Top 10 Tips for Making Your Space More Appealing in Photos

Tip 1. It may seem obvious but declutter every room. Clean counter tops, bedside tables, clean mirrors, remove magnets and family pictures from the refrigerator. Any and all cleaning products should be hidden away in all rooms and outdoor spaces. Also remove all personal items from spaces. You don’t want your guests feeling like they’re intruding on your home. As a general rule, if you can see it the camera can too.

Tip 2. One of our pet hates is wires/cables dangling all over the place! Wherever possible I always try to hide them. Unplug whatever you can or use blue-tack to tape them behind other items and out of sight.

Tip 3. Straighten all bed linen, towels, cushions, etc. Iron them if obvious creasing is present. Soften stark white bedding with textured throw rugs and cushions. These add interest, make the bed plusher and photograph beautifully.

Tip 4. Make sure all your lights are working. Replace bulbs that have burnt out. I’ll determine on the day if the lights should be on or not so please ensure they all work, including cooker lighting in the kitchen. Lamps are a great addition to bedroom and living areas too. Lighting adds warmth and life to a home, even in daylight hours. I’ll make a judgement when I arrive if lights are needed.

Tip 5. I’m not against photographing bathrooms, some look great. But, please ensure the toilet lid is completely closed and there is no toilet brush or cleaner in sight! Eeek!! Also, make sure you remove all personal items from the vanity, such as toothbrushes, makeup, etc. and have the shower area clean, dry and free of personal shampoos and other products. Mirrors should be clean and streak free.

Tip 6. Think about your target market and dress your rooms accordingly.

• Props and decor help potential guests visualise themselves in the space.

• Romantic Getaway? Use a bottle of wine and glasses or Champagne and chocolates.

• Family fun break? Try a nice sun hat, place a book on an outdoor lounger, throw some fun floaties in the pool or set the dining table.

• City stays? Coffee pots and cups are a great addition to a table shot. Maybe some local magazines or travel brochures.

• Group stays? Maybe open the lid of the BBQ and throw on some food and drinks around an outdoor setting.

These props will attract potential guests to your listing and hold their interest for longer. It’s far more tempting than stark and uninteresting images. Staging your place for Airbnb photos will make your spaces seem more inviting and spacious for your potential guests. Blank walls can look stark and empty in photographs. Dressing them with canvas artworks are an inexpensive way of adding charm and interest to a room. Match your wall art with theme or location (landscapes for country, coastal for ocean retreats or cityscapes for urban apartments work well).

*Added tip: Less is more, never over dress any room, it can have the potential of looking cluttered.

Tip 7. Stand out from the crowd. I’ve seen too many homes that all look the same. The same cushions, bed linen, pictures on the walls, etc… make your place unique. You need something that makes you stand out from everyone else. The market for holiday homes is very competitive so you need to be different. Think Op Shops for unique decor. It doesn’t have to be expensive and you will have something that no one else has.

Tip 8. Ensure your Outside areas are looking neat and tidy. Hanging baskets and pot plants flourishing; decking or patio swept; lawn free of weeds; grass trimmed and looking neat; BBQ, pool and spa covers removed; garden hoses rolled up neatly or out of view for the shoot.

Tip 9. Use lush indoor plants or native flora instead of bunches of flowers. They will last much longer than cut roses and you won’t have to constantly replace them.

Tip 10. Remember the main reasons that people come to stay in your property. Is it the stunning view? Is there a fantastic garden? Think about its unique features and what you can do to best represent them in photographs.

Bonus Tip: Focus on all the important areas of your home. Have the rooms looking as close as possible to how a guest would see it when they arrive. Make the spaces look as attractive and appealing as possible through the 10 tips above. Remember, during an accommodation photo shoot, it’s 10% photography, 90% preparation!

I hope this information will help you prepare your space to its fullest beauty. Please let me know if you have any questions.