INDUSTRY Property | Lifestyle & Travel SCOPE OF WORK Brand Strategy Visual Identity Creation Brand Style Guide Branded Collateral Design THE CLIENT Revel & Hide is the brainchild of stylist Lisa McKernan and her partner Eddie, a creative with impeccable taste and a love for thoughtful design. Having purchased an apartment based in Fitzroy, Melbourne — a suburb known for its gritty charm and creative pulse — their vision was to create a luxury short-stay Airbnb apartment that felt equal parts editorial and inviting. Lisa is a student of Sarah Andrews’ The Hosting Masterclass — a globally revered program that’s changed the game for Airbnb hosts. Guided by that philosophy, Lisa approached the project not as a hobby, but as a hospitality business with heart. One that tells a story, evokes emotion, and leaves guests wanting more. THE BRIEF The goal was to build a brand that told the story of Revel & Hide — a place to both indulge and retreat. Inspired by Lisa’s personal travel reflections, the name itself represents two parts of a perfect stay: discovering and exploring the city, and hiding away to rest and reset. The visual identity needed to align with the apartment’s moody interior: deep timbers, raw textures, a palette of navy, charcoal, black and wood. But it also had to channel the vibe of Fitzroy — think espresso mornings, record stores, adventurous afternoons, and rooftop drinks. From the brandmark to the tone of voice, everything needed to feel grounded in place and experience. THE PROCESS We began with deep research, uncovering emotional drivers, guest behaviours and competitive Airbnb positioning in Melbourne’s inner north. I explored Fitzroy’s personality — its laneways, edgy venues, and creative energy — as well as the broader travel trends that impact how guests choose and connect with short-stay properties. Through conversations with Lisa, we defined the core brand story: this wasn’t just about staying somewhere stylish — it was about experiencing a carefully curated rhythm. Days filled with adventure and discovery. Evenings dedicated to slowing down, playing records, sipping wine, and sinking into comfort. The brand strategy honed in on two core themes: the “reveal” (exploration, indulgence, local discovery) and the “hide” (retreat, stillness, sanctuary). I used this duality — Revel and Hide — to guide the visual direction, balancing light and shadow, texture and space. Every design decision was grounded in feeling: from the name and wordmark to the visual tone and conceptual mood. I developed strategic foundations that extended beyond the logo, mapping out how the brand could show up across numerous guest touchpoint: from welcome notes and local guides, to booking confirmations and future expansion into guestbooks or merchandise. THE OUTCOME Revel & Hide launched with a brand that didn’t just support the property — it elevated it. In an Airbnb market saturated with sameness, a well-crafted brand is a powerful differentiator. It creates trust, builds desire, and can be the deciding factor in achieving year-round bookings. Thoughtful design transforms a stay into an experience — and when done well, it can drive 90–100% occupancy, turning a short-stay rental into a sustainable business. Lisa and Eddie’s investment in strategy and storytelling ensured Revel & Hide didn’t just blend in — it stood out, beautifully.