Alright, are you looking for short term rental interior design ideas that will get you booked out? You’ve come to the right place. I’ve got you covered.
You want to make money off your Airbnb or short term rental, right? Well, it’s not going to happen if your vacation rental decor looks like a sad, 90s motel. Here’s some Airbnb interior design ideas to actually get those bookings rolling in. I know a thing or two about furnishing rental properties—I’ve made over $250K as an Airbnb host with a successful property. I’m gonna tell you what guests want most in vacation rental interior design.
No matter your Airbnb location or design style, follow these 8 interior design tips for hosts to maximize your decor appeal!
Why Interior Design Matters in Short Term Rentals
Let’s get real. If your rental looks like a dumpster fire, no one’s going to book it. First impressions are everything. Great design can make your guests comfortable, get you killer reviews, and let you charge more. Cha-ching! As many Airbnb or Vrbo hosts will tell you, and as I’ve seen firsthand with my own property; quality design equals more money in your pocket.
*Superhost tip – Your stunning interior design won’t get the recognition it deserves without professional-looking photos to showcase it. Every successful host has it. You need it too.
Key Elements of Short Term Rental Interior Design
So, what do you need to do to make your vacation rental not look like a disaster? Here are the tips you should follow:
1. Know Your Audience
Knowing your audience is everything in short term rental interior design. Think about it: if you don’t design your space with your guests in mind, you’re basically shooting yourself in the foot. Business travelers don’t want your grandma’s floral curtains and shabby chic furniture; they want sleek, modern, and functional. And vacationers? They’re looking for a cozy, Instagrammable haven, not a sterile hotel room knock-off. Families? They need kid-friendly stuff that won’t fall apart after one tantrum. Young professionals? They’re after all the latest gadgets and a clean, minimalist vibe. Get to know who’s staying with you, and design accordingly. By tailoring your interior design to actually fit what your guests want, you make their stay better and boost your chances of racking up those sweet, sweet positive reviews and repeat bookings.
2. Choose a Cohesive Theme and Style
Pick a theme and stick to it. Don’t mix modern with grandma’s attic. Whether it’s modern, rustic, coastal, or bohemian, commit to one look. Your guests will thank you for not confusing their senses. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with minimal design.
Read this blogpost to learn why a minimal interior design style is genius for rental property aesthetics!
3. Opt for Comfortable and Stylish Furniture
Newsflash: Guests like to sit and sleep in comfort. Shocking, I know. Get decent furniture that doesn’t look like it’s about to collapse. Comfortable beds, enough seating, and a dining area that doesn’t scream “awkward family dinners.” In my own Airbnb, I invested in quality, durable pieces that have lasted and received countless compliments. Not only will this get you 5 star reviews, but it will aslo save you time and money in the long term.
4. Create a Functional Layout
Don’t make your guests navigate an obstacle course! Arrange your furniture in a way that makes sense. Clear paths, make distinct areas for lounging, dining, and sleeping. And get rid of the clutter for heaven’s sake!
5. Provide Quality Bedding and Linens
You think scratchy sheets and lumpy pillows are going to get you five-star reviews? Think again. Invest in good bedding. Soft, clean, cozy – sheets so good your guests will want to steal them!
6. Think Local for Decor and Accessories
Incorporate elements of the local culture to give your space a unique vibe. Think local artists’ work, traditional crafts, or even maps and photos of nearby landmarks. Give guests a genuine taste of the area. Keep it clean and uncluttered. Remember, it’s about creating a space that’s both visually appealing and meaningful, not a chaotic mess of mismatched items.
7. Install Adequate Lighting
Lighting is everything. You want a balance of natural and artificial light. Overhead lights, floor lamps, and bedside lamps – because no one wants to stumble around in the dark.
8. Add Practical and Thoughtful Amenities
Wi-Fi that actually works, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities – in the competitive business of vacation rentals these are just the basics, fellow hosts! Extras like a coffee machine, toiletries, and local guides are nice touches that can earn you brownie points. My guests always appreciate the little extras I provide like a Keurig machine and coffee pods!
Tips for Designing: Room by Room
Living Room
- Comfortable Seating: Sofas, armchairs, poufs – give them options.
- Entertainment: Smart TV, books, board games. Keep them entertained when Netflix and chill gets boring.
- Personal Touches: Add unique decor elements that reflect the local area, culture or your personal style.
Bedroom
- Quality Mattress: A good night’s sleep is the secret sauce to a great vacation.
- Storage Solutions: Dressers, nightstands, closet space – somewhere for guests to put their stuff.
- Blackout Curtains: Help them sleep in. Not everyone wants to wake up with the sun.
Kitchen
- Fully Stocked: The kitchen is the heart and soul of an Airbnb. It’s what sets your place apart from a hotel. Keep it fully stocked with essential appliances, cookware and utensils.
- Dining Space: A dining table and enough chairs to seat as many guests as your vacation rental sleeps. A rickety card table and fold-up chairs won’t cut it.
Bathroom
- Clean : Make sure this room is bright and clean! Guests will judge you harder than a Karen at a sub-par restaurant on this.
- Fresh: Always provide freshly laundered towels and toiletries.
- Good Lighting: Overhead and task lighting. No one wants to get ready in a dungeon.
Outdoor Space
- Inviting Area: Group seating, a small table for drinks. Make it a place guests actually want to hang out.
- BBQ and Fire Pit: Extra points for adding fun stuff like a BBQ grill or fire pit.
Final Touches to Enhance Guest Experience
- Welcome Basket: Snacks, coffee, tea to say “Hey, thanks for booking us! We’re glad you’re here.”
Did you know that welcome baskets are the most searched for guest amenity? Here’s how you can create a welcome basket to make guests feel like they’ve hit the vacation jackpot!
- Local Recommendations: Guidebook with the best local spots and tips. Don’t let your guests end up at tourist traps.
- Flexible Check-In/Out: You can offer guests an earlier check in or later check out for a small fee.
Conclusion
Investing in your short term rental’s interior design isn’t just about making it look pretty – it’s about making money, honey! Focus on a cohesive theme, comfortable furniture, functional layouts, and thoughtful decor. Make your place a space where guests feel at home and can’t wait to come back to. Get it right, and you’ll be raking in those five-star reviews and better rates in no time. I’ve done it, and so can you. Now go out there and make your short term rental the envy of the Airbnb world. Happy hosting!
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