How to Design the Perfect Airbnb: 8 Essential Tips for Success

Whether you’re designing the perfect Airbnb from scratch or renovating an existing one, creating a welcoming, comfortable, and durable space is essential. Good design goes beyond aesthetics – it’s about crafting an environment that appeals to a wide audience and ensures guests have a consistently great experience.

Recently, my family and I travelled across Europe, staying in a number of short-stay rentals. While we were excited to experience the different styles and locations, a few of the places we stayed in fell short—one in particular was poorly maintained and left us feeling disappointed and uncomfortable. As a Senior Interior Designer, I couldn’t help but take note of the missed opportunities. That experience prompted me to share some key lessons and must-consider tips for anyone wanting to design the perfect Airbnb.

1. Start with a Timeless, Neutral Colour Palette to Design the Perfect Airbnb

Your best bet for long-lasting appeal is a neutral palette. Trendy colours come and go, but neutrals—such as warm whites, soft greys, and beige tones—create a calm and inviting environment that stands the test of time.

Why it matters:

• Easy to refresh with cushions, throws or wall art

• Broad appeal for different demographics and guests

• Doesn’t date or clash with personal items guests bring

Avoid overly themed or colour-heavy spaces. Think classic, light-filled, and elegant.

2. Invest in Quality Furniture for a Better Airbnb Experience

Many short-term rentals cut corners by furnishing with low-cost, mass-produced pieces that quickly show wear and tear. In our travels, we stayed in places where chairs wobbled, drawers didn’t open properly, and beds squeaked at every movement.

Why to avoid cheap furniture:

• It breaks easily and ends up costing more to replace

• Poor-quality items reflect badly on your listing and reviews

• Uncomfortable furniture impacts your guests’ sleep and relaxation

Opt for well-made sofas with washable covers, solid timber or quality laminate dining tables, and sturdy, noise-free bed frames.

3. Prioritise Guest Comfort in Your Airbnb Design

No matter how beautiful a space looks in photos, if it’s not comfortable, guests won’t return. Think about what you’d expect in a well-designed hotel—and then go beyond.

Essentials to include:

• Comfortable mattresses and pillows

• Blackout curtains for restful sleep

• Effective air conditioning or heating

• Soft bedding with extra linen and blankets

• High-speed Wi-Fi and Smart TV access

Even in a small apartment, thoughtful choices like quality linen and supportive seating make a huge difference when you design the perfect Airbnb.

4. Maximise Functionality in Every Room

It’s the small things that often make the biggest impact—like having a space to hang coats, store luggage, or prepare a quick meal.

Practical design tips:

• Include hooks in entryways and bathrooms

• Provide ample wardrobe or drawer space

• Use multi-functional furniture (e.g. sofa beds, ottomans with storage)

• Make kitchens guest-friendly with clear bench space and easy-to-use appliances

A functional layout ensures your space works for everyone—from solo travellers to families.

5. Stay on Top of Maintenance and Supplies

A clean and well-equipped property should be your minimum standard. During our trip, we encountered missing kitchen tools, broken appliances, and barely enough toilet paper in some rentals. This really impacts the overall experience.

Regularly check that you have:

• Complete sets of cutlery, crockery, mugs, and cooking utensils

• Working small appliances (toaster, kettle, microwave, etc.)

• Functional white goods like fridges and washing machines

• Light bulbs, batteries, and remote controls

• Toilet paper, paper towels, bin liners, dish soap, laundry powder

• Towels, sheets, and backup bedding

Checklists like this one from Lodgify can help you stay organised.

Schedule regular audits or work with a local property manager to keep your listing in perfect condition.

6. Add Thoughtful Touches That Show You Care

What turns a good stay into a memorable one? The little things. These small, thoughtful additions go a long way in making guests feel welcome.

Consider offering:

• A welcome note with local recommendations

• Snacks, bottled water or a bottle of wine on arrival

• USB chargers or universal adapters

• A coffee machine with pods and sugar

• Board games, books, or Netflix access for downtime

• A local map or curated guidebook

These gestures can dramatically boost your reviews when you design the perfect Airbnb with guests in mind.

7. Design for Durability and Easy Maintenance

If you’re not living there, your space must be resilient. Choose finishes that are stylish yet low-maintenance. Avoid delicate materials that stain, scratch or require special cleaning.

Best material choices:

• Quality vinyl flooring or porcelain tiles

• Stain-resistant upholstery

• Washable wall paint (like low-sheen or washable matte)

• Wipeable surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms

Keep styling simple and uncluttered—one or two hero pieces will do more for your space than over-accessorising.

8. Ensure Safety and Compliance

Safety is non-negotiable. Not only for peace of mind, but also to meet Airbnb regulations and local requirements.

Safety essentials:

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Fire extinguisher and first aid kit

• Safe balcony railings and window locks

• Clearly displayed emergency exits and contact info

• Security lighting or digital door locks for check-in/out

If unsure, consult your local council or Airbnb’s safety guide.

Work With Us

At Design by Artisan, we specialise in creating designer short-stay properties with long-term value. Let us help you design the perfect Airbnb that stands out and stays booked.

Kylie Abbass
Senior Building + Interior Designer
Design by Artisan
📧 kylie@designbyartisan.com.au
📞 1300 388 158
📷 Instagram: @design_by_artisan
🌐 www.designbyartisan.com.au