Holiday Let Interior Design: Expert Tips

A great holiday let interior design and an unforgettable guest experience is paramount to improving guest reviews, boosting occupancy rates and pricing your holiday let.

Tasteful interior design can help your holiday let stand out from the crowd and give you an edge over the competition.

To get the best insight into interior design, we asked specialist Holiday Let Interior Designer, Helen Winter of Coral Interiors, to provide us with her top tips for setting up a high-end holiday let.

Holiday Let Interior Design Tips for Boosting Bookings

As a holiday let owner, the key to maximising return on investment using design lies in creating a space that not only appeals to guests when they’re booking their next break, but also captivates them from the moment they step through the door.

With the right interior design, you can not only attract more bookings, but also set yourself apart from the competition and command premium rates.

Define a Unique Holiday Let Style

Start by defining a cohesive design style for your holiday let that aligns with your target market and location. Whether it's coastal chic, urban industrial, or rustic charm, consistency in style creates a memorable experience for your guests.

Remember, your holiday let should exude luxury and charm, aiming to outshine not just local rentals, but nearby boutique hotels. Statement pieces create a focal point in the room, which could include plush furnishings, artwork, light fixtures, or sculptures.

Be creative

Create a mood board with up to three colours to be used throughout your property, and a clear theme. You should ideally look to reflect the location and age of your property.

By having consistent colour coordination throughout your holiday let, it will look less cluttered and more professional. We advise choosing evergreen colours such as white, cream, black and grey as bolder shades may go out of fashion fairly quickly.

Optimise your Holiday Let Interior Design

Over time, your property will show signs of general wear and tear. Opting for functional interiors and ergonomic designs will limit the need for replacing any furnishings.

Hard wooden floors and laminate flooring will help limit the signs of usage. Unlike carpet flooring, laminate and hard wooden floors will not absorb any stains and will not need replacing anywhere near as often.

For carpets and soft furnishings such as rugs, sofas and armchairs, it is best to avoid pale shades such as beige and ivory. Choosing stain-resistant fabrics will limit the chances of having to replace damaged furniture, particularly if you are running a pet-friendly property.

Design a functional kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of any holiday rental, so make sure yours is both stylish and practical. Including essential appliances and cookware will help ensure guests have sufficient facilities available when staying at your property.

Storage should be easily accessible for guests, such as displaying mugs and glasses in glazed wall cabinets or open shelving. Plenty of workspace and open shelving can be more practical than concealed storage. Signage for security cameras must also be clearly visible.

Read our holiday let kitchen inventory checklist for more tips.

Allow plenty of space

It can be easy to equate guest capacity with increased revenue, but when it comes to holiday letting, less is more. If your property can sleep 10, but only comfortably seat six, you’re not delivering a quality guest experience.

Advertising your holiday let for large groups won’t necessarily make you more money, and it will potentially cause your guests to complain if they are not accommodated for properly. Optimise your property and allow plenty of space for dining and socialising.

Maintain your holiday let

You may have a successful year or two and think you’re all set, but you need to keep your holiday let well-maintained.

Deal with any additional wear and tear to avoid it ending up looking shabby and unloved in a few years' time. To stay optimum, review your guest feedback and take action where you can.

Check in on your competition regularly. If your occupancy rates are lower than similar properties in the area, especially during off-peak periods, there are many ways to increase guest conversion rates and drive low season holiday let bookings.

Reflect your Local Area

Infuse your holiday let with touches of local charm to give guests a taste of the areas unique culture and heritage. Incorporate artwork, textiles, or decorative elements to create an authentic experience that encourages guests to explore the surrounding area.

There are a number of things you can include to make your holiday let more tasteful. Decorating your holiday let with artwork from local artists can keep your property ahead of competition against the local luxury B&Bs, boutique hotels or spas in the area.

White linens, a pillow menu and tea and coffee making facilities in bedrooms will all add a luxurious touch, which can also help to maximise your rental income.

Transform Outdoor Spaces

Don’t forget the outdoor areas of your holiday let - they're just as important as the interior.

Create inviting outdoor spaces where guests can relax and unwind with comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and lush greenery, and consider adding wow-factor features like hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens or barbecue huts to make your property stand out.

For more inspiration, take a look at our ideas to make the most of your cottage garden.

Prioritise Comfort and Convenience

Pay attention to the little details that enhance guest comfort and convenience, such as fast Wi-Fi, plenty of power sockets and quality toiletries.

According to data from Sykes' Holiday Letting Outlook Report, offering Wi-Fi in your holiday let can increase your income by 55%, while other popular features to improve your holiday include hot tubs, gardens and swimming pools

Consider offering extras like streaming services and games for rainy days to ensure your guests have everything they need for a memorable stay. When competing against other holiday lets, investing in the guest experience is the key to success.

Invest in quality furnishings

As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for”. Opting for more expensive and sustainable furniture could save you more money in the long run.

Avoid cheap leather or vinyl sofas and choose affordable, high-quality beds and mattresses. In addition, environmentally-friendly furniture crafted from sustainable materials are more likely to be durable and long lasting, if looked after properly.

When it comes to lighting, include floor and table lamps to living rooms and bedrooms, and plug-in nightlights for safety and comfort. Economise on decorative items such as side tables, coffee tables and cushions, as these can be easily replaced if damaged.

Head to Coral Interiors for more ideas on how to furnish your holiday let to give it the best chance of attracting both new and returning guests.

Guidelines for Holiday Lets

Visit England provides guidelines to plan, design and fit-out your holiday let. This will help you take a lot of the guess-work out of your holiday home interior design, and in turn, you’ll have a better chance of driving more bookings than a property of lower quality.

As Visit England is the body responsible for auditing self-catering accommodation, by following their guidelines, you will stand a better chance of achieving the highest star rating possible for your property.

When it comes to thinking about the age and abilities of your guest, try to be as inclusive as possible when mapping out your holiday let interior design.

Include alarms near any pools or ponds and remove any objects that may cause harm to your younger guests. For elderly guests, consider implementing a hand rail for any inclines such as stairs or ramps.

Speak to your Sykes property expert to find out what they’d recommend, giving you the best chance in the marketplace.