It’s May in Michigan, and for me, that means it’s time to take a look at my outdoor spaces. And because we own rental properties, that is no small task! From my experience as an Airbnb owner, designer, host, and co-host, I know that guests often dream of relaxing in inviting outdoor spaces. Creating an outdoor area that lives up to these dreams is crucial for enticing them to click ‘Book Now.’ I’m excited to share a few things I’ve learned along the way and some of my favorite finds. Let me help you create an outdoor oasis that will not only delight your Airbnb guests but will help earn you those coveted 5-star reviews raving about their comfortable stay! Now, let’s take a look at some of my favorite tips for creating a relaxing outdoor space.
Creating Functional Zones in Your Airbnb Outdoor Space
Zoning is key to maximizing the functionality and appeal of your Airbnb’s outdoor area, and a crucial element of this is ensuring it comfortably accommodates your maximum guest capacity. If your home sleeps eight, for example, you must provide dining seating for eight outdoors as well, and seating for eight in gathering spots like a fire pit so everyone can enjoy the spaces together.
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Outdoor Dining:
One of the best things about vacations is gathering together for meals, and your outdoor space should be no exception! Think about creating a dedicated dining area where guests can comfortably enjoy meals together. Adding an outdoor rug can help define the space and as a bonus is soft on bare toes. Consider the flow from your indoor kitchen or grilling area to make outdoor dining a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Outdoor Lounge Area:
Think of your outdoor lounge area as an extension of your indoor living room – a truly comfortable and inviting space where guests can seamlessly transition from inside to out. The best way to design a comfortable outdoor space is to treat it like just that, extending your indoor living area.
Fire Tables Can Add Ambiance:
Whether it’s sinking into plush outdoor sofas after a day of exploring, enjoying a quiet morning coffee in an armchair bathed in sunshine, or winding down with an evening glass of wine, comfortable seating is key. And for that extra touch of warmth and ambiance, consider incorporating a fire table. They create such a cozy focal point, perfect for gathering around and extending the usability of your space into the cooler evenings. I love the fire table pictured above we have it at one of our larger properties and this fire table is a smaller more affordable option.
Don’t Forget The Cozy Factor: Pillows, Outdoor Rugs and Throws
Arrange your lounge furniture to encourage conversation and take advantage of any nice views your property offers. Adding soft rugs, outdoor pillows, and throws can enhance the cozy factor, making it even more appealing to settle in and stay awhile.
Outdoor Lighting: Setting a Mood
As the sun goes down, good lighting is what makes your outdoor lounge truly magical and usable well into the evening. I love string lights strung overhead – they create such a warm, twinkly vibe. Solar-powered pathway lights are awesome for subtly lighting up steps or seating spots so no one trips. And don’t forget pretty solar lanterns like this one or this one. Or try a solar outdoor floor lamp to add a soft, inviting glow. It’s all about making those evening conversations and quiet moments feel just right.
Don’t forget the Shade:
We all love sunshine, but let’s be real, too much of a good thing can be, well, too much! Providing plenty of shade is essential for keeping your guests comfy, especially when the sun’s beaming. A big cantilever umbrella is super flexible since you can tilt it to block the sun as it moves. For something more permanent, a stylish pergola or a well-placed sail shade can offer consistent relief from those strong rays. Trust me, offering a cool spot means your guests will stick around and enjoy your outdoor space for longer!
Cozy Corners: Little Havens for Quiet Moments.
While having those communal spaces is great, sometimes guests just want a little peace and quiet. Think about carving out small, cozy corners within your outdoor area that offer a tranquil escape. This could be a comfy Adirondack chair or an outdoor rocking chair tucked under some shade, a sweet little bistro set in a more secluded part of the patio, or even a cushioned bench nestled amongst some greenery. These little havens are perfect for enjoying a quiet morning coffee, getting lost in a book, or simply savoring a peaceful moment with an evening glass of wine.
Game Spaces: Let the Good Times Roll with Outdoor Fun:
For guests who enjoy a bit of fun and friendly competition, a designated game space is always a winner! It doesn’t have to be anything too fancy – a relatively flat area for lawn games like cornhole or giant Jenga, or even just a selection of outdoor games like frisbees or a beanbag toss can provide hours of entertainment. Think about offering games that appeal to different ages and group sizes so everyone can get in on the action.
My Favorite Outdoor Games:
- Cornhole (or Bean Bag Toss): This classic is a universally loved lawn game, easy to learn, and appeals to all ages. It’s fantastic for casual competition and can be played by two to four people. Look for durable, weather-resistant sets.
- Giant Jenga / Tumbling Timbers: The thrill of this oversized stacking game brings out the inner child in everyone. The dramatic collapses are always a hit and make for great photo opportunities. It’s a simple concept that provides big fun.
- Ladder Toss (or Ladder Golf): Another popular backyard game where players toss bolas (two golf balls connected by a string) onto a ladder to score points. It’s easy to set up, requires a bit of aim, and can be enjoyed by various skill levels.
- Yahtzee: Taking this beloved dice game to a jumbo scale makes it incredibly fun and interactive for groups. Rolling oversized dice on the lawn adds a playful twist, and it’s easy for multiple people to participate or watch.
- Giant Connect Four: Taking a beloved tabletop game and super-sizing it for the outdoors is always a winning idea. It’s easy to understand, quick to play, and visually appealing, making it a hit for families and groups.
These games are all relatively easy to store, durable, and don’t require extensive instructions, making them perfect for rental properties.
Find some of my favorite outdoor games for Airbnb’s below.
A Few More Tips for Creating a Relaxing Outdoor Space.
- Adding live plants in attractive pots can instantly make your outdoor space feel more vibrant, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed.
- A water feature can be very relaxing-transforming your outdoor area into an oasis with its soothing presence. If space is an issue try a tabletop version.
- Provide outdoor dinnerware to enhance the guest experience and minimize breakage, providing outdoor dinnerware is a practical touch that makes al fresco dining effortless and enjoyable for your guests.
- Adding a touch of Vintage to your outdoor spaces can set your spaces apart and help guests remember you. Same with a quirky piece of outdoor decor.
- A cooler like this one can be very handy for your guests and lower those summer A/C costs!
- Create a photo-ready moment: A Living Wall, a neon sign with your Airbnb’s name on it can look great on social media so think about creating that “selfie space”
In the end.
Creating a truly inviting outdoor space for your Airbnb isn’t just about curb appeal; it’s about crafting an extension of your home where guests can relax, make memories, and truly feel at home. By following these tips for creating a relaxing outdoor space, you’ll find that every detail—from providing plenty of seating and designating cozy zones to adding thoughtful lighting and fun games—contributes to that coveted 5-star experience. I hope sharing my insights helps you design an outdoor oasis that delights your guests and boosts your bookings for years to come. Here’s to many happy guests enjoying your beautifully designed outdoor spaces!
You can shop some of my favorite doormats below.
That’s it for today.
Until next time,
-Libbie
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