Furnishing the kitchen in a short-term rental apartment

When we go on vacation or a business trip, we need not only a bed to sleep in and a bathroom to wash in, but also a well-equipped and functional kitchen. Guests want to be able to make breakfast, brew coffee, cook lunch or a light dinner. The kitchen in an apartment should be equipped similarly to one in a typical home – nobody on vacation or a business trip wants to eat breakfast off plastic plates or drink wine from a coffee mug.

Many people prefer a short-term apartment rental to hotel services precisely because of having a kitchen at their own disposal. This is especially important for families with children and business travelers.

Are you preparing a flat to become a short-term rental apartment and don't know how to plan the kitchen furnishings? Find out what to pay attention to, which appliances are essential and what to equip the kitchen with so that it is fully convenient and functional.

Kitchen renovation in an apartment

The kitchen should match the style of the whole apartment, so plan the renovation so that the color scheme and furnishings fit the rest of the space. Whether it is Scandinavian, glam, modern, industrial loft or another style, it is worth making sure that one consistent style runs through the entire apartment.

Given the special nature of its use, you should invest in good-quality stain-resistant paint and good-quality furniture that is not too easily damaged. You also need to buy furniture and equipment that is easy to clean and helps keep the place spotless.

What furniture is essential in a vacation rental kitchen?

Once the renovation is done, it is time to furnish the room. For the kitchen, you can buy and install modular cabinets or have a carpentry company make custom-built furniture. The first option can be much cheaper, but more troublesome. It is sometimes hard to fit the modular units to the existing layout and to the household appliances. If the walls and floor are not perfectly even, gaps may form between the modular cabinets and the appliances, which invite damage and collect dust. The upside, however, is fast order fulfillment and short assembly time. Custom-built furniture, on the other hand, is a very convenient option: after taking all the measurements, a specialist prepares a complete design of the fitted units. The whole space is perfectly fitted and looks elegant. The downside is the high price and the long wait for the furniture and its installation.

Essential kitchen appliances in a vacation rental

For guests to feel at home in the apartment and be able to prepare meals, you need to buy basic kitchen appliances:

• a place to eat, i.e., a table and chairs or an island with stools,
• a stove (preferably induction or electric) with an oven,
• a kettle,
• a range hood,
• a fridge with a freezer,
• a sink with space for drying dishes,
• a microwave and a dishwasher are not essential, but they will be a big plus.

What everyday items should a rental apartment kitchen be equipped with?

Besides furniture and appliances, the kitchen also needs to be equipped so that guests can prepare meals and drinks. The essential everyday items in a vacation rental kitchen are:

• small, large and deep plates, plus small and large bowls,
• a set of cutlery and knives,
• glasses, mugs, cups,
• a few pots and a frying pan,
• cutting boards,
• kitchen towels and paper towels,
• dish soap and dish sponges,
• a trash can and trash bags.

The amount of equipment should depend on the number of people who can stay in the apartment. If you rent out an apartment for up to 4 people, the kitchenware provided should allow all guests to eat a meal or have a coffee together. It is worth leaving one extra glass or plate in case something breaks. When buying kitchen items, take into account wear and tear and possible shortages. It is better to buy a set of 12 glasses and plates so you can replace damaged or missing items. Cutting boards, in turn, wear out quickly, so it is worth having a few spares.

Extra kitchen equipment for short-term rentals

the better equipped the kitchen, the happier the guests. And the happier they are, the greater the chance that they will use our services again, recommend them to friends or leave a positive review online. In high-end apartments with high rental rates, basic appliances and equipment are a bit too little. The kitchen can additionally be equipped with:

• a capsule or drip coffee maker, or at least a coffee brewer,
• a hand blender,
• glasses for vodka, wine, liqueurs and whisky,
• a wine opener,
• ovenproof dishes,
• a grill pan or a wok,
• a first-aid kit, scissors.

Guests will also appreciate a few small sweets, basic spices, as well as coffee and tea left for them.

Cleanliness in a vacation rental kitchen

The kitchen in a rental apartment should be not only attractive and functional, but above all clean. Before guests arrive, the cleaner should clean the entire kitchen very thoroughly and leave it spotless. It is necessary to:

• dust all surfaces,
• wash the windows if needed,
• clean the appliances as well as the countertops, table and cabinets,
• wash the dishes and empty the dishwasher,
• take out the trash and leave the bins empty,
• mop the floor thoroughly,
• restock dish soap and paper towels, replace the sponge,
• restock any candy, spices, coffee and tea.