5 Short-Term Rental Design Tips from Top-Rated Airbnb Hosts

Your short-term rental can be much more than just a place for guests to rest their head. Investing in professional short-term rental design can turn your Airbnb or VRBO into a cozy home-away-from-home and bring in much higher profits.

Thoughtful, professional design for your short-term rental will create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere that may increase your revenue by 20% or more. Staging Studio's top-rated Airbnb designers and superhosts share five design tips for Airbnbs.

1. Add Natural Elements to Your Short-Term Rental Design

^{Airbnb styling and photography by Staging Studio.}

The best way to make any space feel cozy is by bringing natural elements into it. Adding organic items like plants and flowers is a great way to make your space feel more alive and welcoming.

Not only do plants look great, but they also help purify the air and reduce stress levels in guests who stay there. If you don't have a way to maintain the plants in your vacation rental, you can use attractive artificial plants as well.

2. Design Airbnbs with Local Flare

^{Airbnb styling by Staging Studio.}

Showcase the local culture in your space by incorporating unique pieces inspired by the area’s history or landscape. Whether it’s artwork, memorabilia, or furniture – show off what makes your city special and different from others. This will create a truly unique experience that guests won’t forget.

Incorporate artwork created by local artists. This is a great way to support small businesses while providing something unique for guests to enjoy during their stay. Don't be afraid to be bold – maybe even a bit wild – with your Airbnb design. This space is a vacation from the humdrum of everyday life.

3. Decorate with Texture & Lighting

^{Airbnb styling and photography by Staging Studio.}

Texture and lighting play an important role in setting the mood of any room.

Choose soft pillows or throws for added comfort. You can also try incorporating touchable fabrics like wool rugs or velvet pillows into the space to add warmth and coziness to the room's aesthetic.

Light fixtures are also a great way to add visual interest. Try adding some funky lamps for a unique touch!

4. Add a Statement Element to Each Room

^{Airbnb styling and photography by Staging Studio.}

Choose one element in each room to stand out as the “statement piece." It could be anything from a large painting hung above the bed to an interesting centerpiece on top of the coffee table. Get creative and find something that speaks volumes about each individual space within your rental!

An added benefit – the statement element will stand out in online photos and attract more bookings.

5. Make Your Airbnb or VRBO Easy to Clean

^{Airbnb styling by Staging Studio.}

Opt for open shelving rather than drawers, where it is too easy for a guest to stash and then forget something. Performance fabrics that resist stains and surfaces that are easy to quickly wipe down will facilitate a faster ‘turn’ of the property.

Creating a professionally designed Airbnb is incredibly rewarding; when done correctly, beautiful design can significantly increase revenues for your short-term rental clients.

With these tips for designing a perfect short-term rental interior, you can turn any bland space into an inviting home away from home, leaving lasting impressions on all who stay there!

Watch the video below for even more ideas.

Check out Staging Studio's Amazon storefront to source beautiful furniture, accessories, and more for your short-term rental styling project. These items have been hand-selected by top-rated Airbnb hosts and designers on our team:

• Airbnb Styling Inspiration Guide
• Airbnb Kitchen Source Guide
• Airbnb Bathroom Source Guide
• Airbnb Bedroom Source Guide
• Airbnb Misc. Hosting Source Guide

To learn more about Airbnb and VRBO design, check out Staging Studio's online course and become a certified Short-Term Rental Stylist®.