By Zephyr and Stone

Wondering what it takes to set up the ULTIMATE Airbnb holiday home that your guests will rave about?

Aimee McKechnie has done just that. Aimee, a sought-after Sydney Interior Designer and her husband Blair, successfully completed a remarkable 10-month renovation project that combines breath-taking minimalist design and impeccable attention to detail. They created their own Airbnb luxury holiday home — The Shore, located 2 hours South of Sydney in Gerringong.

We spoke with Aimee to learn her top tips and tricks for Airbnb home design success, and how to create unforgettable wow factor.

The Shore, Gerringong • Lounge Room Fireplace with White Brick Feature Wall

The Shore Project Details

Name: The Shore
Project: Luxury holiday stay
Location: Gerringong - South Coast NSW, near Werri Beach
Project Duration: 10 months
Follow: @theshoreatgerringong
Website: www.theshoreatgerringong.com.au

Aimee's Top 5 Do's & Don'ts for Airbnb Design

Elevate the Ambiance: Plan your electrical layout wisely, incorporating feature lighting and ample power points in bedrooms to enhance the guest experience.
Unleash Creativity: Infuse your design with unique elements to stand out from the competition and create a lasting impression.
Bathroom Bliss: Whenever possible, include multiple bathrooms, as guests highly value convenience and comfort during their stay.
Accommodate Everyone: Ensure your dining table and living room seating can comfortably accommodate all guests, promoting togetherness and memorable moments.
Temperature Matters: Prioritise heating and cooling systems to provide a pleasant environment all year round.

Why Airbnb/Holiday Rental?

With a vision to create a luxurious retreat to share with guests and also enjoy as their personal getaway, Aimee embarked on a 3-year journey to find the perfect property in the ideal location.

Airbnb Renovation Coastal Bedroom — The Shore, Gerringong • Coastal Bedroom Design with Ample Natural Light

Design Inspiration

Drawing inspiration from her love for travel, Aimee's design journey stems from her quest to discover new and fascinating places to stay, which enrich and inspire her creativity and design perspectives.

Crafting the Perfect Design Layout

The Shore was thoughtfully designed around the concept of togetherness, providing ample space for gatherings while ensuring privacy for each guest. With 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, two living spaces, two kitchens, and multiple outdoor areas, the property offers the perfect balance of relaxation and companionship.

Key Features for Luxury Airbnb Holiday Rentals

Creating comfortable spaces: Prioritise comfortable beds, top-quality linen and essential amenities like hooks and full-length mirrors in bedrooms and bathrooms. In larger properties, the kitchen should take center stage to encourage communal cooking and dining experiences and create cherished memories for guests.

Designing for "Wow Factor" Moments: For those picture-perfect moments, incorporate unique elements such as fireplaces, pools, outdoor bathtubs, or extraordinary furniture. This thoughtful design approach allows guests to bring their dream vacation moments to life and share them on social media.

Silencing Unwanted Noise: minimise noise transference, ensuring solid internal doors and strategic placement of bedrooms to guarantee guests a peaceful night's sleep.

Durable Finishes: Opt for hard-wearing finishes, keeping carpets limited to bedrooms and using removable covers for sofas and armchairs to simplify maintenance.

Location Based Colour Scheme: Adapt the colour scheme to the property's location and style. Aimee recommends earthy hues and wood lining for bush cabins, while breezy whites and coastal colours for properties near the ocean.

Minimalist and Warm Styling: At The Shore, Aimee crafts an ambiance of "quiet luxury," featuring custom and designer pieces, original artwork, and a minimalist yet warm and inviting atmosphere (no cookie-cutter designs here!).

Personalised Experience: Offer a personalised experience for every guest by being the direct point of contact and thoroughly preparing the property before each arrival.