How to Design an Airbnb That Not Only Looks Good but Stays Booked Too: Tips from an Interior Designer
1. Design for Comfort and Functionality First
When designing an Airbnb, the priority should always be comfort. A beautiful space can only go so far if your guests don’t feel at home. As an interior designer, my goal is to balance style with practicality. Having said that, it's also important to incorporate certain design elements that make you stand apart from competitors.
Comfortable, High-Quality Bedding: Research by Booking.com shows that 67% of travellers say that comfortable beds are their top priority when selecting accommodation. Ensure the beds are comfortable and equipped with high-quality mattresses, soft linens, and plenty of pillows. Guests’ sleep quality is paramount, and a cosy, inviting bed can be a game-changer in securing positive reviews.
Functional Layout: Maximize the space by opting for a functional layout that promotes easy movement. In small apartments, for example, I recommend multi-functional furniture such as storage ottomans or convertible sofas to make the most of limited square footage.
Clear Flow: Create clear pathways by arranging furniture so guests can easily navigate the space without feeling cramped. Good flow is essential for a comfortable stay.
Pro Tip: Keep the design simple and minimalist. Avoid cluttering the space with too much furniture or decor, as this can make the room feel cramped and uncomfortable.
2. Use Neutral, Timeless Aesthetics with Personal Touches
When it comes to Airbnb design, the key is to make the space universally appealing yet unique enough to stand out. Neutral tones such as whites, greys, and soft pastels create a calm, inviting atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of guests.
Neutral Color Scheme: According to a survey by Airbnb, properties with light, neutral colour palettes tend to receive 24% more bookings than those with darker, bolder colour schemes. Neutral tones help the space feel open and versatile. You can always add pops of colour through accessories like pillows, rugs, or artwork.
Personal Touches: To make the space feel special, incorporate personal design touches such as locally inspired artwork, vintage finds, or hand-crafted furniture. This creates a sense of place and helps guests feel more connected to the area.
Pro Tip: Invest in high-quality, professional photos that showcase the design elements of your space. Great photos not only highlight your decor but also give potential guests a true feel for the experience.
3. Prioritize Guest Convenience with Modern Amenities
From an interior designer’s perspective, it’s crucial to think about the guest experience beyond just aesthetics. The goal is to create a space where your guests feel comfortable and well-equipped during their stay. Offering the right amenities is a surefire way to improve guest satisfaction and secure return bookings.
Smart Technology: Consider integrating modern conveniences like smart thermostats, keyless entry, and voice-controlled speakers. According to CBRE, 29% of guests say that a smart home feature (like keyless entry) positively influences their decision to book a rental. These tech-savvy features can streamline the guest experience and make the stay more enjoyable.
Fully Equipped Kitchen: A fully stocked kitchen is essential for guests who prefer to cook. Ensure you have all the basics like a coffee maker, toaster, cookware, and enough utensils for a variety of meals.
Entertainment Options: A strong Wi-Fi connection and access to streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime are important in today’s digital world. Include books, games, and even a Bluetooth speaker to give guests a range of entertainment options during their stay.
Pro Tip: Think of the amenities you would want as a guest. A hairdryer, ironing board, and extra towels are all small touches that can make a big difference in guest satisfaction.
4. Create a Memorable Experience with Local Flair
As an interior designer, I always aim to create spaces that reflect the local culture and surroundings. Guests often book an Airbnb for the unique experience it offers, so it’s essential to incorporate local elements into the design.
Local Artwork and Decor: Use artwork, textiles, or furniture that reflect the region’s culture or history. For example, if your Airbnb is in a coastal area, consider incorporating seaside-inspired decors, such as natural wood accents, beach-themed art, or coastal colours. Research from Airbnb shows that local touches are among the top five most appreciated features by guests.
Highlight Local Attractions: A small but effective touch is providing your guests with information on nearby attractions, restaurants, and activities. This could be in the form of a curated guidebook, a personal note, or a welcome packet.
Pro Tip: Think about adding unique touches like locally made snacks or drinks as a welcome gift to enhance your guests' experience.
5. Make the Space Feel Larger with Smart Layout and Storage Solutions
In short-term rentals, space optimization is key, especially if your property is small. As an interior designer, I recommend using a combination of clever layout choices and smart storage solutions to make the space feel larger and more organized.
Vertical Storage: Use shelving units, hooks, or hanging storage to free up floor space. This helps keep the room organized and ensures there’s a place for everything.
Multipurpose Furniture: Opt for furniture that doubles as storage, such as ottomans with hidden compartments or beds with drawers underneath. This will help maximize space and give your guests more room to move around.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the room with excessive furniture. Leave plenty of open floor space to give the room an airy feel.
6. Ensure a Smooth and Efficient Check-in Process
The check-in process is often a guest’s first impression of your property, and it can greatly impact their experience. An efficient, smooth process is key to keeping guests happy and encouraging repeat bookings.
Keyless Entry: Installing a keyless entry system can simplify the check-in process. It’s easy for guests to access the property without having to worry about meeting up for a physical key exchange. In fact, properties with self-check-in options have been shown to increase bookings by 15%.
Clear Communication: Provide guests with all the information they need about how to access the property, where to park, and any special instructions. Make sure this information is easy to find and up-to-date.
Pro Tip: Consider a welcome message with a personal touch, offering your guests a warm greeting and a few suggestions for nearby places to explore.
7. Keep Your Airbnb Listing Fresh and Engaging
Even the best-designed Airbnbs can go unnoticed if they’re not properly marketed. As an interior designer, I advise my clients to keep their listings fresh and updated to attract more bookings.
Professional Photography: Invest in high-quality photos to showcase the beauty and functionality of your space. Studies show that properties with professional photography get 40% more bookings than those with amateur photos.
Engaging Description: Write a compelling description that highlights the unique features of your space, including amenities, design elements, and proximity to local attractions.
Pro Tip: Regularly update your listing with new photos, amenities, or seasonal promotions to keep it fresh and relevant.
Final Thoughts
Designing an Airbnb that looks good and stays booked requires a balance of style, functionality, and thoughtful guest amenities. As an interior designer, I always strive to create spaces that feel comfortable, practical, and reflective of their surroundings. By focusing on these design principles, you can create an Airbnb that not only attracts guests but also ensures they leave with positive reviews and a desire to return.
With the right design, attention to detail, and focus on guest experience, your Airbnb will be a standout in the competitive short-term rental market.
