Designing the Perfect Airbnb With Lemondrop Home
Designing an Airbnb isn’t just about making a space look good—it’s about creating a comfortable, functional, and inviting environment that guests won’t want to leave. The right furniture and accessories are key to making your rental stand out, and thoughtful choices can lead to glowing reviews, repeat guests, and a strong presence in a competitive market.
From versatile furniture that withstands heavy use to the accessories that make a space feel like home, every piece plays a role in the guest experience. As an interior design, I always aim for a balance of aesthetics and functionality. In this guide, we’ll take a deeper dive into how to choose furniture, layer in accessories, and create an Airbnb that blends comfort, durability, and style.
Designing Around a Central Theme: Creating a Cohesive Space
Before you begin selecting furniture and accessories, it’s crucial to have a clean design vision. The overall theme or style of your Airbnb should not only reflect its location but also appeal to your target guest demographic. Whether you’re designing a rustic cabin, a city loft, or a beach bungalow, your furniture and decor should reinforce the experience you want to provide.
Defining Your Airbnb’s Style
When setting the tone for your Airbnb, consider these popular design styles that are ideal for short-term rentals:
Scandinavian Minimalism: Light woods, clean lines, and a neutral color palette define this calming style. It’s perfect for spaces where simplicity and functionality take center stage.
Industrial Chic: Exposed brick, metal fixtures, and worn leather furniture bring a raw yet polished look, ideal for urban setting like lofts and converted warehouse spaces.
Bohemian Charm: Mixing vibrants colors, rich textures, and eclectic accessories, this design style creates a laid-back, cozy environment. It’s a great fit for quirky, artistic areas or unique, standalone properties.
Modern Coastal: Soft blues, whites, and sandy neutrals bring a breezy feel to coastal homes, with natural materials like rattan, jute, and reclaimed wood adding texture and warmth.
The theme you choose should guide your furniture selections, ensuring every piece works together to create a unified look. This will help your Airbnb feel more professionally designed and attract guests who appreciate a well-curated space.
Key Furniture Selections: Prioritizing Functionality and Comfort
The heart of any great Airbnb design is the furniture. Guests expect stylish, comfortable furniture that meets their needs, whether they’re staying for a. weekend or a month. The key is to choose furniture that is not only visually appealing but also durable and versatile, as Airbnb rentals often experience higher wear and tear than traditional homes.
Living Room: Comfort and Socializing Space
The living room is often where guests spend most of their time, so this space needs to be welcoming, comfortable, and able to accommodate various activities like lounging, socializing, or watching TV.
Sofas: Your sofa is the centerpiece of the living room. Since it will experience frequent use, consider investing in a durable, stain-resistant fabric. Consider choosing one with a neutral color that complements the rest of your home decor. For added functionality opt for a sleeper sofa that can double as a bed for extra guests.
Coffee Tables: Choose a coffee table that complements your sofa. I recommend styles that offer additional storage, which gives your guests a place to store magazine or charge devices.
Accent Chairs: Adding a couple of accent chairs can elevate the rooms design while also providing extra seating. Look for chairs with timeless designs that match your theme. Make sure these chairs are both comfortable and stain resistant.
Storage Solutions: Clutter can detract from the guest experience, so offering storage is essential. A stylish TV console or shelving unit provides both closed storage for media items and display space for decor. Guests can appreciate having places to tuck away their belongings, especially during longer stays.
Bedroom: Creating a Restful Retreat
The bedroom is a sanctuary for your guests, so it’s important to focus on comfort and luxury here. A well-designed bedroom can significantly impact guest satisfaction, especially if you invest in high-quality furniture and linens.
Bed Frames: The bed is the most important piece of furniture in the bedroom. Choose a bed frame that reflects the overall aesthetic of the space while providing durability.
Mattresses: Comfort is key. Investing in a high-quality mattress can elevate the entire guest experience. Memory foam mattresses from Casper are often top Choices for Airbnb hosts, as they provide universal comfort and durability at an affordable price.
Nightstands and Storage: Nightstands are a small but important detail, offering guests a convenient place for their phone, a book, or a glass of water. Choose pieces that are both practical and stylish. Opt for nightstands with built-in USB ports, so guests can easily chair their devices. These small touches enhance convenience and often result in positive reviews.
Bedding: Quality linens can name a world of difference. Look for bedding seats with a higher thread count. layer the bed with plush pillows and throws to create a hotel-like experience. Soft, luxurious bedding will not only look great in photos but also leave guests feeling pampered.
Dining Area: Versatility and Style
Whether guests are enjoying a meal or catching up on work, the dining area should be designed to accommodate a variety of needs. Choose furniture that’s flexible and durable, especially if your Airbnb caters to groups.
Dining Tables: For smaller spaces, a drop-leaf table is an excellent space saving solution. Ikea’s BJURSTA table expands to seat more guests when needed and contracts to save space when not in use. In larger homes, a solid wood dining table can offer durability and a timeless design that will withstand years of use.
Dining Chairs: Comfort is key, but the chairs also need to be easy to clean. Chairs that are durable and wipeable, which is ideal for high-traffic spaces. If you want a cozier vibe, upholstered chairs can be a great option—just ensure the fabric is stain-resistant or easy to clean.
If your Airbnb includes a kitchen island or a breakfast bar, stylish bar stools can add to the seating capacity while enhancing the design.
Bathroom: Function and Style in Small Spaces
Bathrooms might be small, but they’re one of the most frequently used rooms in any Airbnb. Investing in durable fixtures and stylish storage solutions will enhance both the look and functionality of this space.
Vanities with Storage: Choose a vanity that provides ample storage space. Ikea’s Hemnes Vanity offers drawers and cabinets, helping guests keep their toiletries organized. Floating vanities can also create the illusion of more space while offering a modern, clean look.
Open Shelving: Consider adding open shelving or a ladder shelf in the bathroom for extra towel storage and decor. This not only adds style but also provides easy access to fresh towels, which guests will appreciate.
Accessorizing To Elevate the Space
Accessories are the finishing touches that make your Airbnb feel like home. Thoughtful accessories create a warm, inviting atmosphere and add a personal touch that guests will remember. While it’s important to add character, keep in mind that the space needs to remain uncluttered and easy to clean.
Throw Pillows and Blankets: Comfort and Color
One of the easiest ways to enhance the comfort and style of your Airbnb is by incorporating throw pillows and blankets. These textiles add color, texture, and warmth to your space while offering an extra layer of comfort for your guests.
Throw Pillows: Layer your sofa with a mix of pillows in different sizes and fabrics. Opt for machine-washable covers in neutral tones with a few accent colors or patterns to tie the room together. Target and H&M Home offer affordable, stylish options that are easy to clean and replace if needed.
Blankets: Drape a soft, cozy throw blanket over the arm of the sofa or a bedroom chair. Wayfair and Target offer a variety of textures and styles that will complement any design. A chunky knit throw or faux fur blanket can add a luxurious feel without breaking the bank.
Area Rugs: Anchoring the Space
Rugs are essential for tying a room together, adding a textuer, and creating a sense of warmth. They also help absorb, which can be important in rental properties with multiple floors or hard surfaces.
Living Room Rugs: A bold area rug can be the centerpiece of your living room. Brands like Loloi offer beautiful patterns and textures that add personality to the space. In high-traffic areas, consider investing in a washable rug from Ruggable—they are durable, stylish, and easy to clean after each guest.
Bedroom Rugs: In the bedroom, opt for soft, plush rugs that feel luxurious underfoot. Wool or faux fur rugs create a cozy atmosphere and can elevate the overall guest experience.
Click to Shop Our Favorite Washable Rugs
Wall Art and Mirrors: Personalizing the Space
Wall art and mirrors are key elements in making your Airbnb feel complete. Mirror, in particular, can make smaller spaces feel larger and help reflect natural light.
Art: Consider incorporating local art or prints that reflect the area’s culture or landscape. This not only adds personality but also gives guests a sense of place. Affordable framed art from Minted or Etsy offers a wide range of designs that can suit any style, from modern to eclectic.
Mirrors: Large mirrors can create the illusion of space, especially in entryways, hallways, or small living rooms. A round mirror above a console table, for example, can make a striking design statement while making the space feel more open.
Greenery: Bringing Life Into the Space
Plants add life and warmth to a space, helping to soften the edges and bring nature indoors. Whether you choose real plants or hihg-quality faux plants, greenery is a simple way to elevate your Airbnb’s design.
Low-Maintenance Plants: If you’re not able to care for real plants regularly, opt for low-maintenance varieties like snake plants, succulents, or pothos. These plans require little attention and are perfect for busy Airbnb hosts. For real or faux options, Ikea offers great choices.
Planters: Use stylish planters that enhance your decor. Ceramic, rattan, or woven planters can add texture and visual interest. For example, a set of woven baskets can double as both decor and storage for extra blankets or towels.
Prioritizing Durability and Easy Maintenance
Your Airbnb will experience a high turnover of guests, meaning your furniture and decor will face constant use. Because of this, you’ll need to select pieces that are both durable and easy to maintain. Low-maintenance materials and finishes will make cleaning and repairs quicker between guests, keeping your space looking fresh.
Material Considerations for Durability:
Performance Fabrics: These are designed to withstand stains and wear-and-tear. Many brands like Crate & Barrel, offer performance fabrics that are resistant to spills, making them ideal for sofas, chairs, and dining room seating.
Leather Furniture: Leather sofas or chairs offer a luxurious look and are incredibly easy to wipe down, making them a durable choice for high-traffic spaces.
Wood and Metal: For tables, chairs, and bed frames, stick with solid wood or metal to ensure long-lasting durability,.
Conclusion
Designing an Airbnb is all about creating a space that is not only stylish and inviting but also practical and durabble. By thoughtfully selecting furniture that balances comfort, style, and functionality, you’ll create a memorable experience for your guests. Layer in accessories like pillows, rugs, and art to add warmth and personality to the space, turning your Airbnb into a home away from home.
Whether you'‘re furnishing a cozy loft or a sprawling beach house, focusing on quality furniture, thoughtful design, and well-chosen accessories will help your Airbnb stand out, earn rave reviews, and keep guests coming back time and time again.
Need help with designing or decorating your airbnb? Contact us here!