The link between stylish interiors, great photos, and more bookings is clear. But what might not be obvious is that the benefits of great style go beyond more bookings. A well-designed vacation rental anticipates guests’ needs, prioritizes their comfort, and telegraphs immaculate cleanliness. Airbnb styling is about both the practical and the pretty, and when it’s done well, it will earn you great reviews.
Table of Contents
Photo: Cricket Studio | Designer: Georgina Jeffries | From: The Design Files
First Impressions Start at the Door
Your vacation rental should signal welcome and ease from the very beginning. Guests will arrive at your Airbnb tired, stressed, and possibly a little lost. Signal that they’re heading into a great vacation with a well-lit, tidy porch, a stylish welcome mat, and an easy-to-use entry system.
For more entryway ideas, check out this post.
An entry or foyer is the perfect place to make a great impression. Create a warm welcome with a personalized message on a letterboard or chalkboard, make it easy to stash coats, shoes, or bags, and add stylish touches that align with the style you’ve chosen for your space.
A welcoming, stylish entry will make your guests feel immediate comfort, and will reassure them that they’ve made a great choice in accommodations.
Photo: AIM Media Group | Design: Wildheart Design
Design with Comfort in Mind
Good-looking listing photos will get you booked, but a great night’s sleep will earn you a loyal repeat guest and a 5-star review. Invest in comfortable mattresses and toppers, buy easy-care sheets, and ensure they stay spotless. Provide both light coverlets and warm duvets, and invest in blackout curtains or shades if needed.
Setting up your bedrooms? Be sure to check out Everything You Need to Know for the Perfect Vacation Rental Beds
A great night’s sleep is one of the most mentioned details in 5-star reviews, but guests don’t spend all of their time sleeping. Ensure your living room has enough seating for everyone, and that the sofa and chairs are both comfortable and stylish.
Style with Simplicity + Intent
Airbnb style that earns great reviews feels neither cluttered nor sparse. It has a clear style direction (think modern rustic, coastal, or organic modern), and it feels both open and inviting, clean and comfortable.
Start by removing visual clutter, especially personal items. Choose a style direction and a color palette. When in doubt, stick to light colors and neutrals to keep the space feeling bright. Remember that every item should either serve a function or elevate the aesthetic.
Photo: Soho House Austin | Via: Soho Home
Lighting Makes or Breaks the Mood
Good lighting creates a great atmosphere. It’s one of the easiest ways to make your space feel welcoming and high-end, and yet it’s often overlooked.
Good lighting makes guests feel comfortable, and bad or not enough lighting can be frustrating or even dangerous. This article will provide you with the essential information to create well-lit spaces, but here’s a brief overview:
- Supplement overhead lighting with table and or floor lamps. They create a warmer atmosphere, are generally more flattering, and provide supplemental lighting for tasks like reading.
- Remember that different people need different levels of lighting. When in doubt, make it bright and put it on a dimmer.
- Make the most of natural light. Use sheer window coverings for privacy without blocking light (add discreet blackout shades if needed in bedrooms), choose paint colors that bounce light around, and keep those windows clean and sparkling. Your guests will be more cheerful and your photos will be better.
Photo: Angie Agostino | Design: Wildheart Design
Think Like a Guest, Style Like a Host
Before your next booking, walk through your space with fresh eyes. Are essentials easy to find? Is anything awkward or confusing? If it’s been a while, literally walk up to your front door and enter the door code. Does everything look and work the way you want it to?
Thinking like a guest will help you style rooms that make people feel like someone has anticipated their every need. Consider placing trays for keys and sunglasses near the front door, a designated area to empty pockets before bed, and thoughtful amenities, such as toiletries or a coffee station, in stylish containers.
Adding these functional styling elements to your decor will be reflected in reviews that mention the host thought of everything.
Photo: AIM Media Group | Design: Wildheart Design
Create Instagram-Worthy Moments
Pics or it didn’t happen, right? Give guests plenty of reasons to post about their amazing stay with styled, photo-ready vignettes.
Here are some ideas to try:
- A cozy reading nook with a standout chair, a cozy throw, and interesting art.
- A coffee setup with stylish mugs, a French press, and local beans.
- A mirror and bench combo for a chic “outfit of the day” spot.
Include these stylish spots in your listing photos and encourage guests to tag your rental in their posts.
Photo: Christopher Lee Foto | Design: Wildheart Design
Don’t Forget the Bathroom & Kitchen
Kitchens and bathrooms can, and should, be styled as well. It’s easy to overlook these utility spaces if you’re not planning a renovation, but guests tend to notice them the most.
Spotless bathrooms and kitchens are non-negotiable. Enhance their sparkling appeal with matching, spotless towels, coordinating, refillable pump bottles, and attractive storage.
For kitchens, small (dishwasher safe) trays corral basic amenities like dish soap, sponges, and hand soap, and add a bit of style. Keep dishes and glasses coordinated and organized, and don’t be afraid to add personality with small (faux) plants and art on the walls.
It’s thoughtful to provide some amenities in pretty containers in bathrooms, but remember that guests will also want space to store their toiletries and cosmetics.
Use Feedback to Guide Styling Choices
Once those great reviews start rolling in, read them! Look for compliments that repeat (e.g., “so cozy!” or “great lighting”) and lean into them as your style evolves.
If critiques pop up in your reviews (like “too dark” or “bed wasn’t comfortable”) with small styling or layout changes, or better yet, address concerns before they make it into your reviews.
Give your guests a chance to tell you what’s not working for them long before it’s time to write a review. Encourage open communication by responding to messages promptly and resolving issues as quickly as possible.
A low-tech, yet effective way to head off potential complaints is to provide guests with a means to share their feedback on areas that could have been improved. Think of a simple sheet that asks, “Anything missing, broken, or needs attention? Please let us know!” with plenty of lines for notes. It’s much better for them to leave it in a note than write it in a review!
Take all the feedback you get – positive and negative- and use it to guide your styling choices. Remember that design isn’t static. Five-star vacation rentals evolve based on real guest experiences.
Final Thoughts: Style Is Strategy
Airbnb styling for 5-star reviews isn’t about being trendy—it’s about being intentional. When you design with comfort, clarity, and character, guests feel it—and they reward it with glowing feedback.
Try this: Pick one room to audit this week. Is it as comfortable, beautiful, and guest-ready as it could be? Start small, and the 5-star reviews will follow.
