B&B Basics

The Achillis have mastered the art of the bed-and-breakfast. Here are Courtney’s four tips for creating a destination guests will want to return to time and time again.

• Design inclusively. “Overall, I always try to have a meshing of the masculine and the feminine so that anyone who walks into the space thinks, ‘I could really be comfortable here,’” Courtney says. “It doesn’t feel like you’re staying in someone’s grandmother’s room or their aunt’s old bedroom. When I design a space, I put something in there for everyone.”

• Make them feel at home. “The house only has a couple of personal photos in our own personal spaces, which we actually take down when we rent the house,” she says. “We really do want the people renting to feel like it’s their home for the weekend, and seeing our wedding picture or us kissing in our engagement photos I think would make someone feel uncomfortable.”

• Provide sweet dreams. “People are coming to sleep, right? That’s ultimately where you have to start their experience. And if someone’s not getting a good night’s sleep, they won’t find value in staying in your home,” Courtney explains. “If the bed isn’t good, it’s going to be what they remember.” Invest in good linens, a quality mattress and nice towels (crisp and white so there are “no surprises,” Courtney says), and you’ll get consistently good reviews.

• Keep them informed. “When you go somewhere, you want to feel like your Airbnb or your vacation rental is part of that experience,” Courtney says. She suggests always stocking up on local newspapers, fliers and other information about nearby attractions. “Just taking the time to update those things and give your guests a different experience is what they want to pay for; that’s what they’re hoping for.”

The house called Content. has plenty of tales to go around, and the experience of revitalizing those stories has inspired Courtney and John to bring their design talents beyond their own walls. The couple now do all manner of interior and event design under the business name of Content + Company, named for the very house that was their catalyst. “You can’t buy charm. You can’t buy character. Those things are inherent and a space or an object already has them,” Courtney says. “These houses have energy, these things have energy and they’re all playing off each other. If you can even remotely tap into any of that, it’s so inspiring.”

IBOTTOMI MOODY BLUES. Courtney chose this expressive blue shade for the master bathroom since it gets lots of natural light and would still feel airy.

ILEFTI SWEET DREAMS. The couple’s master bedroom is cozy and filled with cheerful colors.

HARD + SOFT. Courtney likes to approach her rooms with a balance of masculine and feminine in mind.

ITOP RIGHTI UPCYCLED STYLE. The desk is actually an old sewing table that John created a new top for. The beautiful fireplace in this room sports a striking geometric design complemented by the shiplap wall across the room.

IBOTTOM RIGHTI SOLID LOOK. The vanity in the guest bath is poured concrete and meant to mimic the blue stone counters in the master bath. The black-painted walls are a bold modern choice that complements the black ceiling of the corresponding guest room.

ITOP LEFTI TWO TONES. Black and white became a theme for this guest room, which has a graphic quality to it. Vintage elements soften the look and add an eclectic modern vintage feel.