Case Study Q&A : Transforming a Home into a Stylish Airbnb  

At Bathshack, we love hearing how our customers use our products to bring their design dreams to life. Today, we're excited to share the story of a local homeowner who transformed their property into a modern, stylish Airbnb. Ryan from Portglenone initially purchased the house as a way to get on the property ladder, but after realising the demand for accommodation in the area—particularly for wedding guests—Ryan decided to turn the home into a profitable Airbnb. We caught up with Ryan in our latest Q & A to discuss the whole project.   

Q: What inspired you to turn your home into an Airbnb? 

A: I initially bought the house to get on the property ladder and because it was close to home. When the opportunity came up, I considered selling it, but after doing some research, I realised there was a shortage of accommodation in the area, especially for wedding guests. So, I decided to keep the property and list it on Airbnb. Since I started in July of this year, it’s been incredibly busy, so I’m glad I made that decision. 

Q: How did you approach the renovation and design? 

A: It was a timing thing. I was in the middle of renovating when I decided to make it an Airbnb, so I started thinking about what would work best for a rental property. I wanted the design to be modern and trending, but also practical. For example when I decided it was going to change to a rental I knew I needed to make sure I chose hardwearing products with longer life. So that’s when I made some changes to the design to make it more durable and easier to maintain for frequent guests. 

Q: Could you tell us about some of the design choices you made, particularly with your Bathshack products? 

A: Absolutely! One of my top priorities was making sure everything was easy to clean and maintain. For the downstairs, I chose waterproof vinyl flooring because it doesn't show dirt, which is ideal for an Airbnb. I went with the Lusso Mocha Oak Herringbone throughout downstairs. In the bedrooms, I went for laminate flooring(Colorado Oak 12mm Laminate Wooden Flooring) instead of carpet—laminate looks great and is much easier to clean between guests. 

For the bathrooms, I used the Lancelot Gold Rectified tiles to create a high-end, modern look. Both the main bathroom and ensuite are tiled from floor to ceiling, which not only looks amazing but is also super easy to wipe down. In the downstairs shower, I opted for wall paneling for a different look, paired with the Lusso Mocha Oak Herringbone vinyl flooring to keep it cohesive with the rest of the house.  

Q: What Bathshack products did you use in the bathrooms? 

A: For the ensuite, I wanted to go with a bold yet sophisticated look, so I chose Lancelot Gold Rectified  from Bathshack. They paired perfectly with the green Unbano vanity unit and brass accents. The brass shower, tap, and door handles give it that luxurious feel, without the price tag. I also added a 1200 x 400 Lazzarini anthracite radiator, which really ties the whole look together.  

In the main bathroom, I used an anthracite Happi 500 two-drawer vanity unit, paired with the Viktor Benson 1650 Quito bath. The floor-standing Vesu tap and wall-hung toilet added to the modern, minimal aesthetic. Bathshack's mirrors, like the Bella 600mm Round Backlit LED Mirror in the main bathroom and the Brushed Brass 700mm x 500mm Frame Mirror in the ensuite, were perfect finishing touches. 

Q: Were there any other standout features you incorporated into your home? 

A: Yes, in the kitchen, I wanted something practical yet stylish, so I installed a boiling water tap—it's a real time-saver for guests. I went for the brass Eliseo Ricci Instant Boiling Water Kitchen Tap.  I also used blue gloss chevron tiles as a splashback, which gives the kitchen a trendy look. For heating, I went with vertical designer radiators in the living spaces. These radiators not only look great but also save wall space for furniture and artwork, which is crucial in a smaller home. 

Q: How has the response been from your Airbnb guests? 

A: It’s been fantastic! Guests love the modern, high-end feel of the place, and I think the small details really stand out. The bathrooms, in particular, get a lot of compliments, which is great because I really focused on making those spaces feel luxurious. The easy-to-clean materials and durable fixtures have made managing the property a breeze. Thanks to Bathshack, I’ve been able to create a space that’s both beautiful and practical. 

Q: What advice would you give to others looking to design a rental property? 

A: I’d say go for durable, easy-to-clean materials that still look stylish. The products I got from Bathshack made a big difference—they offer that high-end look without breaking the bank. It’s all about balancing aesthetics with practicality, especially for a rental property like an Airbnb. And don’t forget to focus on key areas like the bathrooms and kitchen; those are the spaces that guests really notice! 

At Bathshack, we're proud to have played a part in transforming this property into a successful Airbnb. From designer tiles to stylish radiators and high quality bathroom fixtures, our products helped create a space that is both functional and beautiful. Ready to start your own renovation? Explore our range of modern and affordable home products to bring your vision to life! 

If you'd like help with choosing bathroom-ware or tiling for your home, you can email our team at info@bathshack.com, or call us on (028) 9077 0188 / 01 2597531 alternatively, our online chat is also available if you have any queries - or visit Bathshack.com for inspiration.