Dinner and wine with friends under string lights, a nap on a lounge chair, moonlit chats around the firepit: these are the things your guests are dreaming about when they’re planning their vacations.
The best vacation rentals feature photos of well-designed outdoor spaces that make potential guests fantasize about the great memories they’ll make and Instagram photos they’ll take. Best of all, drool-worthy Airbnb outdoor spaces will have them clicking “Book Now” and earning you points towards Superhost status.
The outdoor space of your short-term rental is where your guests will spend a lot of their time, especially if you’re in a location with a mild climate and beautiful weather. It’s where they’ll relax, eat, drink, make memories – and help you grow your brand by posting on social media. You’ll definitely want to put some thought into how you design your patios and yard, read on for what you should be thinking about.
Photo: Derek Trask / Alamy Stock Photo | via: Garden Design
Table of Contents
Things to consider when designing an outdoor space for your vacation rental:
Design for Airbnb outdoor spaces
Size and layout
No two outdoor spaces are alike, so working with what you have is important. If you have a small outdoor space, focus on creating a cozy atmosphere with comfortable seating, soft lighting, and lots of plants – think of it as your guests’ personal secret garden hideaway (this approach would also work great for a small indoor space). And if your short-term rental has a large outdoor area, you should create different zones for dining, lounging, and entertaining.
Seating arrangements
When designing outdoor spaces, seating is an important element to consider. After all, your guests want to be comfortable as they soak up the sun or relax in the shade.
Of course, the specific seating arrangements you choose will depend on the size and shape of the outdoor area and your ideal guest profile, but one thing to keep in mind is the flow of the space. You don’t want your guests to feel cramped or forced to navigate awkwardly around your furniture. Make sure there’s enough space for people to move freely between seating areas and that the layout feels intuitive.
Your guests want privacy outside
Privacy is vital for your guests’ comfort and enjoyment, and when designing an outdoor space for your vacation rental, the key is to find a balance between privacy and openness, especially if your property has fabulous views and natural surroundings.
One way to provide privacy is to add a fence or a living wall made up of plants to create a natural barrier. Another option is to use privacy screens or curtains that can be used to section off areas of your outdoor space, like a seating area or a hot tub. Landscaping is also a great way to create some privacy in large backyards while adding to the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. You can use plants and trees to block the view from neighboring properties and create a natural barrier.
Photo: Zeke Ruelas | Design: Anne Carr Design | via: Rue Magazine
Furniture for vacation rental outdoor spaces
Seating
Your guests will spend a lot of time lounging around on the outdoor furniture, so make sure it’s comfortable and made to last. More and more, patios are like second living rooms, so if you’ve got the room, you’ll want to provide some seating with cushions.
Dining
For most guests, cooking and dining in the great outdoors say summer like nothing else, so if the weather at your location permits it, you can count on your guests taking their dinner outside. Consider your occupancy limits and make sure there’s a seat at the outdoor table for everyone.
Materials
Choose durable and weather-resistant materials for outdoor furniture and decor, as lounging on a soggy, moldy outdoor couch doesn’t sound particularly inviting.
- Powder-coated or anodized aluminum outdoor furniture is a great choice for most climates. It’s long-lasting and fade-resistant. It’s also lightweight, which makes it easy to move around but also makes it vulnerable to strong winds.
- Resin wicker is a popular choice for outdoor furniture; This synthetic material looks like natural wicker but is much more durable and resistant to moisture and UV rays. It eventually will break down under strong sunlight, so take steps to cover it between bookings.
- Teak is also a durable material, naturally resistant to water and insects, and it weathers beautifully over time. It’s also expensive, so most lower-cost wooden outdoor furniture is made of eucalyptus. Like teak, eucalyptus is resistant to rot and it will turn silver over time. Inexpensive wood outdoor furniture can crack if the wood was not cured properly during manufacturing.
- Wrought iron is a classic option that can add some serious style to your outdoor space. Plus, it’s heavy enough to withstand strong winds. It can rust, however, so you’ll want to apply a sealant or wax regularly.
- Concrete furniture can look chic and modern, and your guests won’t be moving it around! It’s impervious to the sun but it can stain easily. You can protect concrete furniture with the regular application of car wax.
- Fabrics must be UV resistant to be used for cushions, draperies, or pillows. Sunbrella is a popular brand name and a good choice, as it’s also water resistant. For non-branded outdoor fabric look UV and stain-resistant options.
Photo and design: Huettl Landscape Architecture | via: Garden Design
Key features of Airbnb outdoor spaces
Landscaping
You’ll want to use landscaping that’s cohesive with the design of your Airbnb, low-maintenance, and safe for guests and their kids and pets. Native plants can be a great choice, as can drought-tolerant landscaping if water is a concern in your area. You can also incorporate mulch, gravel, or hardscaping to cut down on the maintenance a lawn would require.
Lighting
Strategically placed outdoor lighting is essential for creating the right ambiance, and it’s especially important in areas where guests will be walking or dining to ensure their safety. This can include path lighting, string lights, and even outdoor table lamps. And if you’re in an area with mosquitos, guests will be grateful for mosquito-repelling plants or devices, as all that buzz can be a real – buzzkill.
Water features
Before deciding on a water feature for your outdoor space, there are a few things to consider. First, you need to assess whether you have enough space to accommodate it. A large pool may not be feasible for a small backyard, but a small pond or hot tub might be just the right fit.
Second, you need to factor in the cost of maintenance and upkeep. A pool, for example, will require regular cleaning, chemical treatments, and equipment repairs. You’ll need to budget for these costs and ensure that you have a plan in place for regular maintenance. On the other hand, guests are often willing to pay more for properties with luxurious amenities, so the investment might be worth it.
Need help with budgeting for your vacation rental? Snag our free spreadsheet!
Third, think about the needs and desires of your guests. A hot tub can provide the perfect spot for relaxation after a day of exploring the area, while a pond can be a peaceful backdrop for morning yoga or meditation. And pool can – and will – offer hours of entertainment for families with children or groups of friends. Just make sure to place a friendly pool rules rental sign somewhere near the pool.
Finally, you’ve got to think about liability. Check with local building codes, and give your insurance agent a call before planning a big pool project to make sure it’s as safe as it can be.
Fire features
Firepits and fire tables are popular with vacation rental guests and they look great in your listing photos. Like water features, you’ll need to make sure that fire features can be used safely. Start with your local fire department for regulations, and make sure your insurance policy covers potential accidents. Give guests all the information they need to use a firepit safely and add regular maintenance of a fire feature to your schedule.
Storage
Think ahead about where you’ll store furniture covers, cushions, and blankets when they’re not in use. Consider whether you want guests to be able to access them or if they need to be locked away, and plan accordingly.
design and photo: Somos Outdoors
Outdoor amenities for your vacation rental
Make sure your guests have everything they need to enjoy their stay, and then some. Consider the amenities you’ll provide. If your vacation rental is located in a popular summer destination, amenities like an outdoor shower, outdoor kitchen or bar, grill, and even sink or refrigerator will add value to your listing. And what’s an A-frame cabin without a hammock or a stylish fire pit? Pet-friendly Airbnb hosts shouldn’t forget about outdoor amenities for their four-legged guests, like pet beds, toys, and water bowls. If you’re not sure where to start, check out your competition. If guests expect a certain level of luxury in your area you’ll need to know it so you can get the nightly rate you want.
Outdoor kitchens and bars
Outdoor cooking can be as simple as a propane grill or as complicated as an outdoor kitchen with running water and appliances. Consider your ideal guests and what they’ll be doing when you plan your outdoor kitchen. Is it family dinners alfresco or groups of friends day drinking and watching the game? The more attractive you can make an outdoor kitchen or bar the better your bookings.
Games and amenities
Do you have the space for a bocce ball court, horseshoe pit, table tennis, or a giant game of Connect Four or Jenga? Set your vacation rental apart by showing your guests exactly why your place is even better than home.
Decor
Decorating your outdoor space is the finishing touch that ties everything together. Use outdoor-safe rugs, pillows, and throws to add color and texture to your space. If it fits the overall style, you can also incorporate art and sculptures to create a unique outdoor environment. And if you’re styling your outdoor space on a budget, check out Pinterest for some DIY decor ideas like planters or vases.
Vacation rental outdoor safety
As I mentioned, water features, fire features, and even thorny plants can pose safety hazards for your guests. Consider, also, that your guests will be of all ages and physical abilities, and eliminate things like trip hazards whenever you can.
Be sure that rules and instructions are clear for potential hazards, and talk to your lawyer about whether to add a waiver to your rental agreement for those features.
If you have short-term rental insurance, your insurer may have specific requirements for water and fire safety, so always check your policy before making changes.
Photo: Raquel Langworthy | Design: Raychel Wade Design | via: Rue Magazine
Maintaining vacation rental outdoor spaces
Make your furniture last longer
I strongly recommend you buy outdoor furniture covers – not only to protect the furniture from rain but also to avoid replacing the entire furniture suite because it’s ruined by the sun. Been there, done that. So learn from my mistakes and protect your Airbnb furniture investment!
Additionally, there are various protective sprays you can use to prolong the life of fabrics and plastics. Do your research and test on an inconspicuous area before you blast your furniture.
Durability should be on your mind also when choosing decor elements for your outdoor space. For decorative elements like tables, planters, and sculptures, look for materials like metal, stone, and concrete that can handle a little rain and wind, as picking up items lying all over the place is not something you want to have on your cleaning checklist.
Professional landscaping and upkeep
Most likely, you’ll need the help of some pros to maintain your vacation rental outdoor space. Plan to hire a landscaper (even if you don’t have many plants) and a pool or spa maintenance person.
If you’re not the one taking care of your place, be sure to chat with your managers and housekeepers to clarify who is in charge of covering and uncovering outdoor furniture, keeping grills clean, washing cushion covers, and the like. It takes a bit of work to keep your outdoor space looking great, so be sure that it’s happening.
Need some inspiration for outdoor space design? Take a look at our portfolio!
And just a quick final word of advice – don’t be afraid to consult with a professional if you’re feeling stuck or unsure of where to start. Landscape designers can be invaluable for designing gorgeous outdoor spaces that will meet all your requirements. They can give you expert advice that can save you money in the long run and help you design the perfect outdoor oasis for your guests.
