As a vacation rental owner, your goal is simple: you want guests to love their stay so much they can't wait to book again—and tell everyone they know about your place. But let’s be honest: in a sea of vacation rentals, standing out isn’t easy. Guests have endless options at their fingertips, so what makes your property the one they choose? The secret lies in thoughtful, intentional design.

Whether you’re hosting guests in a cozy mountain cabin, a sleek city loft, or a laid-back beachfront retreat, design plays a huge role in shaping their experience. It’s not just about how a space looks (though that’s important too)—it’s about how it makes people feel. Done right, design can elevate your rental, increase bookings, justify higher rates, and secure glowing reviews.

Let’s dive into why design matters so much, what mistakes to avoid, and how you can create a space that keeps guests coming back for more.

Why Design is the Secret Sauce of Successful Vacation Rentals

You might think it’s the location, the amenities, or the price that matters most to guests. And yes, those are key factors. But design? Design is the glue that ties it all together.

Imagine this: two rentals in the same area, with similar rates and amenities. One feels warm, inviting, and thoughtfully styled. The other feels, well…functional but forgettable. Which one would you book?

That’s the magic of great design. It creates an emotional connection that makes guests feel welcome, comfortable, and excited to be there. Here’s why it matters so much:

1. First Impressions Start Online

Your design is your first impression—and for most guests, that happens online. Eye-catching, high-quality photos of a beautifully styled space make your listing stand out and spark interest. If your photos don’t grab attention, you’ve lost potential guests before they even read the description.

2. Guest Experience = Comfort + Style

When guests walk into a space, they should immediately feel at ease. This isn’t just about having trendy furniture or Instagram-worthy décor; it’s about creating an environment that’s both stylish and functional. Guests want spaces that are easy to navigate, comfortable to relax in, and visually appealing.

3. Design Impacts Reviews and Referrals

Guests remember how your space made them feel, and that feeling often makes its way into their reviews. A well-designed rental can lead to glowing testimonials, repeat bookings, and word-of-mouth recommendations—essentially free advertising for your property.

What Happens When Design is an Afterthought?

Skipping out on thoughtful design might save time and money upfront, but it can cost you in the long run. Poorly designed rentals struggle to attract bookings, command lower rates, and often receive lackluster reviews.

Common pitfalls include:

Generic décor that lacks personality. Think: beige everything.
Uncomfortable furniture that leaves guests counting the hours until checkout.
Cluttered spaces that feel cramped and chaotic.

On the flip side, investing in design shows guests that you care about their experience. And trust me, that level of care doesn’t go unnoticed.

How Great Design Boosts Your Bottom Line

Here’s the exciting part: great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also a business strategy. A thoughtfully designed rental can:

Attract More Bookings: According to Airbnb, listings with stylish, high-quality interiors receive, on average, 30% more bookings than those without.
Command Higher Rates: Guests are willing to pay more for a beautiful space. Design elevates perceived value, which justifies premium pricing.
Increase Occupancy: Well-designed rentals are more likely to attract repeat guests and referrals, keeping your calendar full year-round.

Your Step-by-Step Plan to Design a Standout Vacation Rental

Creating a space that wows guests doesn’t require a degree in interior design—just a bit of strategy and intention. Here’s how to get started:

1. Start with Your Guests in Mind

Think about who your guests are and what they value. Families? They’ll appreciate durable furniture and plenty of seating. Couples on a romantic getaway? They’ll love cozy nooks and soft lighting. Tailor your design to meet their needs.

2. Focus on Comfort First

No matter how stunning a space looks, it falls flat if it’s not comfortable. Invest in high-quality mattresses, plush bedding, and seating that guests can sink into. These little luxuries make a big difference.

3. Declutter Ruthlessly

It’s tempting to fill your rental with cute décor and knick-knacks, but too much stuff can overwhelm guests. Keep things simple, clean, and open. A clutter-free space feels larger, more inviting, and easier to navigate.

4. Use Lighting to Set the Mood

Lighting is a game-changer. Combine ambient lighting (overhead fixtures), task lighting (reading lamps), and accent lighting (string lights or candles) to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

5. Bring in Local Flair

Guests love spaces that feel connected to their destination. Use design elements that reflect the local vibe—whether it’s rustic wood and stone for a mountain cabin or breezy blues and whites for a coastal retreat.

6. Invest in Key Statement Pieces

A well-placed piece of art, a stunning light fixture, or a bold rug can serve as the “wow factor” that makes your rental unforgettable.

Learn from Airbnb Design Wins

Boutique Bungalow

Black Mountain, NC

This charming cabin feels like a hug the moment you walk in. The owners leaned into rustic charm design style so we included things like exposed wood ceilings, cozy movie and game room, and a huge outdoor stone fireplace. Guests love how the design reflects the surrounding landscape, the luxury artisanal feel and the purpose and character of each special space.

Guests are saying:

5 star Review

"The home is beautifully decorated and located in a very quiet neighborhood. Less than a 10 minute drive to downtown" - Lauren

5 star Review

"Great weekend getaway in the mountains! The house was very clean and organized, stocked with all the essentials. Everything was great from the decor in the house, to the comfortable beds and the thick soft towels. The hot tub was great after a long day of hiking and the lights strung around the backyard were a nice touch! " - Bridgette

Ponder Mountain Upscale Cabin

Burnsville NC

5 star Review

"What a lovely and well appointed rental. My wife and I had a lovely weekend here. This would be the perfect place for a group of friends or anyone wanting a weekend away. They spared no expense and really took time to think about every detail. The furnishings were high and the deck was absolutely amazing. We loved all the thoughtful touches. The king bed in the main unit was super comfy. The fireplace on the deck made for nice evenings on the deck. This was one of the nicest AirBnBs we’ve ever stayed at. Oh and we loved all the coffee table books!! "-Danny

"Experience on the property is really spectacular. The views are incredible and it is perfectly serene.The house is setup wonderfully to accommodate multiple couples, each with their own private area.The outdoor space is incredible, we spent the majority of our time at the house on the deck. All the amenities and linens are high end and done with a lot of thought to create a wonderful stay." - Alicia

Extraordinary property in terms of both the property itself and the location. The property is beautifully and tastefully furnished and very comfortable. The kitchen is equipped with every amenity you could want including washing machine and dryer. There is hot tub from which to watch stars). There are two great outside spaces with dining and lounge areas so you can stare at the gorgeous view and wish you could escape there permanently!! The location is high on a hill side surrounded by trees above a pretty valley which is excellent for walking."-

Johanna

Avoid These Common Design Mistakes

Even the most well-meaning designs can go wrong. Watch out for:

Overcrowding: Too much furniture or décor can make a space feel cramped.
Harsh Lighting: Bright, unflattering light can ruin the mood of an otherwise lovely room.
Ignoring Functionality: A space that looks good but doesn’t work (think no counter space in the kitchen or too few seating options) will frustrate guests.
Lack of Cohesion: Furniture and Decor should speak to each other with intention to avoid the space feeling haphazardly and cluttered.

Ready to Transform Your Rental? Let’s Chat!

You don’t have to navigate the world of vacation rental design alone. As someone who loves turning spaces into experiences, I’d be thrilled to help you create a rental that stands out, books up, and keeps guests coming back.

Let’s work together to bring your vision to life. Whether you need a complete overhaul or just a design refresh, I’m here to make it happen. Drop me a message today, and let’s start turning your vacation rental into the place everyone wants to book!