Deciding on a style for your bed and breakfast business

31.03.2022

Where should you start when deciding on a style for your accommodation? 

Whether you’re a self-catering or bed and breakfast business, and whether you’re refurbishing or starting from scratch with a new venture, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll ever make is what particular style to go for. 

Do you aim for something with the widest possible appeal? Or will that make it all too neutral and, frankly, bland? How about a range of different ‘themed’ rooms? Will that risk looking too quirky and of limited appeal? 

There’s a lot to be said for making the accommodation a reflection of your own taste and personality, as it tends to lend a more homely and personal feel to the whole guest experience. 

Unless, that is, you happen to have a penchant for keeping large reptiles or some other ‘niche’ interest which may be a little off-putting to a high proportion of your potential clientele!

There are no fixed rules about choosing a style, but there are certainly a few common sense guidelines which it helps to follow: 

Above all else, think about your market. If your guests are likely to be mainly ramblers and birdwatchers, for example, then perhaps a rustic and cosy feel would appeal; whereas if you’re a Kensington townhouse, then more contemporary or elegant surroundings would be more appropriate.

Look around you. The world is full of ideas and inspiration, and it’s well worth spending time looking at other establishments online to pick up some valuable insights into what works, and what doesn’t. And as you go about your day, snap photos of anything which captures your imagination – looking at them later, you’ll probably see common threads and clues as to ‘your style’.

Think about the building itself, and work with it rather than against it. Anything is possible with plenty of imagination, not to mention money, but trying to make a bedroom in a Victorian townhouse feel like staying in a Yurt is going to take a lot of effort. And in any case, if someone wants to stay in a Yurt, they’re probably going to stay in a real one rather than a bedroom that just looks a bit like one!

Try before you buy. In other words, make up a Mood Board with all the various fabric samples, colours, pictures of furniture and accessories – basically a little snippet of everything you plan on including. By doing this, you can easily see how it’s all going to work together before you finalise the plan and start spending.

Don’t overlook the details, because there’s more to it than wallpaper and carpets. Every little detail, right down to the door handles, the type of kettle, and the complimentary toiletries, all contributes to the overall style. Does it all work in harmony? 

The style of your accommodation is a key way to stand out from the competition, and time spent experimenting and planning is never wasted. If you can achieve a workable combination of creativity and practicality, then you’re well on the way to success. 

And once you’ve settled on the style you’re aiming for, don’t forget to speak to us about it too, as we’ll be able to offer great advice and ideas to make sure everything from bedding to towels to accessories and toiletries perfectly complements the overall effect.