Ever hunt on AirBnB for a cool place to stay on your vacation and everything starts to look the same?  

Here are the 10 steps to design and furnish your AirBnB so you can make your listing stand out.

Step 1: Get local. 

See what your local competition is doing.  Check out the listings in your neighborhood to identify decor themes. 

Is it all rustic ski cabins?  

Or desert shabby chic… 

Scandinavian minimalist…

Boho surfy beach vibes…

In any case, your job is to create a theme that is unique and authentic to your location and the experience you want your guests to have in your vacation rental.

Step 2: Timeless Design.

This is super important for your vacation rental because you don’t want to be changing up the decor every time a trend passes or you decide it’s just not cool anymore.

Timeless design is a tasteful mix of materials, finishes, and details that simply do not go out of style.

Think: wood grain, simple metals, solid surfaces like marble and quartz, classic patterns and cozy textures (Pendelton has great classic patterns).

You want your design to be eye-catching but not divisive, something that appeals to everyone, but isn’t milk toast either.

Step 3: Color.

A little color can go a long way. You see this a lot with accent walls, where just one wall sets the tone for the room and ties in with the rest of the decor without being over the top.

In general, white walls work best. They keep the space bright, clean, and make even small areas feel bigger.

Those accent walls can help create some nice contrast along with other details like warm accents - think gold, bronze, copper - pops of color in flowers or plants, and mixed materials like ceramic, metal, wood, and wicker.

One of the quickest ways to add pops of color is by adding plants. They simply change the vibe of a room and make it more welcoming and homey, while also adding much-needed color in an overall white space.

Step 4: Flow.

Vacation rentals need to be set up differently than your own home or even a long-term rental.

People want comfy places to gather, to play games, to hang out and relax - they’re on vacation!

So your design flow will be different in a vacation home. Add spaces like breakfast bars and stools so everyone can gather around the kitchen comfortably without being in the way.

Sectional couches are great because they seat a lot of folks and encourage interaction and conversation. 

Bench seats under windows or at the dining room table are perfect for getting more people around the table, puzzle, or any number of fun card or board games you provide for your guests.

Create window nooks for those introverts who prefer cozying up with a good book while they’re on vacation.

When it comes to the outdoors, the same rule applies - make room for everyone. You don’t have to always buy a lot of outdoor furniture - use what you’ve got! 

Turn firewood rounds into seats around the firepit. Put that old picnic table to use with a fresh coat of paint or stain. Grab a few hay bales for added seating.

Get a few plastic Adirondack chairs to set the mood but supplement with other natural elements to create fun outdoor gathering spaces.

Step 5: Durable.

You might love the look of a white couch in your own home, but in a vacation rental it’s a no-go.

Remember, people are here because they want to relax and chill, not worry about making a mess of someone else’s things. 

Guests are likely bringing their entire families with them - including their fur babies and children who are going to jump on the couches regardless of your rules.

So, make it easy on yourself and your guests: buy durable furniture. 

This looks like leather or faux leather couches and chairs that are easily cleaned after spills and messes.

You want easily wipeable surfaces, not things that need professional cleaning each time someone accidentally spills their coffee.

Washable slipcovers are another good option, you can find these at Ikea to fit most sofas and chairs.

If you’re going to allow pets, make sure you get furniture that doesn’t attract and retain pet hair. Example: velour couches resist pet hair more than canvas couches, which magnetize it. Again, wipeable surfaces like leather and faux leather are great options, or get multi-colored materials that simply don’t show the dirt or pet hair.

Decorate with scratch-proof furniture - solid wood, quartz, marble, granite, tile, slate, metal. You’ll thank yourself later.

Finally, it might seem like a good idea to have bright white linens for beds and baths. Learn from our mistake and skip the whites.

Unless you or your cleaner plan to bleach every time, wash separately from other items, and replace frequently, we advise patterns or muted colors to save yourself time, headache, and money.

Step 6: Make it shareable.

Let your guests do the marketing for you. Create a hashtag or social handle for your vacation rental and tell your guests to snap, post, and tag it on social!

What you’re doing is creating an insta-worthy space that sells itself. Your space has unique elements - maybe it’s the architecture, or the decor, or a special eye-catching piece that sets it apart.

Maybe you’ve got a killer color scheme, or some surprise and delight elements that really resonate with your vacation rental guests.

Or they get to interact with things at your vacation rental that they simply don’t see at home - think wildlife, nature, water, or other outdoor attractions.

You want your guests to be promoting your space for you and to do that you’ve got to make some shareable areas that entice your guests to take photos and memories they’ll cherish forever.

Step 7: Memory Maker.

Much like making your place shareable, you also want to make it memorable. You want your guests to go home and rave to their friends about the cool small details of your vacation rental.

An example: I stayed at a vacation rental in San Luis Obispo 4 years ago. The place itself was nice enough. 

You know what I remember most, though? 

It was the homemade cookie dough in the freezer, shaped into perfect rounds with cooking instructions and a cookie sheet set out for me to enjoy an amazing and unique treat.

So, share some local or homemade treats with your guests!

This can be as simple as placing a few local beers in the fridge or putting a nice bottle of regional wine out on the counter for them.

Or consider getting some branded items like beer koozies, stickers, or wine openers that guests can take with them to remember your vacation rental.

Other ideas are having pet treats for the furry friends, or leaving a hand-written note for your guests, welcoming them into the space and making them feel special.

This can be stocking the kitchen with all the gadgets, tools, and spices so your guests can master any culinary adventure they choose to undertake.

People remember this stuff and post it in your reviews!

All of these things cost very little, yet leave a lasting impression on your vacation rental guests.

Step 8: Comfy Vibes.

We know people want to chill out when they’re on vacation and what better way to relax than in a comfy space.

What makes a place comfy?

• Pillows. Lots of pillows.

• Blankets of all textures, weights, and sizes.

• Cafe lights outside on the deck, patio, or firepit area create ambience and cozy outdoor vibes.

• A wood burning stove or firepit outside. Nothing says cozy like a warm fire and smores

• Games, cards, puzzles!

• Short books, magazines, or local reads that people can curl up with and have some light reading entertainment.

Step 9: Plants. And more plants.

Live or fake, just add plants.

That is all.

Step 10: Tasteful.

Finally, there’s a fine line to making something memorable while still keeping it tasteful.

What do we mean by this?

It’s fine to have a general theme for your vacation rental, and usually that theme relates to its location.

What you want to steer clear of are themes of your own personal interest that simply may not resonate with your vacation rental guests. You want to give them every reason to book with you, not a reason to keep scrolling.

Themes to avoid:

• Gnomes

• Fairies

• Carved wood bears

• Seashells

• Word art

• General kitsch

Keep sentimental items at your own home for your enjoyment and give your guests a tasteful, unique, and positively memorable experience at your vacation rental.

Inspiration is just a few clicks away on Pinterest, Houzz and other interior design websites.  

And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune either. 

You can make a cool, inviting space on a budget by choosing your focus area to splurge, and keeping the rest minimal yet consistent.

For more tips and in-depth guidance on how to design and furnish your vacation rental, sign up for our investor meetups.