How to Design an Airbnb Guests Fall in Love With (and Can’t Wait to Rebook)
- Melissa Leclair
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
How to Design an Airbnb Guests Fall in Love With (and Can’t Wait to Rebook)
Running an Airbnb is about so much more than handing over a key. The most successful hosts know: your design is the silent sales pitch. It shapes how guests feel from the moment they walk in, how they remember their stay, and whether they book with you again (and again).
As a designer and Airbnb host myself, I’ve learned that guests don’t just want a place to sleep — they want a space that tells a story, feels effortless to live in, and leaves them inspired. Here’s how to design an Airbnb that earns glowing reviews and repeat bookings.
1. Create a Sense of Place
Key Points: Airbnb design ideas, unique Airbnb style, themed Airbnb decor
Your Airbnb should feel rooted in its surroundings. Pull inspiration from the local landscape, history, and culture so guests feel connected to where they are, not just where they’re staying.
If your home sits near wind-swept hills, bring in earthy tones, organic shapes, and textured linens that echo the scenery. If it’s a city loft, lean into urban-modern elements with clean lines, bold art, and warm layered lighting.
Pro tip: Guests remember character, not cookie-cutter furniture packages.
2. Prioritize Comfort Above All Else
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Comfort is what turns a “nice” stay into a “we have to come back” experience. Invest in high-quality mattresses, plush bedding, and blackout curtains. Create a lighting plan with three layers — ambient (overhead), task (bedside or reading lamps), and accent (soft glows to set the mood).
Temperature touches matter too. Keep extra throws for winter nights and small fans for summer heat waves. Your goal: guests feel cared for without asking.
Art from the ski hill archives.
3. Design Photo-Worthy Moments
Key Points: Instagrammable Airbnb, Airbnb photography tips, unique Airbnb ideas
We live in an Instagram world, and your Airbnb can market itself if you give guests something to share. Design small, intentional vignettes: a cozy reading nook, a dramatic headboard, a perfectly styled coffee table.
Think texture, natural light, and one statement piece per space — whether that’s a sculptural chair, a bold piece of art, or an oversized plant. Guests love posting what inspires them, and every photo is free advertising for you.
4. Anticipate Every Need
Key Points: Airbnb guest amenities, thoughtful Airbnb touches
The best Airbnbs make guests feel like everything was thought of before they even realized they needed it. Stock high-quality coffee and tea, local snacks, and a few indulgences (chocolate never hurts).
Keep spare chargers, an umbrella, and a curated list of local recommendations handy. Present these in a styled way — a woven basket, a ceramic tray, or a printed welcome booklet that feels like part of the decor.
5. Tell a Design Story
Key Points: Airbnb design inspiration, Airbnb interior design tips
Your space should feel cohesive from room to room. Choose a design palette — like warm modern, coastal minimal, or rustic chic — and carry it through the textures, colours, and styling details.
Layer in personal touches: local ceramics, books you love, or art that reflects your values. Guests connect to spaces that feel curated with care, not staged for a listing photo.
6. Choose Durable, Beautiful Materials
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High-traffic spaces demand high-performance materials. Look for stain-resistant fabrics, solid wood tables, and washable slipcovers. This lets you host confidently without sacrificing beauty.
Aim for pieces that are timeless rather than trendy, so your space feels fresh year after year. Durability and style can co-exist — it’s about choosing well.
7. Gather Feedback and Evolve
KeyPoints: improve Airbnb reviews, guest feedback Airbnb
No matter how beautiful your design, the real test is how it feels to guests. Ask them what they loved most and if there’s anything that could have made their stay even better.
Use this feedback to make small improvements over time — swapping a too-soft pillow, adding a cozier rug, or updating art. A great Airbnb is never truly finished; it’s an evolving experience.
Final Thoughts
A memorable Airbnb isn’t about expensive furniture or over-the-top decor. It’s about creating a space where people feel at home, yet inspired — where they leave with both photos on their phone and memories they want to relive.
When you design with intention, care, and character, guests don’t just book once — they keep coming back, and they tell their friends to come too.
Need Help?
If you’d like help transforming your Airbnb into a five-star, rebook-worthy destination, explore my 1 hour Virtual Design Consultation Services and let’s create a space your guests will fall in love with.