As an AirBnb host, you want your property to stand out from the competition and provide a unique and memorable experience for your guests – especially since the market is so saturated. In 2022, there were over 4 million AirBnb hosts, and 6 million listings. That means it is vital to be creative with your property (and listing) so that renters are more inclined to book from you. Whether you’re just starting out as a host or you’re looking to refresh your property, these AirBnb ideas can help you stand out and get more bookings.

AirBnb Interior Design Ideas

It goes without saying that one of the key ways to stand out is through your interior design. By incorporating unique and stylish design elements into your space, you can create a space that is not only visually appealing, but also functional and comfortable for your guests.

By creating a beautiful, aesthetic property, your photos will stand out and people will book it just for it’s appearance. In our social media-driven world, the more aesthetic your property, the more your guests will take photos and get their network talking about your space.

Here are a few unique (and easy) interior design ideas to consider for your AirBnb property to stand out:

1. Create a statement wall

A statement wall is a bold and eye-catching feature that immediately draws the attention of your guests. This could be a wall painted in a vibrant color, covered in an interesting pattern or texture, or adorned with a large-scale piece of art. A statement wall is a great way to add personality and character to your space.

2. Incorporate natural elements

Bringing the outdoors in can help create a calm and peaceful atmosphere in your AirBnb. Consider adding plants, natural fibers like jute or sisal, and wood accents to your space. These elements can add texture and warmth to your design, as well as help purify the air and improve the overall ambiance of your space.

3. Invest In A Statement Piece

Make your Airbnb property stand out from the rest by adding a statement piece to the mix. This bold and eye-catching element – whether it be a breathtaking piece of artwork, a unique piece of furniture, or a one-of-a-kind decorative accessory – will help define the character of your space and make it truly unforgettable. YouTube star, Emma Chamberlain, once booked an AirBnb in the middle of the Arizona desert, simply because of a pink fridge in the home!

4. Use A Theme

You want your guests to feel at home. You want them to know that they’ve arrived at a place where everything fits together, from the furniture to the decorations, and even down to the books on your shelves.

A theme helps create this sense of place for your guests, especially if it’s something unique—a favorite game or hobby or interest that only makes sense in your house. It might be as simple as using all black furniture in one room, or making sure all of your decorations are related to the mountain town where you live. Your theme could also be based on an object: if you collect old coins from around the world, then every room could have its own collection displayed prominently somewhere in it! The possibilities are endless; just think about what makes sense for how you want people who stay with you get into character when they arrive at their destination room!

The more outrageous your theme is, the more likely guests will share more photos and the possibility of getting featured in online magazines or go viral on social media. Themed AirBnb’s more more likely to be booked out all year, so it is worth the investment!

5. Use lighting to create atmosphere

Lighting is an often-overlooked aspect of interior design, but it can have a huge impact on the overall atmosphere of your space. Consider using a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create different moods and highlight different areas of your space. For example, you could use soft ambient lighting in the living room for a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and accent lighting to highlight art or architectural features. And you can never go wrong with twinkle lights. Or if you want a more modern look, try the LED backlit lights.

6. Invest In furniture That Is Built To Last

Your guests will be spending a lot of time in your space, so it’s important to provide comfortable and stylish furniture for them to relax on. Consider investing in high-quality pieces that will stand the test of time, and choose furniture that fits the overall aesthetic of your space. For example, if you have a modern and minimalist design, opt for clean lines and neutral colors, while a bohemian-inspired space might benefit from colorful patterns and textures.

But the key is to get furniture that can withstand many guests and will last for years to come. With so many people using your furniture, it’s best to have high-quality furniture that can handle constant use by different people. Unfortunately, IKEA furniture may not be the best option as they can break within a few bookings.

AirBnb Guest Experience Ideas

1. Add personal touches and amenities

One of the main reasons people choose AirBnb accommodations over hotels is the opportunity to experience a space that feels like home, rather than a sterile hotel room. To create this feeling, consider adding personal touches to your space, such as musical instruments, local artwork, or your own personal collection of books or knick-knacks. You can also provide your guests with little luxuries and amenities, such as plush towels and robes, high-quality bedding, and locally-sourced snacks and toiletries.

2. Provide Neighborhood Treats For a Local Flair

Speaking of locally-sources snacks, including local treats in your Airbnb property is one of the best ways to welcome your guests and give them a taste of the local culture. Local treats can be anything from speciality foods and drinks, to handmade crafts or souvenirs. By offering local treats, you can help your guests feel more connected to the area and give them a memorable and authentic experience. Plus, who doesn’t love a little something sweet or indulgent to enjoy during their stay? Consider including a basket of local treats as a welcoming gesture for your guests, or highlighting local restaurants and shops where they can try more of the area’s specialities.

Some of the most memorable AirBnb’s I’ve stayed in included local treats, like local salsa or a bottle of local wine. They were small touches, but it made a huge impact on my first impression and the quality of my stay.

3. Create a Specialty Station

Having a specialty station in your Airbnb property can be a great way to add value and convenience for your guests. A coffee station, for example, can be a welcomed amenity for guests who enjoy starting their day with a cup of coffee. You can include a coffee maker, along with a selection of coffee beans, creamers, and sweeteners, to create a complete coffee experience for your guests. Another idea is a laundry station, which can be especially helpful for guests who are staying for an extended period of time.

Other specialty stations you might consider, depending on your property and your guests’ needs:

• Book Exchange Station: Create a mini library with books that guests can read. You can even create a sign so that guests know they can take a book if they leave a book.
• Snack Station: A snack station stocked with a variety of non-perishable treats and beverages can be a nice touch for guests who need a quick pick-me-up. Consider including items like granola bars, nuts, and bottled water.
• Work Station: A work station could include a desk or table with a comfortable chair and good lighting, as well as any additional supplies or equipment that might be helpful, such as a printer or a whiteboard.
• Charging Station: A charging station with a variety of outlets and USB ports can be a convenient amenity for guests who need to charge their devices. Consider including a variety of adapters to accommodate different types of devices.
• Outdoor Activity Station: If you have outdoor space, consider setting up a station with equipment for outdoor activities like frisbee, cornhole, or other games. You can provide s’mores supplies if you have a fire pit, or beach supplies if you are located near a beach.

4. Don’t Forget The Little Things (*Ahem* Conditioner)

As an Airbnb host, it’s important to think about the little details that can make a big difference in your guests’ experience. In addition to the basics like a comfortable bed and a clean space, there are a few additional amenities that can really enhance a stay. By including these little details, you can help make your guests’ stay even more enjoyable and memorable.

Here are some items/amenities that are often over-looked by AirBnb hosts:

1. Conditioner
2. Umbrella
3. Fast Wifi
4. Fan
5. Plug Adapter
6. Netflix/Hulu/etc. Account
7. Basic Groceries (Water, Eggs, Oil, etc.)
8. Maps of Surrounding Areas
9. Games & Activities
10. Home Comforts (Blankets, Slippers, etc.)

AirBnb Property Listing Tips

Not only is the property itself important – how you sell your listing is equally important (if not more!). There are plenty of resources online to learn how to have the best possible listing for your property. Thankfully, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel! There are templates already made for AirBnb guidebooks, you can find blogs or YouTube videos on how to best write your bio, and there are even online courses specifically designed for AirBnb hosts!

Here is a great Bundle you can purchase for under $15 that includes a guidebook template, WiFi sign, art printables, workbook, check-list printable, and a complete guide for hosts!

Here are some important elements of your online listing that you should keep in mind:

1. Full Transparency Is Vital

Airbnb and its hosts have faced criticism recently, with many people sharing their experiences and opinions about the platform on social media. As a result, some people have started to return to traditional hotels. One of the main reasons for this shift is a lack of transparency on the part of some hosts. Many guests have reported feeling misled by large fees, or cleaning requirements, that are not disclosed upfront.

To ensure a successful experience for both hosts and guests, it’s important to be transparent about expectations and prices. This includes disclosing any additional fees or expectations upfront. Instead of surprising customers with a large cleaning fee as they’re about to book, consider rolling the cleaning fee into the initial booking price. Guests appreciate honesty and are more likely to have a positive experience if they are fully aware of what to expect before booking.

Hosts should also be clear about their expectations for guests, such as requests for housekeeping tasks at the end of the stay – before they book! By being transparent and upfront, you build trusts and you ensure that your guests have a positive experience- and are more likely to book again in the future.

2. Include Details Often Ignored

The little details could make it or break it for potential bookings – including details like these can be the reason someone finally decides to book from you. Don’t underestimate the little things!

1. WiFi Speed and Availability: This is especially important for travelers who rely on the internet for work or communication. Try to have your WiFi above 15 Mpbs if you can – this speed is best for streaming, video calls, and working.

0-6 Mpbs: Slow internet (guests can’t do much)	⭐️16-49 Mbps: Very fast internet (best for working/video calls)
7-15 Mbps: Steady internet	50+ Mbps: Extremely fast internet

1. Eco-Friendly: These days, it’s a good idea to highlight any environmentally-friendly features of your space, such as energy-efficient appliances or eco-friendly cleaning products.
2. Calendar of Events: Share a list of local events that your guests could book their stay for. Many cities have events that are only known to locals, so by sharing these events, it could encourage guests to stay at your listing just for these events!

3. Optimize Your Bio

Your bio on your Airbnb listing is an important element that helps to introduce you to your potential guests and establish your credibility as a host. Your bio gives you the opportunity to share a little bit about yourself, your interests, and your experience as a host. By writing a clear and informative bio, you can help your guests get to know you better and feel more comfortable booking with you. In a world of scammers…

1. Share your hosting philosophy: What sets you apart as a host? Do you have a particular approach or philosophy when it comes to hosting guests? Share your approach in your bio to give guests a better sense of what they can expect when they stay with you.
2. Include a personal touch: Consider adding a personal touch to your bio, such as a favorite quote or motto, to help your guests get to know you better.
3. Share your passions and hobbies: Do you have any hobbies or passions that you’d like to share with your guests? Your bio is a great place to mention them and give guests a sense of your interests and personality.
4. Include a happy photo: Adding a photo of you smiling to your bio can help make your profile more approachable for guests. Choose a friendly and welcoming photo that represents you and your hosting style. By including a pet or a hobby, it allows guests to subconsciously connect with you more.

4. Professional Photos Taken During The Day

I’ll be honest, I have scrolled past hundreds of AirBnb listings, simply because the photos were taken at night. Photos taken at night are not warm and inviting, unless you’re showcasing an evening ambience with beautiful lights or sunset view. Studies have found that exposure to sunlight makes us happier, due to the fact that sunlight can help increase the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating mood.This is why daylight photos will definitely increase your chances of getting booked!

To take professional-quality photos of your Airbnb space during the day, use as much natural light as you can, and choose the right time of day (mid-morning or mid-afternoon). Be sure to show off your space, including any unique features, and use photo editing software to adjust the color and other settings of your photos to make them look their best. Just be sure not to overdo it on the editing/filters – you want your photos to be an accurate representation of your space. Heavily altered photos are a form of false advertising and could prevent guests from booking for referring others to your stay.

Here’s an example – which photo looks more inviting and comfortable?

Let The Bookings Roll In

By incorporating all of these AirBnb ideas & tips to your property and listing, you can create a comfortable and welcoming stay for your guests. The ideas and tips not only help with creating a wonderful environment, but will help attract high-income guests and improve your overall ratings and reviews. Happy hosting!