Creating an affordable, appealing, and functional Airbnb requires a thoughtful approach. By focusing on a cohesive style, optimizing small spaces, and offering valuable amenities, you can create a space that stands out to potential guests. Remember, it’s the little touches and attention to detail that can turn a good stay into a great one, encouraging positive reviews and repeat bookings. With the right balance of budget and creativity, your vacation rental can shine in a crowded market and offer guests an unforgettable experience. So where do you start with Airbnb interior design?
First things first: it must be functional.
If you are familiar with our blog, you already know I am passionate about making a space work well before making it pretty. Functionality is just as important in a vacation rental as it is your own home. Here’s a few things to keep in mind…
How many guests does your space comfortably sleep? Now – can that many people comfortably hang out in the living room? How about the dining area? If you are wanting to host families or larger groups, this is crucial. While sleeping spaces are obviously important, that group is not booking again if they can’t all hang out together.
If your place on the smaller side, the right space plan will be essential! Use multi-functional furniture like sofa beds or ottomans with storage to maximize the space. Non-traditional buildings like barns or converted sheds will require extra creativity. These spaces should work just as well as their traditionally sized counterparts!
Lastly, while I cannot in good conscious advocate for working while on vacation, it is a good idea to incorporate at least a small workspace. Ideally, this spot would be private, have good lighting and enough room for a comfortable chair.
The Baldwin: a dining room from The Collection
Now let’s make it pretty.
But ‘pretty’ is pretty subjective, so how do you know what’s right for your Airbnb interior design? You need not look too far: just the style of the home and the desired experience for your guests. Incorporate elements that reflect the local area or the theme of your property. For instance, a mountain town rental could incorporate natural elements like raw wood and a city apartment might showcase more industrial elements like steel.
It’s also important to aim for a cohesive style rather than a hodgepodge of leftover items. Choose a color palette and stick with it throughout different rooms to create a harmonious look throughout the entire space. Just remember that harmonious doesn’t mean boring – Airbnb interior design is a great opportunity to opt for bolder design choices! In fact, if your area’s market will tolerate it, you could even take a themed approach. However, be mindful not to overdo it; vacationers don’t want the space to feel cluttered.
The Hamilton: a living room from The Collection
Now let’s keep it pretty.
Sure, first impressions matter. But so do lasting impressions. If the paint is peeling and air conditioner doesn’t work, it doesn’t matter how great the sofa looks with that rug. A well-maintained vacation rental not only attracts guests but also encourages them to leave positive reviews and return in the future.
What about all the extras?
Admittedly, amenities don’t typically fall under the realm of interior design, but they can make or break an Airbnb experience and should be accounted for when space planning. Here’s the types of things you’ll want to consider…
Do you expect your guests will be doing considerable cooking? Then let’s make sure the kitchen is well suited to house the basic cooking essentials. And please – don’t forget condiments and items like Ziploc bags that travelers need but don’t have on hand. And don’t forget to set out basic toiletries (toothbrush / toothpaste) in a nice basket or decorative bowl such can also be a thoughtful touch for guests who may have forgotten their own.
If you are partnering with local vendors for food or activities, where is this information kept and displayed? It should be prominent without being in the way. These types of offerings add value to their stay and you an additional revenue stream. But if they can’t find the information, everyone loses out.
Speaking of additional revenue streams, do you offer branded merchandise such as tote bags or mugs? If so, where do they live within the space?
Lastly, if you have outdoor space, make sure it’s inviting. Add some comfortable seating, perhaps a grill, and some decorative touches to make it a pleasant area for guests to relax. If you have a fire pit, make sure the firewood is stocked and stored in a nearby, easily accessible covered area.
But can it be done on a budget?
Heck yes! You can absolutely achieve affordable Airbnb interior design, but it will require thoughtful planning. Make a list of the items you need for each room and stick to it (don’t underestimate the ripple effect of changes made to the list). You can shop at discount stores, watch for sales, and reinvent second-hand items with a coat of paint or new upholstery. Just keep in mind that if you do-it-yourself, the end result shouldn’t look like you did it yourself. So do your research, pay attention to your workmanship, and don’t attempt something way outside your skill level.
You can also invest in the key pieces that will make the biggest impact, like a comfortable mattress and sofa. These items will enhance guest satisfaction and are worth spending a bit more on. For other items, prioritize functionality and durability over aesthetics. As time goes on, you may decide to upgrade the quality of furnishings as the business grows.
This all sounds great, but can you just design it for me?
Also, yes! At Insighed Designs, we believe in affordable interior design and would love to help your vacation rental stand out! We source from familiar retail brands but intentionally do not have vendor affiliations so that we have complete flexibility to choose the right items for your style and budget. Each of our designs come with a photorealistic image of the room and a clickable catalog. You can then piece together the new space in your own timeline.
Find our pre-fab designs in The Collection. Here you can purchase your favorite design for just $50 and instantly receive a 6-item clickable catalog!
Or send us photos and measurements for a custom design with Online Interior Design. You will receive a 1-hour consultation, floor plan, detailed design narrative, photorealistic images, and a 12-item clickable catalog.
