Hey there, outdoor lovers and design fans! We're Matt and Lisa Hunter, and we're super excited to tell you about making incredible backyards for our Airbnb called The Clubhouse. We know that lots of folks who stay in Airbnbs really enjoy spending time outside and we’ve found it just adds a whole new level to your experience, so we want to share our approach to this beautiful outdoor area. Let's jump in!
Creating a Connection Between Inside and Outside:
When we create outdoor spaces for our Airbnbs, we want them to feel like a natural part of the house. The inside and outside should flow together, sort of like friends having a good chat. I'm Matt, and I handle the outside part, while Lisa, my wife, business partner, and designer extraordinaire, takes care of the inside. We work together to make it all awesome! But there are a few steps to consider before you dive into your own dream space…
Step 1 - Think About the Space:
First thing, we check out how much space we've got to work with. This is actually widely forgotten as a designer gets too excited too quickly about everything they want in their backyard. We look at what other places nearby offer and take strong consideration into what people might want but also what is trending. We also think about what would fit our budget. Sometimes we'll need different features and decorations for different places. Like, in a hot desert, a pool might be fabulous, but in the mountains, a cozy fire pit and a hot tub would fit much better!
Step 2 - Adding Fun Features:
One thing about us is we want our outdoor places to be super fun. We think about what things would make people smile. We have a pool at Vista Lago and went above and beyond, adding things like bar stools and comfy spots to hang out. At The Clubhouse, which is near Lake Havasu Golf Club, we put in a putting green. These cool extras make our place unique and special while also complementing the surrounding area. For any new Airbnb owners, consider what local attractions there are to your location and use those to creatively think about what features you could include in your property to play off of those!
Step 3 - Making Each Place Special:
Every property is like a unique puzzle in the sense that we make sure to match the style and feel of the home. At Vista Lago, we made the pool and spa the star of the show because it's big and can host lots of people. We added spots for barbecues, lounging, and even games like cornhole. At The Clubhouse, we added a putting green and spots to relax. This is because how each home feels has the biggest impact on what activities people will participate in. We see it all the time that Airbnb owners try to fit in puzzle pieces that don’t belong when they could have so much more success if they spent the time to think about how their property should really fit together!
The best part of designing your backyard is when it WORKS. We try every time to make our homes feel like a resort in the sense that they feel luxurious. At Vista Lago, the pool and outdoor space is really star.. It sets the mood for the whole backyard and makes people happy. We wanted guests to have a fun place to chill, and we're thrilled when they love it! People actually love the backyard so much we’ve been asked to host weddings, networking events, and welcome parties for boating events happening in Havasu.
3 Tips for a Great Airbnb Backyard:
Be Unique: Make your place stand out by adding things that other places (your competition) don’t have. People will be curious and want to stay at your spot. You should be giving your guests a reason to stay at your home that they can’t find anywhere else!
Watch Your Budget: Think about what's worth spending money on. Not everything needs to be fancy (or done all at once). Choose things that make sense for your space and won't be too hard to maintain while also making your home affordable.
Light It Up: Don't forget about lights! When the sun goes down, lights make your place feel magical. You can use lights in the pool, around the yard, and even some fun string lights. No matter what kind of property you have, this is an awesome feature you can include to make your home feel elevated!
BONUS TIP: DON’T FORGET ABOUT THOSE STARLIGHT PHOTOS – showing off your outdoor space in another form other than those beautiful daylight photos is a great way to paint a picture of how your guests can see themselves in your space day or night!
Remember, all your guests will be different. Think about what they'd like and what would make them smile regardless of what their personal preferences might be. Families, friends, and outdoor lovers will all have a great time if you create a special space for them!
Creating Awesome Memories for Your Guests
Designing an Airbnb backyard is like painting a picture; each one is unique and filled with memories. Make it a space where people can have fun and create new stories with the people that they love. Whether it's splashing in a pool, playing games, or just relaxing under the stars, your backyard can be the highlight of someone's trip! For us, this has often been the case. We hope you feel inspired to create your own incredible outdoor space! Get ready to make smiles and memories that will last a lifetime!
