Airbnb Dominican Republic Design (Santiago De Los Caballeros)
Looking for ideas to design an Airbnb in the Dominican Republic? Check out this design that is guaranteed to get you 5-star reviews!
In case you didn’t get the memo travel has opened up and prices are going up! Like fast so if you have been thinking about flying somewhere book that trip sooner than later.
As a result of the increased travel, people are now looking for available Airbnb locations for their trips. If you have been thinking about starting to rent through Airbnb but don’t know where to start this post is for you.
This is called Project Close and Furnish an Airbnb in Santiago, Dominican Republic in SIX… yes SIX days. I have no idea if this will be possible but I’ll keep you updated on the progress.
Hopefully, this will make your Airbnb journey a little bit easier.
This post is all about 5-star Dominican Republic Airbnb in Santiago De Los Caballeros.
READ MORE>>> Room Inspiration On Inspired Design Talk
Airbnb Dominican Republic Design Inspiration
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*** UPDATE Airbnb Santiago, Dominican Republic Listing ***
The Santiago De Los Caballeros, DR AIRBNB is listed and ready for guests! Check it out in the link below.
We’ll update as we go but it’s listed. It’s already been booked ten times and has 5-star reviews!
Remember you can always update the images and details but take action and get it listed. The quicker you list the better your chances of getting booked.
Progress over perfection my friends!!
What is Santiago Dominican Republic known for?
Before we get into the Airbnb design let me first tell you about the location. Santiago de los Caballeros, or simply Santiago, is the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic.
It was the country’s first capital before it suffered an earthquake in 1562. Today the city is a modern and cosmopolitan center thriving in commerce, finance, education, services, and culture.
Within the city of Santiago, there are universities, a dynamic population of millennials, and professionals who all thrive off the city’s vibrant energy.
The city is known for its entertainment and nightlife of over 100 discos, bars, and lounges within the downtown area.
How do I become a host on Airbnb?
If you are interested in becoming a host head to the Airbnb site and check out all the details. Once you have your place set up you need to take amazing photos.
You will also want to create an activity guidebook with what to do in the area plus your policies and procedures.
Being clear with your expectations of guests upon their arrival and departure will help you get those 5-star reviews and super host status.
Click the link below if you want to list a rental property or your home this year. As an Airbnb Ambassador, I can mentor you right on the Airbnb platform for free.
Adding passive income to your revenue stream is a great way to beat the current inflation situation. Just saying!!
Airbnb Dominican Republic Condo
Now for the details of this awesome project. The Airbnb condo is on the 3rd floor of a four-story condominium building.
It features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a dining room, laundry, and a balcony. The master suite will be locked and only used by the condo owners.
Due to the timing of this project, the master suite will be designed at a later date.
The above floor plan is what I got when I asked for the measurements. In case you missed it the measurements are metro and blurry.
So we hope the numbers we used are accurate! All the blurry metro measurements had to first get converted into inches and then be put in the floor plan.
It was this or the homeowner (who has no measuring experience) would need to measure every space. If you are a regular reader of the blog you know how I feel about measuring your space right?! IT IS A MUST!!
Download this guide if you need help before starting your next design project.
And now for the fun part! The room concept boards and floor plans. This is a big undertaking for 6 days so we are trusting the universe will help guide this homeowner through the process. Literally!!
For a visual of the Pinterest, brain dump click the link below.
Bedroom Design
Since this design was done in NY everything was sourced online from Ikea and very little from Ashley Furniture. The issue we found with Ashley when we called was anything not in stock takes 3 months for delivery.
Clearly, that will not work with the six-day timeframe. That said after the call we got back to the drawing board or Ikea in this case.
Now I know what you are thinking. If you are getting everything at Ikea who is putting all that furniture together?? Fortunately, you can hire people in Santiago, DR to put it together for you so that’s the plan.
Now let’s get to the floor plan and design. Below is the floor plan for Dormitorio 1 & 2 (guest bedrooms 1&2). Depending on how low the window in bedroom 2 is will determine whether or not the bed works where it is.
My thought is it can turn and be the opposite of the bedroom 1 layout. Since there is a nice size closet in the guest bedrooms we do not need a dresser to get started.
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Bedroom Floor Plan
The following is a list of what needs to be purchased for the bedrooms:
- Bed Frame (2)
- Mattress (2)
- Sheet Set (4)
- Duvet Cover (4)
- Duvet Comforter (2)
- Bed Standard Pillows (8)
- Night Stands (2) Bedroom 1
- Side Tables (2) Bedroom 2
- Table Lamps (2) sets
- Rug (2) 5′ 7″ X 7′ 10″
- Rug Pad (to protect the floor)
- Wall Mirror (2)
- Hangers (for both closets)
- Artwork (To Be Determined)
Related Post: The Ultimate List Of Airbnb Bedroom Essentials (For Five-Star Ratings)
Here are the design concept boards for each of the bedrooms.
To “keep it simple” (stupid) both designs are similar. Both feature a neutral color palette of white, black, and grey with pops of gold. A pop color can be added later in throw pillows and accessories but this will serve as the backdrop.
Each room will have the same upholstered bed frame which only needs a mattress. Both beds will have white sheets and white bedding which makes the rooms feel hotel-worthy. White bedding is the way to go for 5-star Airbnb reviews in my opinion.
After each use, you simply bleach them clean and you’re guests will appreciate the clean fresh white bedding. For a visual of the bed set up, it will be similar to this Airbnb bedroom.
The difference is there will be no bed skirt and box spring to have to deal with. So each bedroom gets the same bed setup, white or ivory blackout drapes with the black rod, and a mirror. I would love the rod to be gold but Ikea has black so that’s the way we’ll go to make life easy.
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Bedroom Design Details
Bedroom 1 features small white night tables, black small table lamps, and a grey patterned rug. The rug adds texture and interest to the room so I would not skip them.
Even if it is just the fur rug at the side of the bed it will help add interest. Also, guests like to put their feet down on a rug instead of the bare floor. Just saying!
Bedroom 2 features two cute side tables, gold table lamps, and a black rug. The rug adds warmth and texture to the design. For both rooms, the artwork will be determined later.
Either the homeowner will have to find something there or later printables can be made to put in frames as shown.
The printables will be similar to the ones from this design 17+ Funny Bathroom Art Ideas Your Guests Will Love. I would also love to add a desk “workstation” set up but that will come at a later time. It’s already a lot to have to purchase all at once.
Related Post: Designer Airbnb Inspiration That’ll Get 5 Star Reviews And Super Host Status
Airbnb Dominican Republic Living Room Design
Next up is the living room. The dilemma here was we had to work with what was available and in stock in Ikea. That way it will get delivered to Santiago in 72 hours. If not it would be months. I tried to mix in some more elevated tables from Ashley but after calling that is not looking too good.
The only thing available is the coffee table so that will have to work. The white and gold table next to the sofa and the drink table are both not available but they are still in the image for reference. Hopefully, they have something similar that can work in the store.
Here is the floor plan for a visual of the layout.
Living Room Floor Plan
A few things to note in this floor plan. First, the area rug is a placeholder for the black hide rug that will totally level up the look of the living room. The coffee table is the only thing Ashley has in stock and to be honest, that is the most important so I was ok with that.
The other pieces are not a deal-breaker and I’m sure there will be something in person that will work. Maybe even better than what we originally had. The universe has a way of working itself out so I trust it will be a beautiful space.
The chair is another issue because the one from Ikea says out of stock and the replacement from Ashley will take 3 months. That said we’ll have to find something to work there.
Again the most important thing is the sofa, coffee table, and TV situation. We’ll figure something out for the rest. I’m secretly hoping Ashley has a drink table option in the store next to the chair but we’ll see.
The following is a list of what needs to be purchased for the living room:
- Left Facing Chaise Sofa
- TV console
- TV
- Black Hide Rug
- Ottomans (2) Ikea
- Creme Chair (???)
- Coffee Table (Ashley)
- Side Table(s)
- Pillows (can be added later)
Living Room Design Details
As you can see from the concept board we went with the three-seat left chaise sofa from Ikea. It’s a must that the chaise is on the left side when facing the sofa so this needs to be confirmed. I believe it is an either-or because all the sofas on the Ikea website are right-facing which will not work for this design.
The coffee table is the perfect option on top of the black hide rug so it stands out. Ikea was limited in the round coffee table options so happy the Ashley one is available.
The chair is the next issue because both are currently not an option but one will have to be sourced on the spot. In the worst-case scenario, it gets added later because the sofa and ottomans will provide plenty of seating to get started.
The pillows are from Ashley but those are another thing that can be added later. The side table next to the sofa needs to be narrow so we’ll have to work on that as well as the drink table. Again this is a lot to have to cover so the homeowner will do his best to get as much done as possible.
The faster the place is furnished the quicker it can get up on the Airbnb site. We need awesome pictures BTW to get those bookings!
DR Airbnb Dining Room Inspiration
The dining room was another issue because we were not crazy about the options from Ikea or Ashley. Either the size, color, or availability was an issue. In the end, we landed on the version shown below.
The measurements of the dining room are questionable since it’s so hard to make out what is on the blurry metro image. This will need to be double-checked in the space so we can confirm this size will work.
Also, I’m not sure of the peninsula dimensions. It will fit either two or three counter stools depending on the length.
UPDATE: The Airbnb Dining Room Reveal
Before I forget we saw the perfect table and chairs set at Ikea for the cute patio area. This is not in the concept board images so I added it here.
UPDATE: The Airbnb Patio Reveal
SO cute right!?
Dining Room Details
So let’s talk about the dining room concept. This was hard because we would have loved a round table but the Ikea tulip table is only 40″ with seating for four. Since the goal was seating for six that would not work. Also, the larger tables at Ikea are brown or natural wood which again was not the look we were after.
While the natural tables look nice we would have to rework the living room design if we were going to introduce the wood tones. That said the table selection is the white one shown above. It is an extension table but for everyday use, it’s 70″ which will seat six comfortably.
There is a concern about the table being white but we may be able to have a piece of glass put on top of it which will protect the table.
My daughter has a white Ikea dresser that has a glass piece on top and it has held up beautifully. It totally would have been damaged had it not been for the glass top.
The dining chairs we originally chose were from Ashley but they would take three months so we landed on the Ikea grey chair above. The same situation with the counter stools so we just chose simple white stools. The number of chairs will be determined after the countertop is measured since I can’t tell how long it is from the floor plan.
UPDATE: Airbnb Dining Room Reveal
For the record, the recommended space per seating area is about 28-30″ which would leave 6″ between each seat. The countertop would need to be 90″ or about 7 1/2 feet to fit 3 stools. If the countertop length is 60″ or 5 feet then only two stools will fit.
DR Kitchen Essentials
Aside from the appliances (which need to be purchased), the basic kitchen essentials are needed as well. For this, the setup will be the bare minimum, and more will be added over time.
This is the list of the bare minimum to get started in the kitchen (serving 6-8):
- Plates
- Bowls
- Glasses
- Mugs
- Wine Glasses
- Pots and Pans
- Utensils
- Flatware
- Flatware Tray
- Knife Set
- Cutting Board
- Can Opener
- Corkscrew
- Paper Towel Holder
- Coasters
- Dish Drying Mat
- Garbage Can
- Garbage Bags
- Coffee Maker
There is so much to think of when it comes to the kitchen. The list can be overwhelming but getting the bare essentials to start will help.
UPDATE: Airbnb Kitchen Reveal
DR Airbnb Bathroom Essentials
Last up is the bathroom which again for this post we will focus on the bare minimum. To make the process easier EVERYTHING is white, gray, or black. This will just make the process easier and less to think about. Plus pure white screams I am clean AF!!
Also, there is something to be said about Mark Zuckerberg’s wardrobe which is the same jeans and grey t-shirt every day. He does this because he wants to spend his time and energy on things that matter which is working well for him. Just saying!
The above bathroom essentials are from Ikea. There are other necessities which I will list below but this is what can be purchased at Ikea.
UPDATE: Airbnb Bathroom Reveal
Related Post: 33 Home Cleaning Products You Need So Your Airbnb Guests Return
DR Bathroom List
Here is the list of all you will need to get started in the Airbnb bathroom:
- Bath Towels (10)
- Hand Towels (5)
- Wash Cloth (5)
- Bath Mat
- Laundry Bin
- Squeegee
- Trash Can
- Toilet Brush
- Soap Dish
- Dust Pan
- Ironing Board
- Iron
- Hair Dryer
- Bath Mat (for tubs)
- Air Freshener
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body Wash
- A LOT OF TOILET PAPER
Whewww what a list… NO?!?!
This is the outside of the Dominican Republic Airbnb and the elevator. Apparently, the elevator is a thing so thought I’d mention it.
If you are looking for a place to stay in DR be sure to check the listing out.
UPDATE: Airbnb Exterior Reveal
I’ll keep you updated on project Santiago, Dominican Republic Airbnb. Not sure how much of this is possible but trusting the universe has our back and it will all work out!
IT’S GOING TO BE OK!!
the mantra of project airbnb dominican republic
This post is all about 5-star Dominican Republic Airbnb in Santiago.
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- The Ultimate List Of Airbnb Bedroom Essentials (For Five-Star Ratings)
- 5 Airbnb Bathroom Ideas | How Much A Remodel Costs
Last Updated on August 8, 2024 by Nicole DelaCruz
Hi Nicole,
First of all, really impressed with the invaluable content you provided in your blog page about furnishing your Airbnb in DR!
Me and my brothers recently acquired property in DR and are currently going through the furniture selection phase. I see that the furniture selections in your DR Airbnb page are found in US sites.
My question is, was the furniture shipped to DR? If so, how was it transported? I have been reading about shipping containers but not sure if it’s a viable or affordable solution.
Thank you for your time in reading my comment and any response in advance.
Sam
Hi Samuel,
Thank you for your comment and kind words!
The majority of the DR furniture was sourced from Ikea with a few pieces from Ashley furniture. The reference images have the items purchased for reference. You can view the furniture available in DR by changing the location when on the Ikea site.
My husband paid Ikea to have the furniture delivered and assembled for a small fee. It was totally worth having it put together by professionals. From the time of purchase to completion was about a week.
The space was designed and planned out before he left. He went to Ikea with the images and list of items needed. There was an Ikea salesperson available to help order the items.
Furniture and decor at the Santiago Ikea had to be ordered and delivered. It’s not available in stock at the store for purchase as they are in the US.
As for the container (in my experience), it’s more expensive to send the container than the actual furniture costs. For that reason, my husband purchased locally in the DR.
Congratulations on the acquired property! I wish you the best as you go through the design process.
~Nicole