AirBnb Design Tips to Get More Bookings

Oct 3

bedroom with navy wallpaper and pink headboards — Via The Riverside Retreat

First impressions are huge! Especially in the AirBnb world where guests can easily swipe through a variety of listings in a matter of minutes. A beautiful and thoughtful space will stand out among the rest. And bonus - a well-designed property can lead to an increased return on investment of 20%! Read on to learn about design tips that will elevate your property and increase bookings.

green bedroom with orange accents — Via space joy

Prioritize Functionality

Keep clutter to a minimum but offer comfortable and inviting touches that allow guests to feel right at home so they can focus on what matters most... their vacation. Let’s use the bedroom as an example. Include extra pillows and blankets in case people run cold, storage or a suitcase rack to place clothes; night stands where guests can keep eyeglasses, books and water; bedside lights for reading; easy access to outlets for charging devices, etc.

Pro tip: Make sure the quantity of items you provide accommodates the max number of guests your listing allows. i.e. spots in the living room, seats at the dining table, amount of serving ware, etc.

bathroom with green vanity and floral wallpaper — Via @clairebellastudio

Add Personality

Many owners go the basic route when prepping their property for listing. Throwing a bed in a room, reusing grandma’s old sofa, hanging minimal generic décor from a big box store. Sure, that works. But that’s certainly not going attract high-paying guests.

Vacation is about enjoying your time and your surroundings so make your listing stand out. Introduce color and texture. Add character to those blank walls. Incorporate art, décor, faux plants and more. I’ll be diving deeper into this topic and sharing ideas in the upcoming weeks, so stay tuned..

Pro tip: Use contrasting colors. They will really make your listing photos pop!

white living room with wood beams — Via @castleryus

Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches

Completing your spaces will make them feel warm, comfortable, and inviting (in person and in listing photos). And guests will find them incredibly useful.

Go the extra mile. Lay area rugs to create soft places to step. Hang curtains that provide privacy and offer light control for the sun shining through the windows. Toss throw pillows and blankets in the living and bedrooms so guests can cozy up on a comfy chair or spread out on the couch for a nap after a busy day exploring.

blue kitchen with walnut wood accents and black pendant lights — Via Cloth and Kind

Ensure You Supply the Essentials

Imagine this… Your guests start cooking spaghetti and the noodles need to be strained. They search around but there’s not a colander to be found. Ok, not too big of deal; they can get creative. It’s now time to put the tomatoes in the pot. More searching but no can opener in site.

The absence of items gets noticed in the moments guests need them most. And it’s memorable! Guests repeatedly rave (or rage) about how well the property is stocked. All the clean rooms and comfy beds can get overshadowed by the lack of essential items.

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Click here to get an inventory checklist of all the essentials.

Professional Photos

If your property is designed to the nines, no one will be able to tell if you have dark, shadowy photographs. Remember - your photos provide the first impression of your space. They should be eye-catching, detailed, and beautiful. Trust me - the investment into professional photos is worth it!

If you’re overwhelmed or not sure where to start, hiring a designer can help bring a vision together, streamline the process and provide knowledge on best materials. If you’re not sure how to pull it all together, let’s start with a chat! I’d love to hear what ideas you have and how I could help you transform your property.

Shanna Eilers