Why Hiring an Interior Designer Can Take Your Airbnb from Basic to Booked

If you’re an Airbnb host, you already know that great reviews and repeat bookings are key to staying competitive.

But in today’s saturated short-term rental market, “clean and convenient” just doesn’t cut it anymore. Trust me, I will not book an Airbnb if it has dark, dated decor and furniture. This gives me the impression they do not care about the place. It also gives the impression that it is not clean.

Travelers are looking for more than a place to sleep—they want a stylish, comfortable experience they can share (and show off) online. That’s where design comes in—and why hiring an interior designer can make all the difference.

Let’s talk about how thoughtful design can take your Airbnb from basic to booked out—and how working with a designer helps you get there faster and smarter.

1. First Impressions Matter—Online and In Person

Guests make snap judgments based on photos. If your listing doesn’t stand out in a scroll, you’re losing potential bookings before they even click.

A designer knows how to create a visually striking space that photographs beautifully. From furniture layout to lighting and color choices, we make sure your Airbnb looks incredible in photos and feels even better in person.

Design Tip: We design with both aesthetics and camera angles in mind—so your space grabs attention on the app and lives up to the promise when guests arrive.

2. Better Design = Higher Nightly Rates

Professional design doesn’t just make your Airbnb pretty—it makes it more profitable. A well-designed space can justify higher nightly rates, attract higher-end guests, and reduce your vacancy rate.

If you want to compete with boutique hotels or get into the “Airbnb Luxe” category, design is your secret weapon.

Design Tip: We help clients create a cohesive, elevated look that feels intentional, not pieced together.

3. Design for Durability and Turnover

Airbnbs see a lot of foot traffic, so design choices need to look good and hold up. An experienced designer will recommend furniture, fabrics, and finishes that are stylish, easy to clean, and built to last.

Design Tip: We source smart—selecting pieces that are guest-proof and still give that “wow” factor every time someone checks in.

4. Save Time, Reduce Stress, and Avoid Expensive Mistakes

If you’ve ever ordered furniture online and realized it didn’t fit (or didn’t look the way it did in the photos), you know how time-consuming design can be.

Working with a designer means fewer headaches and a much smoother process. We handle the sourcing, space planning, and styling—so you can focus on managing your rental and keeping guests happy.

Design Tip: We know where to splurge and where to save to get the best return on your investment. For example, splurge on a good mattress. I will not return to an airbnb that I couldn’t get a good night sleep in. I don’t care how pretty it is.

5. Create an Unforgettable Guest Experience

It’s the small details—thoughtful lighting, layered textures, clever layouts—that turn a “nice place to stay” into a five-star experience. A well-designed Airbnb feels like a retreat, not just a rental.

And when guests feel at home? They leave glowing reviews, come back, and tell their friends.

Design isn’t just about making your Airbnb look good.

It’s about creating a standout experience that keeps guests coming back. Whether you’re launching a new listing or want to refresh an existing one, working with a designer can help you attract more bookings, boost your income, and turn your space into something truly special.

Ready to level up your Airbnb? Let’s talk about how we can design a space your guests will love—and your calendar will thank you for.