Airbnb Home Designers: Enhance Guest Experiences With Travel Prints

Guest Post by Gina Fabiola, IIDA, CID, LEED Green Associate

Travel-Inspired Decor

• Reflect Travel Experiences: Use artwork to bring a sense of escapism and adventure into the room. Display souvenirs from travels or items that evoke a particular destination. For example, a Moroccan-inspired room could feature terracotta colors or Berber baskets, while a coastal theme might include marine life art or seascape paintings. This not only adds color but also serves as a conversation starter for guests, enhancing their connection to the space.
• Personal and Emotional Connection: Choose pieces that evoke personal memories or emotions related to travel. Artwork that reminds you (or your guests) of a specific place or moment can make the room feel more like a personalized retreat. For instance, a photograph from a memorable trip can be framed and displayed prominently, or a piece of art that mimics the colors of a favorite destination can be used to tie the room together.
• Unique Art: For Airbnb hosts, finding unique art can be key. Choosing a specific style or using an eclectic mix of styles can work well and create a visually rich environment that reflects a global, travel-inspired aesthetic or to give the interior a unique visually interesting space that guest will remember! The room below is enhanced by the uniqueness of the artwork, titled Searching, by Sal Giudici, and creates a focal point and can make for an interesting story to be told and creates a conversation starter!

• Thematic Consistency: Ensure the art complements the room's overall theme or style. If your Airbnb targets business travelers, minimalist art might be more suitable, whereas for families or adventure-seekers, vibrant, thematic art could be more engaging. Consider the location of your property; beach town rentals might benefit from ocean-themed art, while city apartments could feature urban landscapes. In this Palm Springs Airbnb, the Artwork above the fireplace is from Gallery Canyons Photographer and Curator, Sal Giudici, and adds a vintage and hip touch to this Mid-Century Modern Gem. Choosing a specific style or using an eclectic mix of styles can work well and create a visually rich environment that reflects a global, travel-inspired aesthetic.

• Functional and Aesthetic Placement: Art should be strategically placed to enhance the room's flow and function. Larger pieces can act as focal points or even room dividers, while smaller, thematic pieces can fill in spaces that need visual interest. Think about how art interacts with lighting and furniture; for instance, art near windows can benefit from natural light, making colors more vibrant.
• Color and Mood: Use art to dictate or complement the room's color scheme. Colors like blues and greens might evoke relaxation for a travel-inspired bedroom, while vibrant yellows or reds could energize a dining area, reflecting the vibrancy of travel destinations.
• Guest Experience: Artwork should contribute to the guest experience by creating an environment that feels both luxurious and welcoming. In an Airbnb, art can transform a space into an experience, making guests feel they have stepped into a different part of the world. This can be achieved with local art, thematic murals, or even custom pieces that tell a story of the region or city.

Understanding Scale

Another important aspect to consider is Scale. The correct scale involves balancing aesthetics with functionality to create an inviting and cohesive space. Here is how to do it effectively:

• Room Size: The scale of the artwork should correspond to the room's size. In smaller spaces, large pieces can overwhelm, while in larger spaces, small pieces might get lost.
• Furniture Proportion: Art should be in proportion to the furniture around it. A common guideline is that art should be about two-thirds the width of the furniture below it (like a sofa or bed).
• Viewing Distance: Consider how far guests will typically be from the art. larger pieces are better for spaces where guests sit back and view from a distance, like living rooms or dining areas.

Practical Steps for Scaling Art In Travel-Inspired Decor

Statement Pieces:

• Large Wall Art: In a spacious living area or above a bed, a large piece or a
  series of medium-sized artworks can serve as a focal point. Choose art
  that reflects a travel theme, like a large-scale photograph of an iconic
  destination or a mural depicting a cultural scene.
• Scale to Furniture: If you have a large sofa, consider a gallery wall or one
  significant piece that spans about two-thirds of its width. This can be a
  series of travel shots or a single, expansive landscape.

Medium-Sized Art:

• Hallways or Nooks: Use medium-sized art in areas like hallways or small
  sitting areas where space is limited but you still want to make an impact.
  Here, you might choose art that represents different countries or regions,
  creating a mini-travel gallery.
• Above Consoles or Desks: Place art that is about the same width or
  slightly less than the furniture beneath it to maintain visual balance. Art
  here could be thematic, like maps or cultural icons.

Small Artworks:

• Shelving and Mantels: Small pieces are perfect for shelves, mantels, or
  beside tables. They can be travel mementos like postcards, small prints,
  or even local crafts. These should not compete with larger pieces but
  rather complement them.
• Grouping: Create a collection of smaller art pieces grouped together. This
  can be particularly effective in a bathroom, entry, or kitchen where space
  for large art might be limited. Use frames of similar style to tie them
  together visually.

Adjusting Scale Visually:

• Frames and Matting: Use larger frames or matting to give smaller pieces
  more presence in a room. This can also be a way to showcase smaller
  travel souvenirs like tickets or small flags.
• Height Placement: Hang art at eye level for the average person (about 57-
  60 inches from the floor to the center of the artwork). This can make even
  smaller pieces feel appropriately scaled.

Layering:

• Mix Scales: Combine different sizes for visual interest. A large piece
  above a sofa might be complemented by smaller pieces on either side or
  below, creating a dynamic yet balanced look.

By considering these aspects of scale, you can integrate artwork into your Airbnb or travel-inspired home decor to not only enhance the visual appeal but also to create an immersive, culturally rich environment for guests. This approach helps in making the space feel both curated and comfortable, encouraging guests to connect with the travel theme through the art around them.

Integrating these strategies will result in a professionally designed space that not only looks beautiful but also tells a story, connecting with guests on a personal level through the universal language of art and travel.

In the image below, the artwork is at the wrong scale for the space which gives the space an off balance and unprofessional look. Additionally, the neutral color of the art does not complement the room and gives the room a bland, outdated appearance.

In this second image below, incorporating larger artwork with a bold color, such as Gallery Canyons, Mausoleum Charm by Marika Huisman, adds a dramatic flair that instantly brightens the room. The room is instantly brighter and has an exotic Moroccan flair. The patterns in the art pair nicely with the textures of the pillows and bed frame.

This article was written by Gina Fabiola, IIDA, CID, LEED Green Associate, Design Director at Fabiola & Louis Interiors. Find out more about her work here.

To connect with Gina of Fabiola & Louis Interiors, use the details below:

Location: Orange County, CA
Email: fabiolalouis.interiors@gmail.com