(via The Vintique Object: Fun blog and great rugs!) cool little style going on here - look forward to the book
3 Ways to Freshen Up Your Holiday Cottage For Spring
So Spring is in the air, the evenings are definitely getting lighter and a we’ve had a sprinkling of sunny days – a hint of things to come. It’s on these bright days that we suddenly notice our windows (probably needing a clean), feel the need to clear the clutter and let the sunshine in. And while we’re in a positive mood, how are the bookings coming along for the year? A steady flow or you’re not quite feeling it yet? So, what can you do about it. The first, most satisfying thing is to take a look at your holiday property and see what improvements can be made immediately to freshen things up for the guests of 2012 – then tell everyone about it. Well, here are a few ideas to get you going:
1) Clear or Revive Your Furniture
Too much furniture makes your house look like a waiting room or worse, an old people’s home (I know there are some nice ones, but they need lots of furniture). Carry out a mini-audit of what you have and only keep what is useful and/or attractive. If it’s not either, then get rid of it however you see fit. If it’s useful, but not attractive – make it pretty. My discovery of the past few months is Annie Sloan paint (www.anniesloan.com). Widely referred to as “the best paint in the world” it is for painting furniture, floors, lamps, mirrors and lots of random items you would never think could be revived – but they can be with this stuff. It’s chalky, easy to apply, no preparation, very forgiving and comes in loads of gorgeous colours. Guaranteed to transform an ugly wardrobe, random chair or tired kitchen units. When you’ve done it, take photos and post/tweet/tell your previous and potential guests.
2) Renew Your Bedlinen
Anyone who has read any of my blogs, knows this is something else I go on about – but it’s a clear winner. I was just talking to a house owner today who’s recent – very positive – feedback has mentioned the great bedlinen. Go for white and as good quality as you feel able to afford, it’s worth it and will last. www.richardhaworth.co.uk have a good selection. Again, worth mentioning to guests about your Spring upgrade, not a headline but a ‘good to know’.
3) Give Your Marketing Plan A Spring Clean
Are you getting appropriate enquiries that suit your property? Think about what your holiday cottage has to offer and who is contacting you, are they the right people? All to often, we just assume everyone will like our property because it’s so gorgeous. But once you do seek out the ramblers, cyclists or painters who are perfect for your little bolt-hole then they will return again and again. And they will tell their friends, others who share the same interests, like the same kind of things or have the same family set-up. I went to stay in a big house in Dorset for a friend’s 40th birthday and she had been there for two other similar parties. We still talk about the house as somewhere we’ve had fun together and look for reasons to return. Word of mouth is a powerful thing and of course, they will tweet, blog and post on Facebook about it (or like your Facebook page). Finding those ‘right fitting’ people is worth your while and will work towards a busy, fun and profitable 2012.
I hope you’ve found some of these ideas helpful, please leave any feedback and/or follow me on Twitter. Best of luck for the 2012 Season.
Love love these #eames chairs mixed with rustic stuff! Is that rush matting too? Haven’t seen that for a long time..
(via Rénover une maison de campagne avec charme | | PLANETE DECO a homes worldPLANETE DECO a homes world)
