Airbnb Interior Design Tips for a Cozy Guest Experience
- Cake
- Mar 17
- 7 min read
When travelers book an Airbnb, they’re not just looking for a place to crash—they’re seeking a sanctuary, a retreat, a home away from home. As a host, your interior design choices can transform their stay into an unforgettable experience, one that leaves them feeling inspired, relaxed, and cared for. While thoughtful upgrades can also pave the way to earning Airbnb Superhost status, the real magic lies in crafting a space that feels personal, warm, and welcoming. Airbnb Interior Design Tips: Here’s how to use interior decoration and product design to create a haven for your guests, with tips that prioritize their experience above all else.
1. Ditch Central Lighting for a Cozy, Layered Glow
Lighting sets the mood of any space, and in an Airbnb, it’s your chance to make guests feel instantly at ease. Many homes rely on a single, harsh overhead light, which can make a room feel cold and uninviting—hardly the vibe you want for travelers seeking comfort. Instead, embrace layered lighting to create a cozy, enveloping atmosphere that feels like a warm hug after a long day of exploring.
Lamps at Different Heights: Start by incorporating a variety of lamps at different heights to add depth and warmth. Place a table lamp on a side table next to the sofa for soft, ambient light—perfect for reading or unwinding. Add a tall floor lamp in a corner to brighten the room without overpowering it, and consider a smaller lamp on a bookshelf or console for an extra touch of charm. Choose lamps with warm-toned bulbs (around 2700K) to mimic the glow of candlelight, instantly making the space feel intimate and inviting.
Accent Lighting: Take it a step further with accent lighting to highlight special features or decor. Wall sconces can frame a cozy reading nook or add elegance to a hallway, while picture lights can draw attention to artwork, making it a focal point. Uplights, placed behind plants or furniture, can cast soft shadows on ceilings or walls, adding drama and a sense of luxury. These small additions make your space feel curated and intentional, offering guests a sense of indulgence without breaking the bank.
By layering light sources, you create a space that feels dynamic and adaptable—perfect for travelers who want to relax, work, or socialize. A well-lit space not only enhances their experience but also encourages glowing reviews, nudging you closer to that coveted Superhost status.
2. Swap Generic Furniture for Comfort and Character
It’s easy to fall into the trap of furnishing an Airbnb with generic, mass-produced pieces—like the all-too-familiar IKEA furniture that guests might recognize from countless other rentals. While budget-friendly options have their place, over-reliance on them can make your space feel impersonal and uninspired, detracting from the home-away-from-home experience travelers crave. Instead, aim for furniture that exudes character and prioritizes comfort, especially when it comes to key pieces like dining chairs.
Dining Chairs: Uncomfortable dining chairs are a common pain point for guests. Travelers want to linger over meals, work remotely, or enjoy a glass of wine without feeling rushed by an unforgiving seat. Swap out flimsy or hard chairs for upholstered or cushioned options with sturdy frames. Look for second-hand treasures—like mid-century modern designs or rustic wooden chairs with a story to tell—to add uniqueness. If buying new, opt for chairs with ergonomic shapes and soft fabrics, ensuring they’re both stylish and functional.
Sofas and Beds: Similarly, invest in a comfortable sofa and high-quality mattresses. These are the heart of the guest experience, and skimping here can leave travelers feeling unrested and dissatisfied. Add plush throws and pillows in natural fabrics like linen, cotton, or wool to enhance the tactile experience, making the space feel cozy and inviting.
By choosing furniture with personality and comfort in mind, you create a space that feels like a curated retreat, not a cookie-cutter rental. Guests will appreciate the effort, and their positive feedback will reflect the care you’ve put into their comfort.
3. Inspire with Interesting Art
Blank walls can make a space feel cold and unfinished, but filling them with generic prints or mass-produced decor won’t do much to inspire your guests. To create a memorable experience, incorporate interesting art—original paintings, limited-edition prints, or striking posters—that reflects the personality of your home or the spirit of your destination.
Original Art: If your budget allows, consider investing in original artwork by local artists. A vibrant landscape, an abstract piece, or a quirky portrait can become a talking point, connecting guests to the destination and enhancing their sense of place. For example, if your Airbnb is in a coastal town, a minimalist ink drawing of the horizon or a textured ceramic piece inspired by tidal patterns can add a layer of authenticity. Flea markets and local artisan bazaars are also treasure troves for unique, budget-friendly finds—think hand-painted canvases or upcycled sculptures that reflect the area’s creative spirit.
Prints and Posters: If originals are out of reach, high-quality art prints or posters can work wonders. Frame them in simple, elegant frames to elevate their impact, and avoid overly generic choices (like the clichéd and ubiquitous “Live, Laugh, Love” signs). Instead, opt for pieces that feel fresh and intriguing—think botanical illustrations, vintage travel posters, or modern graphic designs. Group smaller pieces together in a gallery wall for a curated look, or let a single oversized piece make a bold statement.
Art adds soul to a space, making it feel lived-in and loved. For travelers, it’s these small details that transform a rental into a home away from home, leaving them with a sense of wonder and appreciation.
We’re sharing the secrets to making your house look effortlessly stylish with art and accessories.
4. Anchor the Space with a Statement Rug
A well-chosen rug can work wonders in defining a living area, especially in open-plan spaces common in Airbnb rentals. Beyond its practical purpose of adding warmth underfoot, a rug ties furniture together, anchors the room, and adds a layer of texture and color that makes the space feel cohesive and inviting—key to creating a home-like atmosphere.
Choosing the Right Rug: Opt for a rug that complements your color scheme but isn’t afraid to make a statement. A bold geometric pattern can add energy to a modern space, while a vintage-inspired Persian rug can bring warmth to a more traditional setting. Make sure the rug is large enough to fit under the front legs of your sofa and chairs, creating a unified seating area. For smaller spaces, a round rug can soften the layout and add a playful touch.
Practicality: Since this is an Airbnb, durability is key. Choose materials like wool or indoor-outdoor synthetic blends for rugs, ensuring they are both easy to clean and durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic.
Consider a rug pad to prevent slipping and add extra cushioning, enhancing the comfort factor for your guests.
A rug is more than just decor—it’s a design element that makes the space feel finished and intentional. For guests, it’s a subtle signal that you’ve thought through every detail of their comfort, making their stay feel special and memorable.
5. Delight with a Curated Coffee Table
The coffee table is often the centerpiece of a living area, and it’s an opportunity to add a touch of personality that delights your guests. Instead of leaving it bare or cluttered with random items, style it with a curated selection of interesting magazines or coffee table books, creating a moment of joy for travelers during their downtime.
Magazine Choices: Choose titles that reflect the interests of your target guests or the vibe of your destination. For example, if your Airbnb is in a bustling city, include design or architecture magazines to inspire creativity, or travel publications highlighting local gems. If your space is in a rural retreat, opt for nature-focused titles or lifestyle magazines that encourage relaxation. Avoid generic, outdated issues—curate a selection that feels fresh and relevant.
Presentation: Stack a few magazines neatly, or fan them out for a casual, inviting look. Pair them with a small decorative object—like a ceramic vase, a sculptural paperweight, or a tray with coasters—to add visual interest without overcrowding the table. If space allows, a coffee table book on art, photography, or local culture can elevate the experience even further.
This small touch can make downtime feel special for guests, whether they’re flipping through pages over morning coffee or unwinding after a day of sightseeing. It’s these thoughtful details that create a sense of home and elevate their overall experience.
6. Thoughtful Home Fragrances
Home fragrances play a significant role in creating a comfortable, inviting living space for your guests. Just like décor and furniture, the fragrance you choose reflects your personal style and taste, while also setting the tone for a memorable stay.
Whether you opt for the fresh scent of lavender to evoke calm, the warmth of sandalwood for a cozy ambiance, or the exotic richness of spices to hint at local culture, home fragrance allows you to express yourself and shape the atmosphere of your rental. Choose subtle, high-quality options to enhance the guest experience without overwhelming—think reed diffusers that release a gentle, consistent fragrance, complementing the space and leaving a lasting impression.
The Heart of It All: Crafting a Home Away from Home
While these design upgrades can improve your chances of earning Airbnb Superhost status, the true goal is to create a space that travelers will remember long after they’ve checked out. Focus on crafting an experience—a home away from home—where guests feel cared for, inspired, and at ease. Every lamp, rug, piece of art, and comfortable chair is an opportunity to show your guests that you’ve thought about their needs and desires, making their stay feel personal and meaningful.
By investing in quality, character, and comfort, you not only enhance your listing’s appeal but also build a reputation as a host who goes above and beyond. And who knows? With a steady stream of five-star reviews, that Superhost badge might just be the cherry on top of your beautifully designed space. But more importantly, you’ll have created a haven that travelers will cherish—a place they’ll return to, recommend, and remember as their home away from home.
Cake is a lifestyle brand offering unique homewares and accessories that celebrate culture and individuality. Founder Laurine Brugman designs products that withstand trends and fads - creating timeless pieces that you’ll treasure forever.
We’re passionate about preserving traditional crafts and passing on a little bit of love with our hand-made items. All of our items are produced in limited runs to eliminate waste and ensure quality.
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