InStyle Direct successfully transformed a lower ground floor, one-bedroom apartment on Campden Street, enabling the overseas Airbnb host to secure a guest in under one week after project completion.The property owner and host, Tracy, based in South Africa, needed a modern refurbishment and contemporary interiors to match for short-term Airbnb rentals and family visits. With her being overseas, InStyle Direct managed the entire project remotely and delivered a quick turnaround that exceeded her expectations.
Reflecting on her experience, Tracy remarked, “I found them to be extremely professional and competent. The whole process ran very smoothly.” She initially reached out to us with specific needs, knowing the importance of entrusting the project to a team that could handle everything smoothly from a distance.

The Challenge

As an overseas Airbnb host, Tracy required a seamless, stress-free service that would allow the refurbishment and interior design to be performed remotely. Her property needed updates to meet rental standards: the bathroom door was limiting space in the bedroom and needed to be replaced with a sliding door, while the basement walls required rendering. Additionally, the apartment’s narrow entryway meant size restrictions for the sofa, which would have been a setback for an Airbnb property aimed at large families and groups of people.

Throughout the process, Tracy noted how “all the people from Instyle that I had dealings with were very capable,” reinforcing her confidence in trusting us to manage the project.

Our Approach

Anna opted for our Diamond furniture package along with custom window dressings, focusing on maximising the space and enhancing its appeal. We removed the entrance door to make room for larger furniture and installed a bar table with stools to make the most of the dining area.

Our design team worked closely with Tracy to ensure her preferences were met. “Thanks to James, Anna, Amit, and their respective teams,” she explained. This collaborative approach ensured that her vision for the apartment would come to life despite managing the project remotely.

Design and Colour Scheme

For the apartment’s aesthetic, we chose a warm palette of sage green for furnishings and feature walls, wood finishes, and black accents to create an inviting, natural atmosphere. In the bedroom, vertical stripes applied to the walls created the illusion of higher ceilings, while asymmetrical bedside tables maximised the room’s space without compromising style. In the living room, a large mirror was placed opposite the window to reflect natural light, opening up the space and making it more attractive to short-term guests… And selfie-worthy, of course.

The Outcome

The project was completed within the agreed-upon eight-week timeframe, and within under one week of completion, the apartment was rented to an Airbnb guest, an outcome that delighted the host. “I am very happy with the result, and we managed to let the apartment in a very short time,” Tracy commented, reflecting on the value of the service provided.
Due to our seamless process and attention to detail, Tracy was able to list her property with confidence, knowing it would stand out to potential guests. She emphasised, “I highly recommend Instyle.”

To read Tracy’s full Google review, click here.

Key Results

• The apartment was rented out within one week of project completion.
• Tracy, the overseas host, was thrilled with the design and quick turnaround, praising the quality of the furniture and the service provided while not having to leave South Africa.
• Our ability to manage the entire process remotely allowed Tracy to focus on other priorities overseas while trusting us to handle the property refurbishment efficiently.

“We provided a turnkey refurbishment and furnishing solution for an overseas Airbnb host, delivering the project within two months and achieving rental success in just one week,” James McNeill, Sales and Project Manager for Campden Street.