Create the Ideal Airbnb Vacation Rental: Tips from a Professional Stylist

With Airbnb’s active listings climbing to 6 million worldwide in 2022, becoming a successful Airbnb host has never been more dependent on having a soulful and memorable aesthetic. Guests who opt for a vacation rental are not merely seeking a place to sleep; they desire an inspiring environment that engages their imaginations. Your property needs to be a destination in itself.

A listed property has only a few seconds to grab a viewer’s attention. As an avid boutique traveler and self-taught interior stylist, I understand what it takes to stand out online. Consequently, I have distilled key design elements based on my experience helping boutique properties enhance their aesthetics, generate more bookings, and increase their revenue.

Here are my top five tips on how to transform a blank canvas of a home into a sold-out slice of holiday heaven when designing your Airbnb.

1. Mix and Match Decor

To create a unique aesthetic, begin by mixing and matching various furniture and accessories. Incorporate items collected while traveling or found in antique markets, thrift shops, or even family heirlooms, combined with more sleek, high-end pieces. A vintage piece of furniture can provide a focal point, while opulent fabrics like velvety accent cushions, thick woolen throws, or plush carpets can add additional flair.

2. Use Accent Colors

Whether your interior features neutral tones or vibrant hues, accent colors are crucial because they create contrast and allow for personalization. There are several effective ways to incorporate accent colors: painting a single wall, highlighting structural elements like ceiling beams, adding accent furniture, or opting for a colored floor. The key is selecting a color that complements the overall interior design. For instance, if your color palette embraces earthy, natural, and modernist tones, an olive-green accent wall in your bedroom could be stunning.

3. Bring (More) Light

Lighting is an essential element of a well-designed interior, arguably the most important one. Poor lighting can significantly diminish the look and feel of a property. To instantly transform the ambiance, integrate light fixtures into key areas, adding warmth and coziness or sophistication and flamboyance as needed. To optimize fixture placement, identify where natural light filters in and pinpoint areas that could use additional illumination. From candleholders to wall-mounted and hanging options, the aim is to invite ample light into dimly lit rooms while tastefully softening spaces that are overly bright.

4. Stage Artwork

Incorporating artwork into your interior design is vital for two main reasons: Art pieces such as paintings, prints, and sculptures inject personality into any room and provide an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the locale they are visiting. Showcasing art created by local artists is an excellent way to add this regional flair.

When selecting artwork, ensure that it complements both your interior’s color palette and atmosphere. For a vintage, eclectic space, colorful artwork works well, whereas black and white modernist pieces are perfect for a boho, earthy vibe.

5. Add Greenery and Simple Flower Arrangements

One of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to enhance a room’s personality is by incorporating greenery. Potted or hanging plants, regardless of size, create a welcoming atmosphere. Even a simple bouquet of fresh flowers can elevate the space, especially if you lack a green thumb. Greenery can be added to any room, including the bathroom. However, avoid using fake, plastic plants, as they may diminish the overall interior appeal. Additionally, refrain from overcrowding your space with too many plants to prevent it from feeling like a garden center.