First impressions matter—especially in short-term rentals. In fact, 60% of guests say that a listing’s photos are the most important factor in choosing a stay. A well-designed space doesn’t just look great—it can increase bookings, improve guest reviews, and even allow you to charge higher rates. And as an interior designer, I fully support this statement ;)
Recently, I was having a conversation with a friend about how picky we are when it comes to booking short-term rentals for ourselves while on vacation. We both mentioned how we are more likely to pay a little extra for cute design that inspires us! (Granted, we are both interior designers - but I think other people feel this way too!)
I’ve dipped my toe into the world of short-term rental hosting—literally. For two summers, I was a Swimply host here in Austin at The Tumbleweed House, renting out my pool to strangers (which was an experience in itself!). At the same time, in 2024, I became fascinated with short-term rental design—diving into everything from durable materials to smart design hacks for high-traffic spaces and creating a seamless experience for travel-savvy guests. And fun fact—yours truly is now a certified short-term rental designer!
So, how do you create an Airbnb that stands out? Here are five design tips to make your space more inviting, memorable, and high-performing
1. Create an Inviting First Impression
+ Your front door and entryway set the vibe for your guests before they even step inside. Think about elements like warm lighting, a bold front door color, a stylish doormat, or even a seasonal wreath—these small touches can make a big difference in making your short-term rental feel welcoming and unique.
+ Landscaping doesn’t have to be high-maintenance to look amazing. Try zero-scaping or drought-resistant plants to keep things beautiful yet easy to maintain (trust me, you don’t want to be dealing with fussy plants between bookings!). Even hanging faux plants can be a great host hack—plus, they stay picture-perfect year-round! I love using O Double G Outdoors (a local landscape design company) for this kind of project
+The prettier your exterior, the better your guest photos—which means more free exposure for your listing! A well-kept, inviting entry makes a great first impression and can even lead to better reviews (because let’s be real, guests love a good photo-op!).
2. Design with Durability in Mind
+ These days, so many stores offer performance fabrics for sofas, and honestly, they’re a game-changer for short-term rentals. Some brands (looking at you, Anabei!) even have entire sofas with removable, washable covers—which means fewer panic attacks over spills and easier cleanups between guests.
+ Let’s be real—not every guest is going to follow your "no shoes in the house" rule (no matter how cute your welcome sign is!). And if it’s a rainy or muddy day? Forget about it. That’s why washable rugs or even outdoor rugs are lifesavers for Airbnbs. They hold up better to heavy foot traffic and make cleaning so much easier.
3. Make the bedroom Hotel-Worthy
+ If there’s one thing that can make or break a short-term rental stay, it’s the cleanliness and comfort of the bed—seriously, nothing ruins a trip faster than scratchy sheets or a lumpy mattress. Invest in high-quality bedding, layered textures, and blackout curtains to create a cozy, hotel-worthy sleep experience. Your guests will thank you (and leave better reviews!) Also this may be an unpopular opinion, but steer clear of linen sheets. You can do a linen duvet, but linen sheets are an acquired taste that not all guests love (myself included!).
+ Make sure there are plenty of accessible outlets near the bed—bonus points if you have USB outlets on your nightstands or table lamps for extra convenience. Little details like this make a huge difference in guest experience!
4. Embrace Austin's Unique Style
+ One of the biggest reasons guests choose a short-term rental over a hotel is for a local experience. So, lean into Austin’s vibe! Whether it’s warm, modern, or boho decor, designing with the city’s energy in mind will make your Airbnb feel more unique and memorable. Need help with this step? Send me a message—I’d love to help!
+ A great way to bring in that Austin feel is through local artwork! I love searching Etsy for prints and even scoring cool pieces on Facebook Marketplace. Supporting small businesses while making your space look amazing? Win-win.
+ Don’t forget to curate a local guidebook with the best nearby restaurants, parks, coffee shops, and bars. Guests love having recommendations from a local, and it makes their stay feel extra personal. Plus, if you have a favorite taco spot or hidden gem, now’s your chance to share it!
5. Create Instagram-Worthy Moments
+ I know this might feel a little extra, but trust me—it makes a difference! (I even learned all about it in my short-term rental design course!). Adding a few standout design moments will make your space more memorable and shareable. Think a statement wall with bold paint or wallpaper or a cozy reading nook with a cute accent chair and funky light fixture.
+ The more Instagram-worthy moments your space has, the more likely your guests are to snap a pic and share it online. And guess what? That’s free marketing for your short-term rental! A well-designed space doesn’t just look pretty—it helps get more eyes on your listing (and more bookings!).
Designing a high-performing short-term rental is all about creating a space that feels welcoming, functional, and memorable. Small, intentional design choices—like a cozy bed, smart layouts, and Instagram-worthy details—can make all the difference in attracting more bookings and earning 5-star reviews.
As someone who’s passionate about short-term rental design, I love seeing how little changes can make a huge impact. Whether you're just starting out or looking for ways to refresh your space, I hope these tips help you create an Airbnb that guests will rave about!
Leave a comment