My number one tip for Airbnb hosts? People like to choose vacation rentals because they’re not bland hotel rooms, so don’t try to make your space look like one. When people travel, they want a heightened sense of reality, not the boring beige of everyday life. When done well, a themed Airbnb with a personality will stand out in the sea of similar listings and communicate to guests that they’re in for an adventure.
To help you get started, I’m sharing a few popular Airbnb theme ideas that will wow your guests and have them leaving rave reviews faster than you can say “5-star rating”.
Table of Contents
Here’s how to get creative with an Airbnb design concept:
Go Luxury Tropical with Natural Materials, a Bold Color Palette, and Tropical Plants
Nothing says vacation like cheery colors, breezy linens, and palm fronds (even if they’re on wallpaper). If your Airbnb is somewhere warm, consider a sophisticated version of tropical beach decor. Keep it luxurious by using a limited color palette, natural materials like jute, wicker, and rattan, and white or natural-colored linen. Bring in plenty of natural light and greenery with dramatic plants and fronds, whether real, faux, or printed. Your dreamy, beachy vibe will have them clicking “book now” and craving a Mai Tai.
Photo credit: Hector Sanchez | via: BHG | designer: Jenna LeBlanc | vacation rental: The Riverside Retreat
Designer: Sarah Sherman Samuel | via: CB2
Photo credit: Elton Rocha | designer: Noé Prades | via: Architectural Digest
Go California Casual (Even if Your Airbnb is in Minnesota)
If your beach style is more Malibu than Miami, then California casual may be just the style for your Airbnb. Think light and bright, with white walls, light-colored wood, and tons of natural light. Furnishings are made for lounging, typically in light-colored fabrics with texture. California casual features a mix of modern and traditional furnishings and accents with lots of organic elements, like live-edge tables and rustic pottery. Blue is often used as an accent color, and white marble and brass make frequent appearances in kitchens and bathrooms.
Photo credit: Read McKendree | Architect: Kevin O’Sullivan + Associates | via: Dezeen
Photo Credit: Brooklyn Home Company/Michael Williams | via: Homes & Gardens
Photo credit: Magdalena Wosinska | via: Domino
Create a Cozy Cabin Retreat with Rustic-Chic Decor and Wood Accents
The cozy cabin look isn’t just for cozy cabins. If your rental is in a wooded area or near a ski resort, you can make your plan-Jane rental cabin-like by adding wood architectural accents and making “cozy” your design mantra. Cabins can be rustic, fancy, or modern, as can your furniture, but regardless of your style, you’ll want to layer in a lot of texture with accent pillows, throws, and rugs to keep things cozy. Think sweater-knit throws, faux fur blankets, and leather accessories. Add color with traditional textiles like quilts, Pendelton stripes, or lumberjack plaids. Warm reds, oranges, and browns are traditional, but cool colors or light neutrals may work better if you’re furnishing an all-wood room – it’s all about that contrast.
Photo: Audrey Hall | Architect: Peter Zimmerman Architects | Builder: Yellowstone Traditions | via: One Kinedesign
photo credit: unkown | via: Pinterest
Photo credit: Brie Williams Designer: Betsy Brown | via: Domino
Opt for a Modernist Space with a Bold Palette and Clean Lines
Many of our clients are afraid that they’ll repel potential guests if they choose a bold piece of art or a bright color palette. Quite the opposite! Don’t be scared to go bold and create a funky, modern space – especially if it’s a look you feel drawn to, Go monochrome for a chic modernist look, or embrace your wild side with a bold palette. Keep artwork interesting and eye-catching, and don’t be afraid to use accents like custom neon signs or murals to make a statement. Who needs a dull old hotel room when they can stay in your ultra-cool, funky fresh Airbnb rental?
via: The Design FIles
Photo credit: Amy Lamb, Native House Photography | Interior Design: Lisa Gilmore Design | via: Rue
Photo credit: Elton Rocha | designer: Noé Prades | via: Architectural Digest
Go Old-School Glamour with Vintage Art, Furniture, and Patterns
Bring back the grandeur of the past with an old-school glamour concept and transport your guests to a bygone era of elegance and sophistication. Pick your favorite classic movie for inspiration, and keep it lush and layered. Go for a deep, saturated color palette and mix vintage and new furniture. Hang velvet curtains, choose luxurious fabrics for bedding and furniture, and include vintage accents like chandeliers or art deco pieces. Don’t forget the framed vintage celebrity photos and gilded mirrors to put the icing on the cake. With an old-school glamour Airbnb theme, your guests will feel like they’ve stepped into a classic Hollywood movie, minus the black and white cinematography – and smoking.
Photo credit: Oberto Gili | Interior Designer: Kelly Wearstler | via: Conde Nast Traveler
Photo credit: Amy Lamb, Native House Photography | Interior Design: Lisa Gilmore Design | via: Rue
Photo credit: Hector Sanchez | via: BHG | designer: Jenna LeBlanc | vacation rental: The Riverside Retreat
Welcome Guests With Elegant Minimalism
If simplicity is more your thing, then consider going minimalistic and elegant. To create an atmosphere that’s as sleek and sophisticated as a James Bond movie villain’s lair, remember that with minimalism, every piece of furniture counts. Make sure you choose pieces that have interesting lines and look expensive (they don’t have to really be expensive.)
Make the most of natural light and consider a technique like limewashing to add texture to walls. Colors can be neutral or muted, but stick to a limited palette. Believe it or not, this can be one of the more difficult looks to pull off, so don’t be afraid to tinker until you’ve got it right. This theme will work perfectly for small vacation rentals where less is – obviously – more.
via: Bali Interiors
Get Lofty with an Industrial-Inspired Airbnb Concept
An industrial concept is perfect for a rental that has an urban or loft-like feel. Industrial style is all about showing the inner workings of things that are normally hidden, like exposed pipes, electrical conduit, and ductwork. Combine that with reclaimed wood and concrete and you’ve got industrial style.
As cool as those elements can be, remember that your industrial space still needs to look inviting. Combine rough elements with oversized art, warm wood, vintage furniture, and inviting lighting to create balance. Your ideal guests for this Airbnb theme? The same ones who like to visit that hipster coffee shop downstairs, so make sure to incorporate a stylish workspace into your Airbnb too.
Photo credit: Casey Dunn | Architect: Clayton Korte | via: Dezeen
Photo credit: Kjrsten Madsen | via: Apartment Therapy
Architect/Interior Design: Loft Buro | via: Amazing Architecture
Embrace Free-Spirited Vibes with a Boho Chic Airbnb Style
Boho style is a great fit for vacation rentals because it’s eclectic by nature. Boho chic is all about mixing bohemian elements, like natural materials, multicultural elements, and bright colors with modern touches, and it’s a perfect theme for apartments in trendy cities. Use bright and bold colors such as Benjamin Moore’s color of the year, Raspberry Blush, or orange, purple, or turquoise.
More subdued colors, like Sherwin-Williams color of the year Redend Point, mustard, or olive green can also go boho. Either way, layer in bohemian elements like macramé wall hangings, multicultural accessories, patterned throw pillows, and rattan furniture pieces to get the look. Bring the outside in with potted plants, succulents, and terrariums to complete bring life to your boho-chic vacation rental.
Photo credit: Kate Sears | Interior Design: JMorris Design | via: Domino
Photo credit: David Tsay | Interior Designer: Grace Mitchell | via: BHG
Photo credit: Mark Lohman | featured in Global Bohemian by Fifi O’Neill | via: Town and Country
Create a Calm Space with Zen-Inspired Decor
If you want to create an oasis of calmness and relaxation in your Airbnb, choose a zen theme with natural woodsy elements such as bamboo furniture or stone accents like river rocks or pebbles. Warm neutral colors on walls and fabrics will create a calming backdrop, while pops of green from plants and flowers will add a touch of nature to your space.
This Airbnb theme is great for rentals located in beachy or rural locations. By choosing this theme, your goal should be to create a tranquil atmosphere that will make guests feel like they’re in a Japanese meditation garden.
Photo credit: Karimoku Case Study | Architect: Norm Architects | Interior Design: Keiji Ashizawa Design | via: Dezeen
Photo credit: Adrian Gaut | Interior Design: Colin King | via: Domino
Photo credit: Lorenzo Zandri | Architect: Architecture for London | via: Domino
Create Rustic Charm with a Modern Twist in a Farmhouse
A farmhouse is one of the most popular Airbnb themes these days—and it’s easy to see why. Modern farmhouse style is comfortable, contemporary without being ultra-modern, and family-friendly without being frumpy. Give your space an authentic farmhouse feel with white walls combined with rustic elements such as exposed beams, reclaimed wood furniture, brick walls, and, of course, shiplap.
Think white walls, black accents, natural wood, and neutral, natural textiles like linen, cotton, and wool. Colors are used as accents, with blue being a popular choice. Keep light fixtures, decorative hardware, and furniture simple, and bring in natural elements, like leafy branches and flowers to complete the look.
Interior Design/Photo: Studio McGee
Interior Design: Brooke Wagner Design | via: Instagram
Interior Design: Kate Marker | via: Milk + Confetti
Incorporate Iconic Entertainment Destinations Into Your Airbnb Theme
If you’re a fan, and your Airbnb is in a city that attracts lots of other fans of the same thing, why not go for it with your Airbnb decor? Whether it’s sports, theme parks, movies, a tv show, or something else entirely, embrace your inner nerd if you’ve got the passion for it.
A sports-themed rental could feature memorabilia from the city’s teams, from jerseys to signed balls, and even a life-size cardboard cutout of a star player. And if your Airbnb caters to families and is located near Legoland, why not go Lego with your decor? (Minus the small pieces waiting for tender feet in the middle of the night). This kind of Airbnb theme will be a hit among visitors looking for an extra-special experience.
I hope I’ve given you a few ideas for your vacation rental, but you can always book a call with me to talk things over and we can find the perfect theme for your rental together.
No matter what Airbnb theme you choose, make sure it reflects your style and is tailored to the needs of your ideal guests. With careful planning and thoughtful design, you can create something truly special that will stand out from other vacation rentals.
