Airbnb Interior Design Reviews: What Hosts Get Right (And Wrong)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Dear Alice | Interior Design Episode: Airbnb Interior Design Reviews: What Hosts Get Right (And Wrong) Release Date: June 12, 2025

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Introduction

In this engaging episode of Dear Alice, hosts Alice, Suzanne, and Rebecca delve into the world of Airbnb interior designs. Drawing from their extensive experiences as Airbnb connoisseurs, they analyze three standout Airbnb properties, highlighting what hosts excel at and where they falter. The trio combines their expertise with humor and insightful commentary to provide listeners with valuable design perspectives, especially beneficial for both Airbnb hosts and interior design enthusiasts.

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Property Reviews

1. Luxury Alpine Pine Tree House in Holiday, Utah

Overview: Located near ski resorts in Holiday, Utah, the Luxury Alpine Pine Tree House boasts a wood-clad exterior elevated on concrete pillars, offering picturesque treetop views and a central glowing pool at night.

Positive Aspects:

• Exterior Appeal: The consistent use of warm wood cladding across all surfaces successfully evokes a mountain retreat ambiance. (Alice: "Every surface on every plane of this space is clad in the same material. That was a good move." [05:54])
• Location: Proximity to ski resorts makes it an attractive choice for winter travelers.

Areas for Improvement:

• Interior Design Choices: The transition from a natural exterior to interiors dominated by icy grays and synthetic materials creates a cold and disconnected atmosphere. The use of accent walls with faux plants detracts from the authentic mountain feel. (Alice: "Everything is just so icy compared to the exterior. You want to feel like a natural." [07:00])
• Furniture Comfort: Common Airbnb issues such as uncomfortable seating and hard mattresses are evident. The lack of deep, inviting chairs hampers the cozy experience travelers seek. (Suzanne: "Most of the seating in Airbnbs are not that comfy... I can't be messing around with the synthetic down pillow." [09:41])
• Functional Layout: The bedroom layout with three twin beds facing different directions compromises space and comfort for guests, particularly families or groups. (Suzanne: "You've got three twin beds… no walking space." [13:20])

Takeaways: Hosts should maintain consistency between exterior inspiration and interior warmth, prioritize comfortable furnishings, and consider functional, guest-friendly layouts to enhance the Airbnb experience.

2. Oceanfront Malibu Home

Overview: This Oceanfront Malibu Home offers stunning views of the ocean, with design elements centered around a white-on-white color scheme and expansive windows showcasing the waterfront.

Positive Aspects:

• Location and Views: The unparalleled ocean vistas are a significant draw, providing a serene and picturesque environment. (Suzanne: "They won the view. That's amazing." [14:19])
• Natural Light: The inclusion of skylights in the kitchen ensures ample natural lighting, enhancing the bright and airy feel of the space. (Suzanne: "I love the skylights in the kitchen because the windows are small." [20:03])

Areas for Improvement:

• Furniture Orientation: The sofa placement does not capitalize on the ocean view, instead facing the TV, which diminishes the room’s primary attraction. (Suzanne: "I wish we were oriented that way. It’s a white-on-white situation." [18:36])
• Design Cohesion: A predominance of rectangular shapes and hard corners creates a rigid and uninviting atmosphere. Introducing softer, rounded furniture pieces could foster a more relaxed environment. (Alice: "Everything is a rectangle. I want more circles and softer surfaces." [19:03])
• Flooring: The gray wood floor, while practical, lacks warmth. Opting for warmer-toned wood or textured flooring could enhance comfort and aesthetic appeal. (Alice: "I think that’s an opportunity to go warmer on your wood floor." [20:07])

Takeaways: Maximizing views through thoughtful furniture arrangement, incorporating softer design elements, and choosing warmer flooring can significantly elevate the guest experience in location-driven Airbnbs.

3. Brighton, England – Airbnb’s 2024 Hottest Designs

Overview: Recognized as Airbnb’s 2024 hottest design, this property in Brighton, England, features a vibrant and cohesive interior with modern amenities and stylish furnishings.

Positive Aspects:

• Design Cohesion: The use of a consistent color palette and thoughtfully selected decor pieces creates a harmonious and welcoming environment. (Suzanne: "Designer. You can tell they hired a designer and I think there's some Airbnbs, you're like, okay, they hired." [32:23])
• Functionality and Comfort: The inclusion of a home office caters to modern travelers who might need to work remotely, blending convenience with luxury. (Suzanne: "This is really nice." [27:03])
• Artistic Elements: Tasteful artwork and accessories add character and originality, making the space memorable and distinct. (Alice: "I like the contrast of just, like, the gold and the ornate." [30:08])
• Natural Integration: The incorporation of live plants and outdoor elements enhances the organic feel and connects the interior with the surrounding environment. (Alice: "I like that they brought in life plants." [31:03])

Areas for Improvement:

• Overall Aesthetic Balance: While the design is largely praised, some listeners might prefer more exposure to personal touches over purely designer pieces to retain a homely feel.

Takeaways: A well-designed Airbnb that harmoniously blends aesthetics with functionality can become a top choice for travelers, driving consistent bookings and positive reviews.

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Design Insights

Through their reviews, the hosts emphasize several key design principles crucial for creating exceptional Airbnb experiences:

1. Consistency Between Exterior and Interior: Maintaining a thematic and material continuity from the exterior to the interior fosters a cohesive atmosphere that aligns with guests’ expectations based on the property's appearance.

2. Comfort is Paramount: Investing in high-quality, comfortable furnishings, including seating and mattresses, is essential. Guests seek relaxation and comfort, especially after a day of activities.

3. Maximizing Views and Natural Light: Strategically orienting furniture to highlight unique views and incorporating natural light through skylights or large windows can significantly enhance the guest experience.

4. Authenticity and Local Touches: Integrating authentic, local elements and materials into the design creates a unique and memorable stay, allowing guests to feel connected to the locale.

5. Functional Layouts: Thoughtful space planning that accommodates the needs of different guest types (families, groups, solo travelers) ensures versatility and comfort.

6. Warmth and Softness in Design: Utilizing warm colors, soft textures, and rounded furniture pieces can transform spaces from cold and rigid to inviting and cozy.

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Conclusions

In this episode of Dear Alice, the hosts provide a nuanced examination of Airbnb interior designs, celebrating successful design strategies while constructively critiquing areas needing improvement. The Luxury Alpine Pine Tree House showcases the importance of harmonious interior-exterior connections and guest comfort, while the Oceanfront Malibu Home highlights the necessity of functional furniture placement and warm design elements. The Brighton, England property stands out as a model for cohesive, stylish, and guest-centric design.

Key Takeaways for Airbnb Hosts and Interior Designers:

• Consistency and Cohesion: Ensure that the design theme is maintained throughout the property's spaces.
• Prioritize Comfort: Invest in quality furnishings to provide a restful and enjoyable stay.
• Leverage Unique Features: Maximize natural light and views to create standout experiences.
• Incorporate Local Flair: Use authentic materials and local design elements to enrich the guest's connection to the location.
• Functional and Flexible Spaces: Design layouts that accommodate various guest needs and preferences.

By adhering to these principles, Airbnb hosts can create inviting, memorable, and highly-rated properties that attract guests and encourage repeat bookings.

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Note: For more detailed reviews and design tips, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Dear Alice on Spotify or YouTube and follow them on Instagram @AliceLaneInteriors and @AliceLaneHome.

Transcript

[Alice]

Foreign. Welcome to Dear Alice, a lifestyle approach to interior design.

[Suzanne]

Hello, everyone. Welcome to Dear Alice. Today, we're doing something we've never done before.

[Alice]

No, we have not.

[Suzanne]

Yeah. So buckle in. If you guys could watch this one on Spotify or YouTube, it's going to be a treat. We're going to be reviewing Airbnb properties that are real standouts, one that even won, like, the best. What was it?

[Rebecca]

2024 is 2024's hottest designs.

[Suzanne]

So, yeah.

[Rebecca]

So we're from Airbnb.

[Suzanne]

We shall see. We're going to break down soon. I are Airbnb connoisseurs, betcha. Yeah. So we felt like, if nothing more, we're primed to be able to talk about it because we have lots of.

[Alice]

Experiences and there's a reason. Like, when we first started traveling for work, we would stay at hotels. All good. It's great. But as you like, we're homies and, like, we want to, like, pillow talk all night about the day's events. And so we stayed at Airbnb because you can have all your creature comforts when you go to an Airbnb. You have, like, a full fridge. You can, like. We're going, like, to market for, like, full weeks.

[Suzanne]

Yeah.

[Alice]

And we're going to installs for full weeks. And, like, you kind of want to, like, plant yourself for a second. Have everything that you need.

[Rebecca]

Not live out of a suitcase.

[Alice]

Exactly. And that is why the Airbnb, I think, is such a game changer for us as we travel throughout. Throughout the universe.

[Suzanne]

So you feel like you're home at the end of the day and you have room for us to come together. So we're not all sitting on your bed or my bed, that we're, like, sitting in a family room and we're getting our favorite drink out of the fridge and having snacks. And you really do just feel like you're home.

[Alice]

So.

[Suzanne]

So we've become huge fans of it. Also, you kind of feel like you're living this alternate lifestyle because it's this mysterious home soon. I recently stayed at a place that I dubbed Melrose Place. It was like this condo. Do you guys remember Melrose Place?

[Alice]

I was in?

[Suzanne]

Scott. Do you guys remember Melrose place from the 90s? Yeah.

[Alice]

It was after 90210. Like, my mom would always try and turn it off. Naughty.

[Suzanne]

We were not allowed to watch it. For sure. Yeah, for sure. So, yeah, I'm Heather Locklear. You remember the one. So we basically were Heather Locklear for a long weekend, and we Stayed at this condo. And there's a big pool in the middle, and all the condos faced in, and the pool was glowing at night. And we're like this. I could be Heather Locklear right now and go out there and make out.

[Alice]

With the pool boy.

[Suzanne]

Anything could play out. It's Airbnb. Yeah. So you get a live alternate lifestyle. No, not me. But Heather Locklear was single, obviously. Yes. So we're going to talk about Airbnbs today. We're going to review three top properties.

[Rebecca]

Yep.

[Suzanne]

Yeah.

[Rebecca]

Before we do that, let's do a good news minute with a good review that we got from Rebecca. Super nice of her. She wrote and said mother of three in our busy, wild home. And I look forward to this calm, creative, inspiring podcast. I've learned a lot and apply the knowledge to piecing together our new home. Thank you for sharing your expertise and different perspectives. Super out of her.

[Suzanne]

I love that, Rebecca.

[Alice]

That's so great.

[Suzanne]

Yes. We know what it's like to, you know what it's like to be a busy mother of three.

[Alice]

And it is true when you can get, like, a podcast or just, like, silent time to yourself to process information when someone's not yelling at you. I love my children, but all the time I'm just like, why are you guys yelling at me? I'm like, a really nice mom. Stop yelling.

[Suzanne]

Yeah, do what I say.

[Alice]

Do what I say. Damn it. Anyway, but, yeah, so thank you for that review. I get it. We all get it. So keep listening.

[Suzanne]

We love hearing from you guys. I wanted to let you know that the Alice Lane Summer Sale is going to start soon. Soon. It starts Monday, June 16th. But you can get early access if you want to sign up for our Insider program. Because you should be insiders, all of you. Yes, you are. So you can sign our friend program, Susan's Friend Program.

[Rebecca]

We're gonna start that sign up for.

[Suzanne]

Susan's Friend program by going to our website and clicking Insider Program. We're gonna call it Insider Program until. Until we're able to name it, rename it Power that Be. Can change it for me.

[Alice]

Yes.

[Suzanne]

You're just going to go to the Inspo tab and then you'll be able to find our insider program. Sign up for that. There's, like, special content just for you. You guys are going to get early access to the sales and the launches because things do sell out. And you guys deserve, I think, first pick of the litter because you're tuning in for Dear Alice. So thank you so much for tuning in. And listening. We so appreciate it.

[Alice]

Okay. And in addition to insiders, I wanted to talk to the trade. Any of you designers out there really should, like, sign up for our to the Trade program. You get like also early access to everything. You get like, great. You get discounts. You get like access to all of our vendors. We have a great program as far as our sales reps and everything. They will help you if you have any issues, you need help signing something, you need help with claims, we're here for you. And all you need to do is go to our design services tab and you can go to the to the trade apply and we'll contact you. And welcome to the family. Yes, friends also.

[Suzanne]

Very good.

[Rebecca]

Should we get into it?

[Suzanne]

Let's do it.

[Rebecca]

Okay, ready? Let's just start off with the first one. So our first house is the luxury alpine pine tree house in Holiday, Utah. So in our backyards.

[Alice]

Yeah, Holiday is lovely. So it really is a great spot for any. And you're really close to all the ski resorts. So this is what I'm anticipating.

[Suzanne]

Yes. This actually looks like it's at a ski resort. We're looking at those of you that are just listening. We're looking at a wood clad home that appears to be up on concrete pilasters or what are those called?

[Rebecca]

Yeah, concrete pillars.

[Suzanne]

Pillars. And it's like elevated off the home, so there's parking underneath. And you're up in the treetops.

[Alice]

You're cladded in like a really warm, beautiful wood, like on all surfaces. So the whole thing, I do like that, that every surface on, like on every plane of this space is clad in the same material. That was a good move. And it does make you feel like you're in the mountains. Oh, we're in the entry now.

[Rebecca]

Yep.

[Alice]

Okay. Well, we know how we feel about accent walls, so I'm going to start with that.

[Suzanne]

You guys kind of stop me. There's a missed opportunity. So when we're looking at a wood clad exterior, you're smelling the wood, you're feeling natural. You're seeing treetops straight in. And being on a synthetic rug with one wall. Wallpapered is kind of a bump ski and a faux plant. There's not anything really natural. I almost wanted like a Sundance feeling.

[Rebecca]

Yeah.

[Suzanne]

Inside here with authentic materials.

[Rebecca]

Something that just matched the exterior.

[Suzanne]

Yeah.

[Rebecca]

Yeah.

[Suzanne]

Because when you are staying away on vacation, you want to have this experience. Right. So I'm going to hold. Any other thoughts? Let me see the. Can we see another room here? Okay. Oh, no.

[Rebecca]

Yeah.

[Suzanne]

Again, another accent wall with the accent.

[Alice]

Wall, I think everything just got really cool and gray in, like, the last decade, and everybody's, like, just tending to those trends, which is a bummer that they're not thinking about the demographic, because that last room, everything is just so icy compared to the exterior. Like, you want to feel like a natural. That same tone of wood. I want to feel that on my floors. I'm going to walk on that.

[Suzanne]

Yeah.

[Alice]

You know, and throughout this whole thing, everything is just, like, really quite cold. And again, the accent walls, you want to be. I think the spaces, they feel larger and broader, and when it's all painted the same color or wallpapered in the same thing. So for that entry, you should wallpaper all those rooms. Yeah, that needs that whole thing. You could still use that wallpaper if it was on all walls. If you paint your ceiling not a white color and you went wood on the floor and did some crazy colorful, like, Sundancey painting on the walls, like, that could. Maybe that could save it, but you need to bring more warmth into it. It's just cold.

[Suzanne]

I kind of want to see some, like, cool old artifact, like a horse blanket hanging above that bench instead of that. That printed black and white tree wall.

[Rebecca]

Something that ties you to Utah a little bit, too, for people. Yeah. Who aren't from.

[Suzanne]

Definitely. And I promise, for the price of the wallpaper in the installation, it probably would have been sixes. And you really can just nail that horse blanket right into the wall or whatever the beautiful artifact is. But. And then, like, a leather bench. Right.

[Alice]

Easy to wipe, too. We know we're talking to Airbnbs, so, like, you know, longevity and maintenance is an issue. And so, like, you can have wipeable surfaces. That's everything. And you can, like, really pay attention to what you're putting on the walls. I think that's gonna win over.

[Suzanne]

Yeah.

[Alice]

Every time.

[Suzanne]

Yeah.

[Alice]

Okay. Can we go back to that great room? I will say, for most every time we stay at an Airbnb, there's always one semi comfy chair. Most of the seating in Airbnbs are not that comfy because they're, like, low, lower price or sometimes. Yeah, but that's where, like, especially in the common area. I think this is a big place that people, like, miss. Having stayed at so many Airbnbs, you want something that, like, is deep, that you like. It's the end of the day. You've been shopping, you've been doing all the things in this, like, exotic new locale that's not your home. And so when you come home and you're staying at Airbnb to connect to people, to kind of gather at the end of the day.

[Rebecca]

Exactly.

[Alice]

You want to have something where I can, like, bring my. I can, like, fold myself up into the corner of a sofa and watch a movie or have a long conversation. And I recently stayed at an Airbnb in Tulsa, and I was just like, there was no comfy place to sit. It wasn't like a cheap Airbnb either. And I'm like, gosh, this was a miss on their main furniture pieces.

[Suzanne]

Can I also just speak to the mattresses? In most Airbnbs, they're not. They're not going for it on the mattress. It's almost always a really affordable version of a Tempur Pedic, which is so hard. And then you just have the body impression of whoever was there first, which, let me just say I'm grateful for some sort of body impression, because it is so. I don't know why they always go so firm. Yeah.

[Alice]

I think this one packs our own pillows. Do we say that?

[Suzanne]

I do. No, we didn't.

[Alice]

Comforts.

[Suzanne]

I. I really do. I swear to you. Because I know the mattress isn't going to be comfortable, and I'm like, I can't. I can't be messing around with the synthetic down pillow and be wrestling at night and be suffering on that fake Tempur Pedic mattress. Oh, guys. It's a hard night's sleep. I would say invest in the mattress and that seating, because then you want to sit and stay for a while, right?

[Alice]

Yeah. And you're excited to go home to your Airbnb.

[Rebecca]

Suz, we were just barely talking about the cozier sheets and how much you love them. Tell the people about it.

[Alice]

Yes. Okay. The cozy earth sheet set I'm so passionate about because my husband, he sleeps hot. I usually sleep cold, but this is like the grand temperature regulator. I love these. I love them in the summer months especially because, like, we can both sleep really, really comfortably. You know when you hang, like, one leg out of the sheet and you're trying to, like, regulate? That doesn't happen. They're so good. I love them so much. They're temperature regulating. It's guaranteed to give you a comfortable night's sleep. They're made from viscose from bamboo, and they naturally wick away the heat and the moisture from your body, helping you sleep several degrees cooler. So we're not all fighting over the thermostat anymore. We just got cozy earth sheets. It's amazing.

[Rebecca]

It's the Way to go. And they also have a hundred night sleep trial so you can try them during the hottest nights of the year. If you're not in love, return them hassle free.

[Alice]

That's proof positive that these things work.

[Rebecca]

Yes. Luxury shouldn't be out of reach. Go to cozyearth.com and use code Dear Alice for up to 40% off. Cozy ear Best selling temperature regulating sheets, apparel and more. Trust me, you'll feel the difference the very First Night. That's cozyearth.com code Dear Alice Sleep cooler Lounge Lighter. Stay cozy. I don't think everything needs to be brand new, you know, obviously. But I don't. I think it's a bummer when you go to an Airbnb and you feel like you got all of the tired furniture from whoever the owner is. It's just like, oh, this is old. Throw it in.

[Alice]

There's their first condo furniture.

[Rebecca]

Exactly. Yeah. Yeah. So it's just not creating the type of experience that I think the customer is expecting.

[Alice]

And I'm not going to want to refer my friend be like, hey, send them the link to this Airbnb and say stay here. This is it. Like it was so comfy.

[Rebecca]

Yeah.

[Alice]

You know.

[Rebecca]

Yep, exactly.

[Suzanne]

So, okay, this kitchen, kitchen does not look like exterior of the house. So remember the exterior of the house was this beautiful wood clad tree house that just looks so natural and gorgeous. And then you come in here and you've got this white kitchen with black poles.

[Alice]

Something's hiding above that crown. I just know.

[Rebecca]

Yeah. It almost feels like it's builder grade, like standard optic white kitch kitchen, you know. Yeah, yeah.

[Alice]

And again we, we do love a white kitchen. We're always going to go to a warmer white kitchen. And again that the wood floor, just like I'm going to dare say that's a wood tile.

[Suzanne]

Yeah, could be wood tile. Yeah.

[Alice]

Yep.

[Suzanne]

Yeah.

[Alice]

Anyway, but like the kit, I think the kitchen, great room or like the.

[Suzanne]

Views in this place.

[Alice]

You win.

[Suzanne]

Yeah, they won the view. That's amazing.

[Alice]

That's so beautiful.

[Suzanne]

So pretty. Oh my goodness. We're in the bedroom.

[Alice]

Now, the occupancy situation, I think we've.

[Suzanne]

Got three twin beds going in all different directions and no, no walking space.

[Rebecca]

It's called a slumber party right there. Yeah. Sleepover.

[Suzanne]

We've got a and two twins all in the same bedroom.

[Alice]

You know, we are trying to fit a lot of bodies in these and like that, that is a plus.

[Suzanne]

You could put all your boys in this room.

[Alice]

Sure could.

[Suzanne]

Yeah. And they'd be Fine. Yeah, yeah, they just. Nice job on family.

[Alice]

The betting. They care.

[Suzanne]

You and Tom and the boys could.

[Alice]

All stay in this room, sleep in there.

[Rebecca]

Yeah, I do.

[Alice]

We could.

[Suzanne]

We've got a focus wall again and they're, they're just, they're killing us with the half and half.

[Alice]

I see tension lines. Boom, boom, boom.

[Rebecca]

Like, especially that contrast.

[Suzanne]

Yeah.

[Alice]

Yeah, that's all I see. You've invested all that, like in the bedding. Cute pattern stuff, but yeah, like just uniform it. That slanted ceiling is. Should be considered a wall that should all be painted the very same color in the same finish.

[Suzanne]

Yes.

[Alice]

Yeah.

[Suzanne]

And I mean, how about that view? Home run on the view. The exterior.

[Alice]

Like 10 out of 10.

[Suzanne]

Everybody is renting this house just based on those views, this back deck and that exterior.

[Alice]

But you need, you need a larger piece of furniture on that back deck. Yeah, like, I need a sofa and I need somewhere to like put my feet up on.

[Suzanne]

So if you and your spouse want to just do a little getaway, you're not going to stay in that one full bed with the two empty twin beds. So this is really made for like girlfriends having a night out or a small family for staying in the tree house. Okay, well, takeaways on that would be let's not do the focus wall anymore. Right. It's 20, 25.

[Rebecca]

Nailed the exterior, but kind of bring that same vibe inside.

[Suzanne]

Yeah.

[Alice]

More warmth.

[Suzanne]

Agreed.

[Alice]

More natural, warm materials.

[Suzanne]

Yeah. You're in Utah in the mountains, so let's feel that.

[Alice]

Yep. Look at those trees. It really is an incredible property.

[Suzanne]

High five.

[Alice]

But just.

[Suzanne]

Yeah, yeah.

[Alice]

Warm it up.

[Rebecca]

Jess, we've been getting a ton of questions on who makes your glasses.

[Suzanne]

Oh, really?

[Rebecca]

Yeah.

[Suzanne]

Oh, my gosh.

[Rebecca]

Everyone wants to know you guys.

[Suzanne]

I'm so. I'm at this age now where my near vision is leaving me. You're not quite as old as I am. Yeah, but sue, you're experiencing this 40.

[Alice]

Hit and like, yeah, I needed my glasses before, but I really, really need them now.

[Suzanne]

Yeah, between 40 and 45, that cell phone type gets really tiny. So I was in search for the perfect pair of readers and I tried look optic. And I have to say I've loved them so much that I've actually began working with them a little bit as an advisor. And my dad's an eye doctor, my brother in law is. I really, really love eyewear and it's been really fun to be back in the game. And I love the readers, I love the fashion frames. It's not a pair of frames. That looks like I'm wearing something made for men. You know those readers when you go to Walgreens or, or when you go to the grocery store or somewhere and they're just like a three pack and they all look like they were made for men. Look Optic actually has really cute frames that are made for women, especially for.

[Alice]

Again, those ones that look like men's, they look like a giant man on my little head.

[Suzanne]

Yes. Suzanne small. Suzanne has a child sized head and they actually have minis at Look Optic. The Diane Keaton collection. I gave you all my Diane. Diane Keaton ones.

[Alice]

I love the Diane Keaton collection. They fit my, like, head great. They're comfortable. They have the cutest colors. Like some of them are matte. They have the bone ones. I love them so much.

[Suzanne]

Yeah, they're cute. And one of, one of my little, like fast passes that I want to tell everybody is that if you do the progressive lens, it's clear up top, you just get magnification in the bottom where you need it because that's how you're looking in a cell phone or you're reading paper down here or on your laptop. You don't need magnification out the top because that's going to make your eyeballs look huge and then you really look like you're wearing a reader. So we're trying to like keep this low profile. And so I always go with the progressive. My favorite styles, I really love the Laurel. And they have this cool one that's like the Muse. It kind of looks like a 70s update. It's cool. They have one with the pink lens too. In fact, my daughter stole that one from me. It's great. Anyway, you guys can discover your own styles. But I will say Look Optic has been such a gateway for me as I've needed to jump into that reader category.

[Alice]

Right now you can receive some free glasses from Look Optic. All you have to do is text ALICE to 21252. That is text ALICE A L, I, C E to the number 21252. The first 20 new customers will get a free pair of readers. And if you're an existing customer, we also have an amazing discount for you. If you go to lookoptic.com you can use the code ALICE15 for 15% off.

[Rebecca]

Okay. The second house is an oceanfront Malibu home. Sounds you win. Yeah, exactly.

[Suzanne]

Yeah.

[Rebecca]

So yeah, I imagine, I mean, the ocean is literally in the backyard.

[Alice]

Okay.

[Suzanne]

Okay. So we are a white on white situation. We've got ocean views which are just absolutely stellar. Looks like a some sort of nanowall, like an older one that can open up. I would definitely do. I would sit on that overstuffed sofa and have all those doors open and just listen.

[Alice]

Does anyone wish that the sofa was facing the view?

[Suzanne]

Yeah, I do.

[Rebecca]

I do. Yeah.

[Suzanne]

I wish we were oriented that way. It's funny because you have the view to your right and a TV to your left, but yet the sofa doesn't face either of them.

[Alice]

Like, neither is optimal.

[Suzanne]

Yeah.

[Alice]

So I'd rather look at the ocean at Airbnb.

[Suzanne]

Me too. So, in fact, if we were to stay there, I think you and I would just rearrange the front.

[Alice]

And I'm happy to if you'd like us to come and like.

[Suzanne]

Yeah.

[Alice]

Another thing too is again, we talk about this in interiors. Is everything there is like a rectangle? Like you have a really hard, like corners on, like material, like the jute rag. I think that feels very coastal. That's cool. I think your large sofa is great, but just that cocktail table, everything's a rectangle. Everything is a hard corner. And. And again, I'm at the ocean and I want, like to, you know, just like completely relax myself. And that comes with the more non directional objects. I think you need like some more circles and things like around cocktail ottoman or something. Maybe not ottoman, but table, just softer surface so everything doesn't feel so squished and there you actually feel like you have more space. You probably do. So.

[Suzanne]

And while this house isn't spectacular interiors, I think the spectacular thing to boast is the ocean and so orienting everything to that ocean. So their first impression is just like, oh, wow. Everything's just pointing to the winner here.

[Alice]

Like, we've arrived. Definitely likes it on that sofa. At the end of the day, at the beginning of their stay, that's what.

[Suzanne]

You want to do. That's the most memorable part. So point everything toward that memory point.

[Alice]

I will say on the floor too. It's so gray. And I know we're coastal, but I still think that that's an opportunity to go warmer on your wood floor.

[Suzanne]

Definitely.

[Alice]

Especially when the white is so coastal. Optic white. I would warm that up a little bit and I would go warmer on my floor. And again, it doesn't need to feel hot like a cabin, but I still want it to feel like it's been bleached, but like just sun kissed, you know, a little bit more.

[Suzanne]

Yeah.

[Rebecca]

Yeah.

[Suzanne]

This looks like wood floor tile.

[Alice]

Yeah.

[Suzanne]

And I'm sure with the sand, water and whatnot, they probably wanted it too. But I think you could still get a more natural look. You could still have it actually look like a wood grain. A blonde or you know, a light brown would be really pretty. I think that would be really nice.

[Alice]

Sometimes when I see gray wood, I just feel like I'm going to get a splinter. I don't know.

[Suzanne]

Visually what's nice is they have feels reclaimed. I love the skylights in the kitchen cuz the windows are small. This is obviously an older cottage, but getting skylights in anywhere really and just having all that natural light bath, bathe the place you can see. Don't even have kitchen pendants but they've got skylights and your eye doesn't miss the pendant.

[Alice]

How do you feel about the wood countertops? Would you prefer stone? Well, I might adds the warmth in this situation.

[Suzanne]

It feels kind of surf shack.

[Alice]

Yeah.

[Suzanne]

There's something like kind of butcher block about it. It definitely feels or old and worn and probably something nobody would have at home. But it kind of fits the vibe. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Master bedroom. Well, the view. This is how you're waking up. This is what we should have done with the sofa in the great room. Right. You're gonna walk in and you're just gonna be staring at that and you can back up and sit down staring. And those windows, you just want to open those up and fall asleep.

[Alice]

It's nice though too because you're oriented toward the ocean but you also have the tv. So again taking a note from this room for the great room if you needed to like serve both masters the view and the tv, considering if you have kids and whatnot, that's. That's a good call.

[Suzanne]

Yeah. So good. This, I think that we're also pointing this bed at the view, which is a win. Yeah. Really awkward space planning with some gaps and a couple rugs going on. A couple things in the grouping. Lots of stops and starts here. Right. It just feels like they probably bought the home, painted everything white, hurry and threw furniture in here and said let's.

[Alice]

Start making money making 13,000 for five nights.

[Suzanne]

They're do they're doing it. But that armoire with that sharp angle just really doesn't take the edge off when you're on vacation.

[Alice]

Less relaxing.

[Suzanne]

Yeah, yeah. Kind of a bum ski.

[Alice]

Okay. And I will say just like again, you only have as much room as you have. Right. And so again for side tables, I don't know how much room you have for pathway from that side table to the wall. But anytime you can grow a side table just because especially when you're coming in from out of town, like, I usually have, like, my earphones. I have, like, magazines from the airport. I have, like, you know, you just have all the things that you brought to, like, enjoy the space and so even, like. Like a little shelf, like, or something. I don't know.

[Suzanne]

Great.

[Alice]

High five.

[Rebecca]

Outdoor patios. Rad. Yeah.

[Suzanne]

Yeah.

[Alice]

Winning.

[Suzanne]

This looks like we're winning life screened in somehow, right? Or maybe this is even, like, a sunroom with glass doors or windows. Oh, yeah. It's kind of a. Yeah. Beautiful, bright sunroom where you're gonna go out and, like, eat breakfast or have a conversation.

[Alice]

Every time I see a jetted tub, I'm like, oh, the sins that live inside those jets.

[Suzanne]

There's a Jacuzzi sitting on the deck. And how do you guys feel about that at an Airbnb? Would you guys use a Jacuzzi?

[Alice]

I have.

[Suzanne]

You have?

[Alice]

Yep. And I. And I've gone like, the sins.

[Rebecca]

My kids. My kids, I think would like. Yeah, I probably mari. For sure wouldn't, so that probably would be a no for me. Having said that, that's, like, one of the most requested things from Airbnb, so.

[Suzanne]

It'S, like, a lot of points from it. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Alice]

So high five. And you're looking at the ocean. End of the day, your body hurts. You've been surfing. I don't know.

[Rebecca]

So I would say, like, the little, like, the walkway down to the ocean is really cool. I love all, like, the cobble and. Yeah. It just feels very organic to me. And.

[Alice]

Yeah, imagine that there's a good taco shop, like, not far from here. And a cold Diet Coke with lime.

[Rebecca]

Yeah, exactly.

[Alice]

Some chips and salsa. Yeah, I'm feeling it.

[Suzanne]

I will say you're paying for the location here. I just have to keep going back to 13,000 a night because what I'm looking at. 13,000 for five nights. Because what I'm looking at feels like a really, really rundown older home that has only experience a fresh paint of a fresh coat of paint. Right. Other than that, it's kind of beg, borrow, steal for the furniture. So you're not really having. For the same price. You could probably go to Almond Jerry and have a gorgeous vacation with posh amenities and nightly turndown service.

[Rebecca]

Again, location. But it also has the luxury comforts that come with it. And, you know, this one might be lacking a little.

[Suzanne]

I mean, it's definitely, like, scrappy, and I think some people think that's fun or it's nostalgic. The Wood countertops, you know, some of that.

[Rebecca]

Our final home is the one we spoke about earlier in the podcast. It was Airbnb's 2024's hottest designs and it's located in Brighton, England.

[Suzanne]

Okay.

[Rebecca]

Pretty rad location. I know I've never been, but I've always wanted to.

[Suzanne]

This is a fun exterior, kind of like a firehouse or. It sort of feels commercial, but it's residential. Yeah. Let us inside. I'm dying to see this place.

[Alice]

Okay.

[Suzanne]

Beautiful. Really pretty.

[Rebecca]

Yeah.

[Suzanne]

We're looking in bedroom number one, and we've got a king sized bed, which I imagine is very, very popular. And it's got kind of this pony wall when you first come in the room that creates sort of a shelter for the bed. And you've got reading lights that are built in, which is really nice, kind of a platform bed. And I'm guessing it's facing a great view, which I think is really fun when you're on loc, when you're on vacation, because you're waking up in a new city and that is really right in your face. And I can't think of anything more energizing than waking up in a new country, in a new city and just getting to face your day. Like, think how exciting. Anything's possible here.

[Alice]

Thank you for the storage in the nightstands. I think that's a plus. Like, anytime I go, there's a little.

[Suzanne]

Tv, there's a view. They have a really beautiful. What do you call that kimono on the wall, A Nelson pendant over the bed. I think this is in good taste.

[Alice]

This is in really good taste.

[Suzanne]

It's cozy. You've got an extra blanket in case you get chilly. I. I think this is pretty.

[Alice]

Okay. I'll stay here.

[Suzanne]

Yeah. I mean, this is a dream bath. Any explanation? We're looking at a huge, huge primary bathroom. We've got a tub on a stage. So that's a fun performance. Anybody that wants to do that? You've got a wall hung toilet. Very contemporary. Lots and lots of gray and white marble.

[Alice]

And a double vanity filling vaults on like I am in.

[Suzanne]

Yeah, yeah.

[Alice]

I'm like in somewhere that's not home.

[Rebecca]

But also they treated them right, you know, like that's all just.

[Alice]

And I like that they clouded like all the walls.

[Suzanne]

I do too.

[Alice]

The same surface. I think that that's a really space expanding trick. And it's super lexi if they. If you imagine if you only did one of those walls in Marvel, you would see every single angle. But somehow you're enveloped Yeah, I think this is great.

[Suzanne]

Yep. I agree. A home office, guys. What a luxury. I think a lot of people have to work while they're traveling or they'll have to take a call, so somewhere where they can escape the family or.

[Alice]

The other colleagues on a zoom or something.

[Suzanne]

This is really nice.

[Alice]

That's cute.

[Suzanne]

Yeah, I agree. And then the living room is massive.

[Alice]

They did a great job.

[Rebecca]

Yeah.

[Suzanne]

Yeah. That huge nanow wall is amazing.

[Alice]

Yeah.

[Suzanne]

Huge views, big deck outside. I'm looking at a black kitchen in the way.

[Alice]

Background black, I think.

[Suzanne]

Right. We've got a dining room, and then we've got a sectional sitting area with glass table. Very chic. This feels very like El decor. I mean, you could really live, like, your alternate lifestyle in this space. You'd want to FaceTime your friends. Yeah, yeah. It's really.

[Alice]

I like that they accessorize the shelves.

[Suzanne]

I do, too.

[Alice]

I think that that's something that's usually not a thing in Airbnb, just because, again, it's just, like, a temporary stay, but it does make you feel like you're at home.

[Suzanne]

I also feel like this seems like new furniture for the space. Not everybody's leftovers, unless somebody had great taste and this was their leftovers. But they've got kind of a modular sectional. It's probably not comfort, but it looks very cohesive and not like a garage sale.

[Alice]

Isn't that funny that even if, like, it's not comfortable but looks cool, like, you'll sacrifice. It's like a great pair of shoes. It's not comfy, but they look cool. So you're like, I'm gonna wear them.

[Suzanne]

Yeah. Yep. 10 minutes away from the beach.

[Alice]

10 minutes away. Thank you. Ryan from Ocean View right there.

[Rebecca]

Crazy. That's awesome.

[Alice]

I think that, like, portal ring light is cool above the table, guys.

[Suzanne]

I'll bet this gets rented every night of the year. Is this a nightly rental or is this a weekly rental? 2200 a night. It's 12 till September.

[Alice]

How many rooms?

[Rebecca]

That's not surprising. I have it right here.

[Alice]

Six bedrooms, seven beds, five baths.

[Suzanne]

Wow, that's a really. So that's a pretty good value. 2000 a night in England. That's amazing.

[Alice]

Only 15 minutes away from the beach, too. I'm like, I'd rather stay here. Stay here, drive down to the beach at a pub, and then.

[Rebecca]

Exactly.

[Suzanne]

Yeah. So this. Okay, guys, I just want to say this house is doing it right, because if you are doing a weekly rental, and obviously they're going to be booked out every week, of the year. Having this type of experience is going to keep you booked. Right. I think that really matters. Or maybe no matter what, people are booking Airbnbs. If you're in a great location.

[Rebecca]

Yeah, location. But if. I mean, if there are a lot in. In the location, you want to be the best of the best.

[Suzanne]

Yeah. Like, you're really playing the game. And I have to say, like, people are having this great experience. They're telling their friends. It. I mean, this is.

[Alice]

This is fantastic.

[Suzanne]

This is the way to do it.

[Alice]

Your art is cool, too. It feels original. I noticed, like, in one of the last pictures, I think it was in the kitchen, you had, like, some, like, almost, like, document. I don't know what that is, but I like the contrast of just, like, the gold and the ornate. I feel like I'm in London. But then you have the clean complexity of the.

[Rebecca]

And both frames were the same, so it doesn't feel like it was just like a couple randos. Yeah, exactly.

[Alice]

I really, really am into this.

[Suzanne]

Great. This.

[Alice]

Yes. We'll stay here.

[Suzanne]

Whole kitchen is black. We've got a black backsplash. We've got black cabinetry, a black island, black countertops.

[Alice]

But the wood is warm. That they contrasted with, which I really appreciate.

[Rebecca]

You can see the grain through it. That's the. I'm not into the black. That's not my thing.

[Suzanne]

Yeah.

[Rebecca]

But I think the saving grace for. Is that it has that deep grain in it, so it gives you texture. It's not just.

[Suzanne]

I also think you want to experience something different than what you have at home. And you know how you'll go into these really swanky hotels, and they're these finishes that you don't usually use in your home. Like, if this were another white kitchen, it's just gonna feel like anybody's house. Right?

[Rebecca]

Yeah.

[Suzanne]

So I do think it's fun that they leaned in and did something really unique. It's a great memory point. If you're taking pictures together, people are, what. Who are you? Right. They just think you're some tech mogul staying in this house. That crazy ring light. They're all these little. I did. It's a memory point for sure. Like, this house really is going to stick with people.

[Alice]

And I like that they brought in life plants. I noticed that, like, I think it was in Malibu that they also had, like, the live tree behind the bed. I'm like, that's. That helps. You know, like, as far as having some organic matter, you know, like, inside, outside.

[Rebecca]

Y.

[Alice]

So, yeah, I'm. I'M glad that they added that just to take the edge off. But back to Bristol, I'm. I'm happy that they added some, like, those palms and things.

[Suzanne]

Yeah, that's really great.

[Rebecca]

And they. Yeah, they did a good job, I think, with the artwork, like, right there and then in the office as well. Like. Yeah, it. That makes it feel. I hate when you walk into an Airbnb. Airbnb and you feel like the people are moving out. You're like, whoa.

[Suzanne]

You know, I also like the echo of the yellow outdoor furniture out of the corner of your eye. You're seeing it. You're seeing the yellow pillows inside, but it's giving you this sort of. This thing to focus on far away. I know our landscape architect will do that if there's something in the distance that he wants to sort of, like, call attention to play with your eye. Something sparkly over there or something in the distance. I. That's definitely doing that for me. I think it's really cool.

[Alice]

Designer. You can tell they hired a designer and I think there's some Airbnbs. You're like, okay, they hired.

[Suzanne]

Is that a tiger in the doorway?

[Alice]

Hope so.

[Rebecca]

That's. Yeah.

[Suzanne]

I liked it better when I thought, there's just a stuffed tiger there. That's amazing. So maybe it's pet friendly, too.

[Alice]

That's awesome.

[Suzanne]

That is awesome.

[Alice]

Cheers.

[Suzanne]

It's a cool house, you guys.

[Alice]

I love it.

[Suzanne]

Yeah, that's very cool. Totally. Well, this is not sponsored by Airbnb. We just thought we would. We would talk design because it is vacation season and we all really enjoy an Airbnb experience just for the togetherness. And there's so many ways to get out there and travel right now. So, anyway, a big thanks to the homes we saw today. If you'd like to check them out for yourselves, we will put the links to them in the description of the podcast. Thanks for joining us today. Check us out on Instagram at Alice Lane Interiors and Alice Lane Home. And if you're a design professional, make sure and check out our trade program. Summer starts soon, but you can get early access by joining our Insider program. You can sign up by going to the website and clicking Insider Program on the Inspo tab. Thanks so much for tuning in, guys, and we'll catch you next time. Hey, thanks for listening. If you like our show, please leave a five star rating.