Wondering how to make your short term accommodation rental stand out?

Whether you’re thinking of buying an investment property or turning your home into a part-time vacation rental, creating the perfect experience goes beyond surface-level aesthetics.

Inspired by Holly Hopper’s article on Redfin from August 2023, we delve into the best design strategies for marketing your Airbnb rental and ensuring that your guests will never want to leave.

Here’s the ten most important design features you should consider when starting your vacation rental.

All images in this post are supplied by breathe Vacation rentals.

Guests are welcomed by a large flower bouquet at Mississippi Mills Retreat

From clicking on your rental listing to taking their first step inside the home, make sure you create an outstanding first impression.

• Create a bright and tidy environment that feels welcoming
  
  
• Fresh flowers or a basket filled with locally sourced treats, from regional wines and handcrafted chocolates to small-batch teas, shows your guests how happy you are to welcome them
  
  
  
  

Winding paths and greenery leading to The Vista

• Don’t forget to care for your outdoor areas:
  
  
  • wipe away leaves and spiderwebs
    
    
  • tend the garden (if you have one)
    
    
  • mow the lawn routinely

Simple but effective visuals of the Waterfront Dream Cottage

• Opt for upholstery that’s easily washable
  
  
  • Vinyl and leather furniture can be easily wiped clean
    
    
• Artificial plants offer visual and vibrant contrast without relying on someone remembering to water them
  
  
  • Stick to high quality artificial plants: cheap ones can often look tacky and not achieve a high end feel
    
    
    
• A sofa bed can augment the number of occupants and significantly boost revenue without requiring another bedroom or cabin
  

*Be mindful of your local occupancy restrictions and licensing requirements when adding beds.

Personality shines through in the decor at Badger’s Sett

Let elements of your personality slip through with unique decor and striking lighting fixtures. An all-white palette can be difficult to maintain; use vivid hues to accentuate your home’s character

• Personal design choices create a distinctive aesthetic that helps your home stand out from other rental homes in your area
  
  
  
  

Meech Lake Lodge in the heart of Gatineau Park

Try a beachy theme if you’re near the beach (seashells, beach towels) or a cosy style for a ski resort (thick blankets, a fireplace), but remember to stay classy.

• Consider a neutral palette with location-specific accents

“Part of a vacation is where you stay, so choosing an aesthetic that matches the location and why someone is visiting is important.”

Keyvest

A professional interior designer can tell you not just what looks best, but what works best for the short-term rental market.

We offer design as an additional service to our property management, learn more here.

The living room of Badger’s Sett photographed by an expert

Professional photography is essential if you want to stand out and grab the attention of potential guests!

Professional photos and design features convey that:

• you’re serious about your hosting duties
  
  
• you care about your guest’s experience
  
  
  

Inside the airy Lyndhurst Waterfront Escape

Be distinctive and highlight your most memorable attributes. Integrate your home’s most memorable features into the rental listing. This could be: floor to ceiling windows, lake views, or a certain aesthetic.

• Think about your desired target audience:
  
  
  • Design your home and listing based on the kind of guests you want to host
    

Entry table at the Stunning Waterfront Home just outside Ottawa

Build partnerships with nearby businesses and restaurants to offer special deals and curated experiences.


Purchase a piece of local artwork to feature in your rental.

• Support local artisans
  
  
• Share the history of the artwork
  
  

Cosy corner with pillows and blankets at Lyndhurst Waterfront Escape

Don’t skimp on the basics:

• comfortable pillows and mattresses
  
  
• coffee maker
  
  
• fluffy towels
  
  
• enough lounge furniture
  
  
• functional cooking instruments
  
  
• good lighting 
  
  
  

Stay over at your own rental and try everything out – sleep, shower, cook, watch tv. What would you want to improve if it was your home?

Rachel Clément, designer

• Lock away cleaning supplies and personal items in a discrete and secure for your personal use
  
  
  
  

Inside the classic and comfortable bunkie at the Luxury Waterfront Property on Little Devil Lake

Don’t go overboard on the decor! We’ve all seen a ‘themed’ rental that is painful on the eyes

• Adopting the ‘less is more’ mindset will make your place look organised and clean
  
  
• For amenities, stick with quality over quantity
  

Badger’s Sett‘s table of fresh fruit, well-stocked kitchen, and firewood

• Pay for an entertainment subscription such as Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime
  
  
  

• Provide home comforts:
  
  
  • kitchen essentials – cutlery, pots and pans
    
    
  • pantry items – sugar, cooking oil, tea/coffee, salt, pepper
    
    
  • extra linens and towels
    
    
    
• Invest in the small details:
  
  
  • luxury hand soap
    
    
  • high quality sheets
    
    
  • premium chocolates
    

Whether your rental is deep in cottage country or in the centre of a major city these design strategies will elevate your short term rental into a 5-star accommodation that will be sure to bring guests running to your door.


Check out our Instagram for more design inspiration and ideas.

Need more advice managing your short-term rental? We can help!

We offer advice, full service property management, and remote booking agent services.

Contact us