How should I decorate an Airbnb?

Decorating an Airbnb property can be challenging, as hosts need to appeal to a wide variety of guests and create a space that feels like a home away from home. Thoughtful decor choices are key to maximizing bookings and getting 5-star reviews. Here are some tips on how to stylishly decorate an Airbnb rental property.

Understand the Location and Market

The first step is researching the area where your Airbnb is located. Consider the typical visitors and travelers who book in that region. For example, a beach town Airbnb will likely attract a different crowd than a city apartment or mountain cabin. Cater the decor to your target demographic – families, couples, business travelers, etc.

Visually fit in with the surrounding neighborhood as well. For a city Airbnb, sleek modern furniture may be appropriate, while a country cottage could have floral prints and antique decor. Avoid overly personal decor with things like family photos, so guests feel like it’s their space.

Look at other highly rated Airbnbs in your area and price range. This gives insight into guest expectations and popular interior design aesthetics in that market. Use these other rentals as inspiration, but give your Airbnb unique touches to stand out.

Focus on the Basics

While elaborate themes or over-the-top decals may attract attention, most guests prioritize comfort and functionality. Before adding flashy decor, make sure to provide the essentials that every traveler needs. This includes:

• Comfortable beds with quality linens
• Plenty of pillows, blankets
• Good lighting sources in each room
• Window curtains for privacy
• Thoughtful bathroom accessories like towels, soap, toilet paper
• Basic kitchen appliances, cookware, dishes, utensils
• Seating and tables for eating or working
• Adequate climate control, heating and A/C
• Fresh paint colors
• Vacuuming and general cleanliness

Having these fundamental elements in place makes a huge difference in guest satisfaction. Invest in comfortable mattresses, blackout curtains, and other practical items that travelers want after a long day of activities.

Add Pops of Color

Neutral backdrops allow you to add lively accent colors through decor details. Incorporate pops of color through:

• Throw pillows
• Blankets or throws
• Area rugs
• Kitchen appliances like a stand mixer or toaster
• Mugs, glassware, plates
• Fresh flowers
• Artwork
• Books

Swap out accent pieces seasonally to keep the space looking fresh. Having multiple pillows and blankets allows you to easily change the color scheme. Add festive touches like a floral arrangement in the spring or knit throw in the winter.

Stick to 2-3 colors in the same family, like shades of blue with pale yellow. This creates a cohesive feel. The goal is lively but not overwhelming.

Incorporate Natural Textures

Natural textures also bring warmth to a space. Use decor items like:

• Wood furniture, trays, shelving
• Stoneware, ceramics, and clay vases or pots
• Linen and cotton textiles on bedding, curtains, throws
• Rattan, wicker baskets
• Jute, wool, sisal area rugs
• Macrame wall hangings

Mixing natural materials like wood, stone, textiles, and plants gives an earthy, inviting vibe. These objects age well over time and stand up to lots of use. Their patina only adds to the charm. Just avoid anything too delicate or high maintenance.

If your rental has dated oak furniture or paneling, soften the look with textiles. Drape wool blankets over sofas or dress the dining table in linen.

Use Multifunctional Furniture

To make the most of your square footage, choose furniture that serves more than one purpose. Items like:

• Ottomans with storage inside
• Coffee tables with shelves or drawers
• TV consoles that hold extra bedding
• Sofa beds, futons, or Murphy beds
• Dining tables that double as work desks
• Side tables with a shelf below
• Entryway benches with shoe storage

Dual purpose furniture suits the needs of guests using your space for different functions – sleeping, eating, working, lounging. Just make sure pieces feel sturdy and well-made. A lumpy sleeper sofa won’t do your reviews any favors.

Use Mirrors to Expand Small Spaces

It’s common for urban Airbnbs to be cozy in size. If your rental is a studio or one-bedroom, use mirrors to make it feel more spacious.

Strategically place mirrors:

• Opposite windows – reflects more light
• On the end of an entryway hallway
• Above dressers or nightstands
• Across from seating areas

Avoid placing too many mirrors facing each other, or guests may feel self-conscious. Also choose framed leaner mirrors instead of more heavy, substantial mirrors in a small space. The minimal edges enhance the feeling of expanded room size.

Use this optical illusion to lighten and brighten any tight quarters in your Airbnb property.

Carefully Select Artwork

Artwork has a big visual impact, so carefully choose pieces that appeal to a wide range of travelers. When selecting art:

• Favor neutral prints like botanical, landscape, or abstract works. Avoid personal photos.
• Black and white palette has mass appeal.
• Sized appropriately to the wall space.
• Feels cohesive with other decor but not overly matchy.
• Reflects local culture or region.

Display art at eye level for guests to easily view and appreciate. Include information about local artists or galleries if you have it. Rotating the artwork seasonally keeps the space looking updated.

Upgrade Lighting

Most rentals need improved lighting for ambiance and function. Lighting upgrade options:

• Dimmers on existing fixtures allow guests to adjust brightness.
• Swap out outdated ceiling fans for new models with integrated lights.
• Add stylish table and floor lamps in living areas and bedrooms.
• Under-cabinet lighting in kitchens.
• Sconces in hallways and bathrooms.
• Pendant lights over dining tables and kitchen islands.
• Outdoor string lights for decks, patios, gardens.

Provide lighting that suits different functions – bright task lighting for kitchens and work areas as well as soft, mood lighting in bedrooms and living rooms. This allows guests to set the right ambiance for any occasion.

Include Extra Amenities

Travelers love Airbnbs that provide small extra amenities to make them feel at home. Popular extras include:

• Snacks, coffee, tea, bottled water
• Toiletries like shampoo, soap, lotion
• First aid items
• Electronics like phone chargers, cords
• Steam iron
• Spare towels for spills or swimming
• Beach gear like chairs, umbrellas, coolers
• Board games and cards
• Magazines, books

Rotate non-perishable welcome snacks to match the season – hot chocolate in winter or lemonade mix in summer. Update toiletries, accessories, and electronics regularly. Having these little extras on hand scores major points with guests.

Add Greenery

Plants do wonders to liven up a space and make it feel fresh. Add greenery to your Airbnb with:

• Large leafy plants in floor pots
• Hanging ferns or succulents in macrame
• Windowsill herb garden
• Vines draping down from high shelves
• Small cactuses or bouquets on coffee tables

Pick low-maintenance varieties that can tolerate some neglect. Succulents and palms are great options. Greenery instantly makes any area feel cleaner, fresher, and more inviting. Guests will appreciate the thoughtful natural touches.

Style the Outdoor Space

Don’t forget decor beyond the front door. Travelers love Airbnbs with spaces to relax outdoors. Make your patio, balcony, or yard just as inviting as the interior.

• Comfy, weather-resistant seating and side tables
• Stylish planters or pots for greens
• Cafe string lighting overhead
• Rugs, pillows, throws
• Fire pit, heaters, or chiminea
• BBQ grill, patio dining set
• Beach cruiser bikes, kayaks, hammocks

Provide patio umbrellas for shade and bug repellent candles to allow guests to enjoy the space any time of day. Upgrade worn outdoor furniture regularly, just like you would indoors. A thoughtfully designed exterior expands your Airbnb’s livable footprint.

Clean and Maintain

No amount of stylish decor can mask a dirty or poorly maintained rental. Guests will always notice:

• Dusty surfaces
• Stains or scuffs
• Clutter
• Disorganized cabinets or closets
• Mildew or mold in bathrooms
• Pet hair
• Unwashed linens or towels
• Leaves or debris piled up outside

Schedule deep cleanings between each guest. Provide cleaning supplies if guests stay a week or more. Swap out bedding, towels, and welcome snacks after each stay. Keep maintenance up-to-date by:

• Replacing worn or broken items
• Fixing drips, leaks, clogs right away
• Checking for pests, rodents, bugs
• Testing gadgets and appliances
• Cleaning out gutters and drains
• Pruning trees, bushes, and lawns

Regular care and upkeep keeps your space looking its best and prevents bigger problems down the road.

Be Consistent with Design

While each room can have its own flair, aim for a cohesive overall design. Maintain a consistent mood or style from room to room. Elements that carry over create flow:

• Same color scheme and palette
• Repeating textures like wood or stone
• Similar art style
• Matching furniture sets
• Same lighting fixtures
• Plants throughout
• Coordinating window treatments

Having a common thread woven through the decor makes the rental feel like one large space rather than disjointed rooms. Upgrade features like light fixtures gradually over time versus all at once for a collected yet curated look.

Stage Each Room

Study interior design magazines and staging tips to get ideas for vignettes in each living space:

Kitchen:

• Bowl of lemons, limes, oranges
• Stacked cookbooks, ceramic canisters
• Vase of fresh flowers on table
• Espresso machine, hand mixer out on counter

Living Room:

• Piles of cozy blankets on sofa
• Tasteful books and magazines on coffee table
• Throw pillows in coordinating colors
• Floor lamp positioned by seating

Bedroom:

• Nightstand styled with lamp, book, plant
• Dresser displayed with perfume, jewelry box, framed photos
• Throw blanket folded at bottom of bed
• Curtains hung properly

Bathroom:

• Fresh rolled towels and folded washcloths
• Candles, small plants, trays to corral products
• Wicker basket for extra toiletries
• Mirror styled with art or fragrance

Thoughtfully designing vignettes makes spaces feel warm, inviting, and photogenic for guests.

Ask for Feedback

The best way to improve your Airbnb decor over time is by asking for guest feedback. Some questions to ask:

• Was the space comfy, functional, well-stocked?
• Any decor suggestions you have?
• Did you spend much time enjoying the outdoor area?
• What’s one amenity you’d add or remove?
• How was the ambiance – lighting, colors, flow?
• Did you need any other appliances or electronics?

Read guest reviews frequently for hints too. Note if multiple guests mention a specific issue like uncomfortable pillows or outdated furniture.

Use feedback to guide your design choices and purchases. The more input from real travelers, the better you can tailor the space to meet guest needs.

Conclusion

Decorating an Airbnb takes creativity, style-savvy, and insight into your target traveler. Focus on the essentials for comfort first, then layer in unique details like artwork, greenery, and amenities. Maintain the property thoroughly between each stay. Given how competitive Airbnb has become, every decor choice makes an impact. Follow these tips to design a stellar space worth raving about.