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This guide shares 10 interior design tips for creating a 5 star short term rental on Airbnb, VRBO, or Booking.com. Learn how to design a vacation rental that feels calm, welcoming, and memorable for guests. From lighting and layout to comfort, color psychology, and guest friendly details, these strategies help hosts create spaces that stand out, earn better reviews, and encourage repeat bookings.
Design Secrets for 5-Star Airbnb, VRBO and Short-Term Rentals
I’ve been designing interiors for many years, and I’ve always loved a good design challenge. But when I took on my first short-term rental interior design project, I quickly realized how different it is compared to traditional homes. Whether you’re hosting on Airbnb, VRBO, or Booking.com, designing for vacation rentals requires a unique approach—one that blends style, comfort, and psychology to create spaces that wow guests and earn recurring 5-star reviews. The best part? Once you understand the principles, you can transform any rental into a space that stands out in today’s competitive market.
Designing for Airbnb, VRBO and Booking.com Guests
Unlike designing for one ideal client, short-term rentals must appeal to families, couples, solo business travelers, and groups of friends. The challenge is creating a space that feels universally welcoming while still being memorable. Interior design for platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com isn’t just about furniture. It’s about crafting a guest experience that starts the moment they open the door.
10 Interior Design Tips for 5 Star Short Term Rentals
1. The Entrance Sets the Tone
Guests form their first impression instantly. The moment they step into your Airbnb or VRBO, their nervous system is already responding. Is it cluttered and overwhelming or calm and inviting?
Quick wins:
• Keep it uncluttered: a console table, greenery (flowers or a plant), and one thoughtful accessory like a lamp or framed art.
• Add a bench or chair so guests can comfortably remove shoes.
• Provide hooks, a shoe rack, or cubbies to prevent clutter.
• Use warm lighting: soft, layered light feels more inviting than harsh overhead bulbs.
When the entryway feels intentional and welcoming, guests carry that sense of calm through the rest of the home.
2. Create Zones for Every Need
Group travelers often want to do different things at the same time: watch TV, read, work remotely. Creating intentional “micro-zones” helps everyone feel accommodated without chaos.
Zone ideas:
• Living room: Angle seating for conversation flow, not just toward the TV. Add a reading chair with its own light source.
• Family zone: Keep a lidded basket with board games or puzzles.
• Work zone: Even a slim desk with a good chair and outlet access feels like a luxury to guests booking through Airbnb or Booking.com.
Visual organization calms the mind. When spaces are clearly defined, guests instinctively know how to use them.
3. Lighting Is Everything
Lighting sets the mood instantly. Harsh overhead light can ruin the vibe, while layered
lighting creates warmth and flexibility.
Essential upgrades:
• Replace cool bulbs with warm LEDs (2700K–3500K).
• Install dimmers in living/dining areas.
• Add bedside lamps with USB ports (a small touch guests rave about in reviews).
4. Use Color Psychology to Support Well-Being
Color isn’t just visual. It affects mood and energy. The right palette transforms a space from restless to restorative.
Room-by-room guide:
• Bedrooms: Soft, muted tones (sage green, dusty blue, warm taupe) lower stimulation and support rest. These colors quiet the eyes.
• Living/Dining: Earthy neutrals (sand, oatmeal, warm gray) create balance and flow in the space.
• Accents: Pops of navy, blush, or bright green work when used sparingly, like in a knick-knack, pillow, or art piece.
Pro tip: Repeat your palette across the home. Too many competing colors create visual stress, while cohesion feels soothing. Guest won’t know this directly, but they’ll be able to feel it.
5. Comfort Is the Ultimate Luxury
Don’t over focus on styling that looks so perfect that you’re afraid to even touch it. Guests remember comfort and coziness. You want something that is inviting, but also crisp and clean looking.
Comfort essentials:
• Medium-firm mattresses (universally preferred).
• Bedding formula: white sheets + lightweight quilt + cozy throw.
• Four pillows per bed: two soft, two firm for variety.
When guests sleep well, you’re already halfway to earning that 5-star review. Don’t cut corners when it comes to the mattress. Comfort is non-negotiable. Choose the kind of bed you’d be excited to sleep in yourself. If it feels great to you, it will feel great to your guests too.
6. Add a Touch of the Unexpected
Delight your guests with one signature detail they didn’t expect. These get photographed, shared, and remembered.
Ideas:
• A stunning chandelier in the foyer.
• A hammock swing or hanging rattan chair.
• A mural or wallpaper accent wall.
These design accents show guests you care about making the home feel special, and not just another rental.
7. Think Multi-Sensory
Design isn’t just about what you see. Guests experience your short-term rental through touch, sound, and smell.
Sensory elements:
• Texture: Layer chunky throws, velvet cushions, woven baskets.
• Scent: Keep a subtle diffuser (lavender, eucalyptus).
• Sound: Offer a white-noise machine or Bluetooth speaker.
These touches help guests feel grounded and help those who need to better regulate. Not every guest will look for those extras, but when they’re there they will really appreciate them.
8. Keep Visual Clutter Out of Sight
This one is of very high importance in my books, even though it’s lower on this list. When a space is visually overstimulating, it can stress a person or make them feel anxious.
Decluttering strategy:
• Limit surfaces to one or two accessories.
• Use closed storage: baskets with lids, ottomans, or cabinets.
• Keep kitchen counters clear, aside from a coffee station.
Remember: clutter equals chaos, calm equals 5 stars. It doesn’t mean you should have an almost empty space, but keep this idea in mind when it comes to your design.
9. Keep It Intuitive
Confusing layouts or hard-to-find essentials frustrate guests. Make it foolproof.
Quick wins:
• Label remotes clearly (e.g., “Living Room TV”).
• Store coffee pods, tea bags, sugar in clear jars.
• Create a welcome binder with photo guides for Wi-Fi, thermostat, and appliances.
When everything is easy, guests feel cared for, and they’ll mention it in reviews. They like it when you go that extra mile.
10. Durability Meets Style
Short-term rentals are high-traffic spaces. Choose materials that can withstand wear while still looking beautiful.
Smart choices:
• Performance fabrics (Sunbrella, Crypton) for sofas/dining chairs.
• Washable rugs in busy areas (Ruggable is guest-proof).
• Wood or stone tables instead of glass (sturdier, easier to maintain).
Durable doesn’t have to mean boring. It just means long-lasting and smart. Be smart about where you spend your money. Certain pieces are meant to be replaceable after a short while, while others are meant to be more long-term.
Don’t Forget the Amenities
Good design sets the mood, but it’s also the thoughtful touches that help to seal the 5-star review. Guests really appreciate all those little extras. It makes them feel like you care.
Guest favorites:
• Kitchen: Coffee, teas, sugar, honey, non-dairy creamer, local snacks.
• Bathroom: Plush towels, refillable toiletries, hair dryer, a “just in case” basket.
• Bedroom: Blackout curtains, extra blankets, charging cables.
• Family extras: Pack-and-play, high chair, step stool.
These thoughtful details make guests feel at home, and that earns loyalty.
Final Thought: Interior Design That Wins 5-Star Reviews
Designing for short-term rentals isn’t about filling rooms with furniture. It’s about creating an intentional experience that leaves guests feeling calm, cared for, and connected. Whether your property is listed on Airbnb, VRBO, or Booking.com, applying these 10 interior design tips for 5 star short term rentals will help you stand out in the competitive vacation rental market. If you’re interested in consistently earning those 5-star reviews then contact me!
frequently asked questions
What makes a short term rental earn consistent 5 star reviews?
According to Beatrice Tokayer, interior designer and sensory design expert, the rentals that consistently earn 5 star reviews are the ones that feel calm and comfortable the moment guests walk in. The layout allows people to move easily through the space, furniture is spaced out so guests can relax and talk, and the rooms are not crowded with decor. Sensory details also play an important role. A cohesive color palette helps the home feel visually calm, warm lighting makes the space feel more inviting, and comfortable textures like soft bedding and cozy throws help guests settle in.
What design features help guests feel more comfortable in a short term rental?
Comfort comes from both furniture and layout. According to Beatrice Tokayer, interior designer and sensory design expert, supportive mattresses, good pillows, comfortable seating, and furniture that is spaced so guests can move easily through the room all make a difference. Small touches like bedside lamps, cozy throws, and uncluttered surfaces also help guests feel more at ease. It also helps to think about the little details you would personally appreciate if you were staying in the space.
What small details help a short term rental feel more thoughtful for guests?
According to Beatrice Tokayer, interior designer and sensory design expert, it’s often the small details that guests remember most. Things like bedside lamps, extra blankets, charging cables, and plush towels help make the stay more comfortable. In the bathroom, simple additions like shampoo for adults, shampoo for kids, and makeup remover towels can make guests feel cared for. In the kitchen, a good quality coffee machine and a fully stocked setup with coffee, tea, sugar, and basic cooking essentials help guests feel at home.
How can I make my Airbnb stand out from other short term rentals?
According to Beatrice Tokayer, short term rental interior design expert, it often comes down to the energy of the space. When a home feels balanced, calm, and thoughtfully designed, guests notice it right away. Creating that kind of atmosphere involves working with feng shui, sensory design principles, and color theory so the layout, lighting, furnishings, and colors feel harmonious. When a space feels balanced and inviting, guests relax more easily and tend to remember the stay long after they leave.
