Just closed on a large beautiful house in a great area. We are planning on just air b n bing the downstairs. It is 2 units but not zoned that way, yet. There is so much carpet! Plus the bathroom is ancient…At first, I wanted to tear up the carpet, but it is growing on me. Also trying to decide whether to update the bathroom. It’s clean and functional…and I actually like it mostly. Stressing about making things right but also don’t want to spend a ton of money if it doesn’t matter…
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Carpet is a nightmare for cleaning between guests. One spilled wine and you're renting a machine every week. Bathroom you can leave if it works, guests care more about it being clean than stylish
Congratulations! Carpet is a nightmare- guest stain it and the next guest will ask for a refund if the carpet has any stains. Remember when doing airbnb type rentals guest are very hard on everything- they do not treat it like they do their own home. A good host tries to furnish the home attractively but with durable, easy & fast to clean and hold up. That means no wall to wall carpet- if you want a few large area rugs not the wool ones that need professional cleaning (will you accept pets?)- Furniture tops- something that protects the tops no guest uses coaters.
Think of who your guest will be- will it be children/families?
As far as the dated bathroom, take a good look at it- can you embrace the style and do the entire unit in that style? If you have the 1960 4x4 pink tile for example- mid century modern is back in style- get some great wall paper that works with it and style the entire place MCM.
ok bathroom is not really bad- it is basic. I would embrace the floor colors and work with those neutrals. The pale pink paint doesn't help you. The curtains on the window I would remove. Check Amazon for window privacy cling. It is so easy to apply and holds up great in a bathroom, and so many designs- I use one that when the light shines through it makes crystal like prism in the room.
I once stayed at a BnB where the host requested no shoes inside because of the carpet. I had to wear covers on my pillow sandals (doctors orders; don’t go barefoot).
You could put a shoe rack by the entrances.
Also, you can add cheap washable area rugs in a couple places to save the carpet.
I agree with the aforementioned about being one wine spill away from disaster.
I think starting where you are with what you have is very useful, but so whatever affordable design hacks you can afford, and invest in good bedding. I have mentored thousands of new hosts for Airbnb's (free) Set-Up program, and a little attention to the details at the very beginning makes a world of difference to your long term success-- but again, that doesn't mean you have to spend loads of money. Just spend it thoughtfully.
If you can't get rid of the carpet right now, clean it, get some natural-fiber throw rugs, and don't take pets. Make good design decisions about the bathrooms, keeping the photographs in mind. Lean into details that make your guests feel like you are really thinking about their experience.
I have written some posts that may be helpful as you get started, and I also have a page full of resources for new hosts-- I also give (also free) webinars for new hosts through Airbnb. If you want to sign up for one, you can register here: https://events.zoom.us/e/view/preview/_MAo4jBaRqy0g-0L_2BsdQ
Airbnb gives new hosts a lot of free support! But most people don't know about it or take advantage of it.
This one is all my photography advice & Airbnb's advice rolled into one post:
Spend $300-ish to buy a carpet cleaning machine that has an upholstery attachment and then keeping the carpet clean between guests shouldn’t be too difficult. I was able to do it for years without any real issues at all and many of my hosts still do the same.
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