California Airbnb Redesign
Another project from the beginning of CANB Design was an airbnb redesign. A couple was in the midst of renovations in their own home when they found the existing unit on their property wasn’t making the cut. The option was to raise the whole thing up or tear down and start over.
Functionally, the original space was lacking. If you can imagine, the entry came right into a tiny kitchen. There was a small, but functional living/dining room next to the kitchen. A bathroom behind the kitchen and then the back portion of the unit was a large bedroom, which was the only access to the rear yard. It worked and was rentable, but was definitely lacking in many areas and didn’t have as much charm and wow factor as many want out of their airbnb.
So, lots of iterations and zoom calls later, we got it figured out! Their needs list had quite a bit going on:
New footprint couldn’t be much larger than previous
Make it a 2 bedroom (originally was 1)
Have the entry more private from main house
Entry not opening up into the kitchen
Work space
Main bedroom with access to private rear yard
Encourage renters to use the private rear yard
Private from house
And keep the original California warmth and charm
But by the end we had something laid out completely different than originally, and functionally so much better! The kitchen is my favorite spot. I mean look at this render!
It’s bright and airy and SO many windows and even a skylight. There’s also a workspace with a view. Luckily the wall to the left of the render has all the storage and the clients didn’t want a whole lot of cabinet storage, but rather open shelves. Making it much easier for the airbnb renters to find items (genius right!). And even better- direct access to the private rear area that didn’t exist before. It literally invites you to go outside, which it didn’t before at all.
Overall, this project was a great test for creative spaces and really using every square inch. It is still working it’s way through the permitting process, but I am so excited to see it go up. And maybe even stay there some day!