have great wholesale suppliers), a sturdy bed base and an upholstered or timber bedhead that photographs well. Keep the bed linen white or soft neutral so it is easy to match, bleach and replace, then bring in colour and texture with throws and cushions. Two bedside tables and two lamps per bed is a small detail that makes a room feel like a boutique hotel.
Sofas and seating for everyone
Your living room should seat everyone the property sleeps, ideally plus one. Look for a sofa with a solid frame, firm cushions that bounce back and removable, washable covers. Deep, low lounges look relaxed but can be hard for some guests to get out of, so test before you buy. Add an occasional chair or two, and consider ottomans or poufs that double as extra seating and a spot to rest a tray.
Choose fabrics and finishes that forgive
Holiday homes work hard, so pick materials that hide a little wear. Performance fabrics, washable linen blends, leather that softens with age and timber with a natural grain all look better over time rather than worse. Avoid high-gloss surfaces that show every fingerprint, and pale velvets that mark easily. On the coast, think about salt air and sand; in the country, think about muddy boots and wood fires. Mid-tone rugs with a bit of pattern are far more forgiving than plain cream.
Dining tables that bring people together
Shared meals are often the highlight of a stay, so give guests a table big enough for the whole group. Solid timber tables can be sanded back and refreshed, while a simple bench seat on one side squeezes in extra people. Choose chairs that are comfortable for a long lunch and easy to wipe down.
Outdoor furniture built for the weather
Outdoor spaces often sell the booking, so treat them like another room. Choose furniture made for outdoor use, with weather-proof cushions you can store away in winter. Create a spot to eat, a spot to lounge and, if you can, somewhere cosy for cooler evenings. A well-styled deck or courtyard also makes a beautiful hero shot for your listing.
Storage guests (and cleaners) will thank you for
Guests need somewhere to unpack: hanging space, a few empty drawers and a luggage rack or bench in each bedroom. Your cleaners need clever storage too, with a lockable owner's cupboard and a linen press organised by bed size. Baskets, hooks by the door and a spot for wet towels keep the home looking styled rather than lived in.
Where to save and where to spend
Spend on the things guests touch every day: mattresses, sofas, dining chairs and outdoor seating. Save on the things that are easy to update: cushions, throws, artwork, lamps and decorative accessories. These finishing touches are what make a holiday home feel personal, and refreshing them each season keeps your property looking fresh in photos and reviews. For more ideas on bringing it all together, read our guide to how to style an Airbnb guests will love.
Need a hand?
Furnishing a holiday home from scratch is a big job, and it is easy to spend money in the wrong places. That's where we come in. We help owners style holiday homes that look beautiful, work hard and get booked. Take a look at how we work with holiday home owners, or our styling for photography service if you're getting ready for a shoot. Not ready to talk yet? Grab our free 5 tips for your holiday home and start making changes this weekend.
Sharon & Dee
