Every successful vacation rental operating for several years will eventually need a refresh. Even if your decor is as timeless as can be, it will start looking tired, and your listing photos will start to look dated compared to your competitors.
That’s okay! As a successful host, you will plan for it and be ready, but that doesn’t mean you have to set aside a large percentage of your profits to make it happen.
Whether you update a little here and there every year or take advantage of your slow season to do everything at once, there are ways to give your Airbnb a makeover that won’t put you in the red. Here are some of my favorite ways to refresh your vacation rental without overspending.
Note: All content is our own (that is, not sponsored), but if you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Before diving into the makeover process, I suggest doing a little research and planning. Explore the latest high-end design trends and styles to gather inspiration for your vacation rental while considering your ideal guest and their preferences. Set a budget that works for you and prioritize which areas of your Airbnb need the most attention. This way, you can make strategic choices to achieve the upscale vibe without draining your bank account.
Speaking of expenses – be sure to grab our free Vacation Rental Budget Spreadsheet that can be used either to create a rough estimate of your spending or for the exact budget breakdown so that you can avoid unpleasant surprises.
Table of Contents
How to Give Your Vacation Rental a Swanky Makeover On a Budget
Enhance Curb Appeal and Your Airbnb Entryway
First impressions matter, right? To give your Airbnb a high-end curb appeal, consider repainting the exterior with modern, sophisticated colors that instantly catch the eye. 2023 is all about white walls and black trim, but don’t blindly follow the trend – think about what color will best complement your home’s architectural style, your landscaping, and your location. You can repaint the entire house or upgrade your front door with a fresh coat of paint and some sleek hardware.
Not only will a well-lit walkway help guests find their way in, but it will also add a sense of sophistication and style. Solar lights are a simple, cheap, and quick solution to update your exterior.
Needless to say, a tidy garden is a must, and if you neatly cut your bushes and update your garden plants, you’ll create that high-end resort feel by spending very little money.
Need ideas and tips for your vacation rental patio or other outdoor spaces? You’ll find them here.
If you don’t have a yard to make a great first impression, focus on creating an upscale entryway. In this article, you’ll find out all the must-have features of an exceptional vacation rental entryway. A few sleek decor items, such as an oversized mirror (which can open up a tiny space), design-forward wall hooks, or a statement rug, can effortlessly create a high-end look.
Photo: Cody Guilfoyle | Design: Cara Irwin | Via: Domino Magazine
Design: Jessica Stambaugh | From: House Beautiful | Via: Pinterest
Achieve a Luxurious Look in Your Vacation Rental with Paint
Why stop at the exterior when paint can work wonders inside as well? Even neutrals go in and out of style, so consider updating the last decade’s gray or beige with bright or warm white. Some of my go-to favorites are below.
Just because white paint is trendy doesn’t mean you can’t play with color. Warm neutrals, rich jewel tones, and bold black and white can make your listing photos look amazing – just remember that all the choices you make for paint and decor should be a part of an overall design plan that makes the space sing.
Need help with this? Consider one of my Designed DIY packages for a cost-effective way to get professional help.
Photo: Nikole Ramsay for The Design Files | Design: Leigh Ellwood | Editorial Styling: Annie Portelli
From: Domino Magazine | via Pinterest
Design: Gillian Segal | Via: Domino Magazine
Accent Lighting is the Jewelry in your Design Plan – Make It Work
Updating your lighting with plug-in and hardwired fixtures is a quick and (relatively) easy way to update your decor without spending too much money. And if you switch from incandescent to energy-efficient bulbs at the same time, you’ll save money on your electricity bills, too.
Consider replacing tired-looking lampshades with new ones in a more interesting shape or material, giving a lamp base a makeover with a coat of paint or even concrete, or going coastal by wrapping a lamp base with rope.
Chic, wall-mounted reading lamps flanking a bed are always a hit, and plug-in fixtures enable you to get the look without calling in an electrician. Even if you don’t have the proper wiring for a pendant lamp, add a plug-in fixture with an artfully tacked-own cord (more info about that and lots of dining room ideas here.)
Above all, choose accent lighting that elevates your design plan. A statement chandelier, for example, will instantly add a touch of grandeur to your rental. Sure, it may not fit into every Airbnb theme, but it’s a perfect addition if you are after an old glamour style. And the best part is, you don’t need to spend your entire salary on it. My favorite way to add style to a rental on a budget is by hunting for affordable options at thrift stores or online marketplaces.
These are just a few of the affordable light fixtures I’ve found. Get the roundup of cheap and chic pendants, chandeliers, and flush-mount fixtures here.
Another budget-friendly way to create a subtle, luxurious ambiance is using LED strip lights. Install them along the base of shelves, under the bed, behind headboards, or beneath kitchen cabinets for a soft glow. They are energy-efficient and can be easily installed with adhesive backing. Cheap, simple, impactful – a triple win if you ask me.
I’ve spent some time finding lighting that looks way more expensive than it actually is – check out the post here.
Layer in Luxury with Fabrics
Draperies are one of the things many hosts skip, and it’s a real shame because the right curtains hung the right way can instantly elevate a room. The secret is that you can get luxurious-looking drapes and drapery hardware for a very reasonable price.
Pillows and throws are a quick and inexpensive way to update the look of your living room, and they quickly make a living room look coordinated and comfortable. You can even use them to update the look of your outdoor furniture, or you can do what I do and buy outdoor pillows and use them indoors.
Most hosts also skip area rugs, but they shouldn’t. A new rug can give a room a new look, and you can find even large rugs at reasonable prices. Check out this internet-famous Loloi rug. I’ve used variations in several projects, and it always looks great (the olive/charcoal version is a particular favorite).
Don’t Forget that Less is More
If you haven’t done it already, decluttering and organizing every room in your vacation rental is an effective and free way to create a luxurious experience. After all, what’s more relaxing than being in a place that has everything you need and nothing you don’t?
Embracing minimalism can be hard sometimes, but a simple thing like removing any unnecessary items can help you achieve a stylish look at no cost – unless your rental has way too much stuff, in which case you might need to pay for storage or a junk removal service.
The same goes for art and decor – an entire shelf of knick-knacks will communicate a different story than a tasteful statement piece. So, sprinkle your vacation rental with just a few high-end-looking accessories like mirrors, artwork, and plants to add sophistication without overwhelming your guests.
Psst…You’ll find 45 fresh ideas here to achieve a high-end look with over-the-bed decor.
Create an Upscale Experience
A luxurious experience is what your guests are after, and you can give it to them – even on a budget.
Prioritize your guests’ comfort and relaxation, starting with the bedroom. Look for soft fabrics that are both cozy and expensive-looking, like these host-favorite sheets. When it comes to furniture, choose stylish pieces that are as comfortable as they are elegant. Look for quality second-hand or refurbished pieces that won’t dent your wallet. Vintage pieces often have interesting patterns or finishes that add an extra touch of elegance, and they are sold for a fraction of the price of new pieces from high-end furniture stores.
In the bathroom, swap an outdated showerhead with a rainfall showerhead or incorporate other luxurious elements to create a spa-like experience for your guests. And don’t forget about Airbnb amenities like toiletries, robes, and slippers to make your guests feel pampered and special.
In conclusion, pay attention to the little things and make smart decisions about where to spend your bucks. When it comes to creating a high-end Airbnb, it’s all about the details, and you can easily achieve that upscale look on a budget.
