Interior Design for Short Term Rentals that will Increase Bookings
Do your Short term rental Interior Design Right the First Time
When I bought Lodi Landing, my short-term rental (STR) in Lodi, CA, the space was empty. We had to furnish and decorate a four-bedroom, two-bath house that was about 1,800 square feet. I don't think we realized how much time and money this project would cost. When we rented out our own house we only had to buy a bed to make the room guest-ready. For Lodi Landing, we needed an entire house full of furniture and decorations - I bought over 165 items! I had a rough interior design theme for the house which was my taste, but I WISH I had an interior design style guide because now 2 years later I’m refreshing the interior design of Lodi Landing and it’s costing me more time and money. If I had taken the time to put together a style guide it would have been right from the start.
Great Airbnb Interior Design Equals More Income
When setting up your short-term rental you want to define an overall interior design style for your space. Why is this important? Having a well-designed space tells a story, sets the mood for an experience, relates to your target market, and photographs much better than a vacation rental with no interior design plan. Great photographs will help you sell the space, get more bookings, and make more money. Without an interior design plan, you can buy a whole lot of random stuff and your setup can be quite frustrating and result in a hodgepodge-looking space.
Define Your Rental Interior Design Style
The first step is to pick an interior design style. Now, if you just had a mini-panic attack because decorating is not your forte, I got you. Some popular interior design styles to pick from are Farmhouse, Modern, Rustic, Industrial, Traditional or Boho. If you have no idea what these styles look like, I’ve linked some Pinterest searches below for your reference. You can mix 2 of these styles together for instance: Modern-Rustic or pick something completely different such as Boho Wine Country.
Interior Design Styles to pick from:
If you are setting up an empty space I would look for clues in architecture that already exist in the house. For instance, if you have a farmhouse then stick with farmhouse furniture and farmhouse decorations. If you have a super modern space, go for a modern feeling with modern accents. You get the idea.
If you are converting an already furnished space into a STR and the design needs some love, try to work with what you already have. Review the styles and pick one that most closely matches the pieces that you already own.
Pick Your Perfect Vacation Rental Color Palette
Next, you need to define a color palette for your space. If you have no clue where to start I’ve linked some color palette searches on Pinterest below to get you inspired (or should I say Pinspired?). Having a defined color palette will simplify your buying decisions. Another way to pick your palette is by picking a key piece such as a painting, a rug, or a throw pillow to base your STR’s color palette. I start with everything being white such as linens and towels to simplify your laundry process and then I add colorful touches like throw blankets and pillows to coordinate with my short-term rental color scheme.
Sample Color Palettes
Define Your rentals Interior Design Materials
Similar to your color palette, I want you to define 5 key materials that you will use throughout your space. I’ve created a list of materials below for each popular theme to get you inspired. Below are the boho materials that I am using in Lodi Landing’s redesign.
Interior Design Material Examples
Farmhouse: shiplap, barn doors, rustic wood, corrugated metal, wrought iron, buffalo check
Modern: glass, metal, water, geometric patterns, typography, subway tiles, leather, quartz
Rustic: rope, wood, mason jars, palettes, pine cones, galvanized metal, oil rubbed bronze
Industrial: concrete, iron pipes, pulleys, utility lighting, leather, brick, plaster,
Traditional: large beams, linen, tufting, marble, books, floral fabrics, dark wood
Boho: feathers, rattan, macrame, plants, fur, tassels, unfinished wood, shibori
Create a Moodboard for your short-term rental
A moodboard is supposed to set the mood for a space. Think about how people will be spending time in that space and what sort of environment you want it to be. Find images of spaces you love so you can draw inspiration when furnishing and decorating your place.
Apply your design style to your entire rental
Creating a cohesive and inviting short-term rental starts with thoughtful design in every space, both inside and out. Each room should reflect your style guide, ensuring a seamless flow that enhances the guest experience. From cozy bedrooms to functional kitchens and curated kitchen cabinets, every detail contributes to a polished, memorable stay. Below, we break down key areas to focus on, helping you design a well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing rental that feels intentional and well-curated.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Rental Living Room
The living room is the heart of any short-term rental, where guests gather to relax and unwind. Designing this space with cozy seating, ambient lighting, and thoughtful décor can enhance the guest experience. Explore our living room design tips to create a welcoming atmosphere that guests will love.
Airbnb Kitchen
A well-equipped and beautifully designed Airbnb kitchen can be a standout feature of your Airbnb. Enhance the space with one of our Airbnb kitchen signs from Etsy, perfect for adding a touch of personality and charm. Learn more with our kitchen design ideas that cater to every guest’s needs.
Short-Term Rental Bedroom
The bedrooms in your Airbnb should be a serene retreat for your guests. Discover our bedroom design tips to create a cozy and comfortable space with the best mattress for Airbnb, linens, pillows, and décor that will make your guests feel at home.
Airbnb Bathroom
A clean, well-designed rental bathroom is crucial for guest satisfaction. Add a stylish touch with our Airbnb bathroom signs available on Etsy, and check out our bathroom design ideas to ensure this space is both functional and luxurious.
Rental Dining Room
Whether it’s a formal dining room or a casual eating area, creating a functional and stylish dining space is essential. Learn how to set up your dining area with the right furniture, lighting, and table settings by visiting our dining room design guide.
Airbnb Office Workspace
With more guests working remotely, having a well-designed office or workspace is a major plus. Find out how to create a practical yet stylish work area with our home office design ideas.
Short-Term Rental Laundry Room
Even in small spaces, a well-organized laundry room and an expert laundry system can make a big difference. Add a bit of charm with one of our Airbnb laundry room signs from Etsy, and get inspired by our laundry room setup guide for ideas on how to maximize functionality while keeping the space stylish.
Airbnb Owners Closets & Storage Spaces
Smart storage solutions can elevate the guest experience by keeping your rental clutter-free. Discover our storage space organization tips for creating tidy and accessible closets and cabinets.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
Rental Pool Area
A well-designed pool area can be a major draw for guests. Add some personality with one of our Airbnb pool area signs available on Etsy, and explore our pool area setup guide for ideas on how to create a safe and luxurious outdoor oasis.
Short-Term Rental Garage
A clean and organized garage or carport not only provides practical benefits but can also be an attractive feature for guests. See our garage organization tips for making this space both functional and appealing.
Airbnb BBQ Area
An outdoor kitchen or BBQ area can significantly enhance the guest experience. Add a touch of style with our Airbnb barbecue area signs from Etsy, and learn how to design an outdoor cooking and dining space that’s both practical and inviting with our BBQ area design guide.
Airbnb Outdoor Area
An outdoor area can significantly enhance the guest experience.
Thinking of starting an Airbnb? Join my Short-Term Rental Lab and gain the insights you need to become a successful rental owner.
Airbnb Interior Design Style downloadable Template
I’ve created an interior design style guide template for your STR. Fill this out and keep it visible when making buying decisions to help you create a cohesive space. This template is available in PPT and Keynote and is 100% free. Enjoy!
-
Interior design for short-term rentals is crucial because it helps create a cohesive and appealing space that resonates with your target audience. A well-designed vacation rental interior design can enhance the guest experience, improve your listing's photos, and ultimately increase bookings and income.
-
Selecting an interior design style for your short-term rental starts with considering the architecture and existing features of the space. Popular styles include Farmhouse, Modern, Rustic, Industrial, Traditional, and Boho. You can also mix styles to create a unique look, such as Modern-Rustic or Boho Wine Country. The key is to choose a style that feels authentic to the property and appeals to your target guests.
-
The best color palette for your vacation rental should complement the chosen interior design style. If you're unsure where to start, consider using a key piece, like a painting or rug, to guide your color choices. Popular palettes include neutral tones for Modern or Rustic styles, vibrant colors for Boho, and muted hues for Industrial designs.
-
To create a cohesive look in your short-term rental decor, define a consistent theme and stick to a limited color palette and material selection. Using a moodboard can help visualize the overall look and ensure all elements work together. Consistency in design materials, like wood, metal, or textiles, also plays a key role in achieving a unified appearance.
-
While hiring a professional short-term rental designer can be beneficial, especially if you're unsure about design decisions, it's not always necessary. Many property owners successfully design their spaces by using online resources, templates, and inspiration boards. However, if you're looking for a high-end, polished look that attracts more bookings, professional vacation rental design services might be worth the investment.
-
Budget-friendly decorating tips for vacation rentals include repurposing existing furniture, shopping for deals at thrift stores or online marketplaces, and DIY projects like painting or creating art. Focus on high-impact areas like the living room and bedrooms, and use accessories like throw pillows, rugs, and wall art to enhance the space without breaking the bank.
-
To make your vacation rental stand out, focus on unique design elements that reflect the local culture or the property’s surroundings. High-quality photos showcasing your interior design, thoughtful amenities, and personalized touches can make your listing more attractive to potential guests. Creating a memorable experience through design will encourage repeat bookings and positive reviews.
-
Avoid cluttering the space with too many decorations or mismatched furniture. It's important to maintain a balance between style and functionality. Avoid using overly personal items or décor that might not appeal to a broad audience. Stick to durable, easy-to-clean materials, especially in high-traffic areas.
-
Yes, you can use online resources, such as interior design style guides, templates, and Pinterest boards, to guide your vacation rental design. These tools can help you create a cohesive and appealing space without the need for a professional designer. Additionally, many blogs and websites offer vacation rental decorating tips and ideas that you can implement on your own.
