Designing for Short-Term Rentals: Looks That Last and Wow

By Ester White Gherea | WBN News | May 29, 2025

Have you ever stayed in an Airbnb or a vacation rental that felt like a dream? Where you walked in and thought, “I could live here.” That’s not an accident. That’s good design.

Short-term rentals don’t have to be huge or fancy to be amazing. What they do need is personality, comfort, and a bit of wow. When you get it right, your space becomes more than just a place to sleep—it becomes part of someone’s story.

First Impressions Matter

When guests open the door, what do they see?
That first look sets the tone. A cozy rug. A pop of color. A clean, simple layout that’s easy to understand. These things tell your guest: You’re welcome here.

You don’t have to spend a fortune. You just need to make smart choices:

Use durable furniture that still looks stylish.
Choose light, welcoming colors that make the space feel fresh.
Add one or two special touches—a framed local map, a handmade mug, a cozy throw blanket.

These little things say, “Someone thought about you.”

Design for Real Life

Your rental isn’t a showroom. People will use it. So, your design needs to be beautiful and practical.

That means:

Washable fabrics. Yes, style matters—but so does cleaning up easily after a spill.
Multi-use furniture. A bench that stores shoes. A sofa bed for extra guests.
Clear layout. People shouldn’t have to guess where things go or how to turn on a light.

A good space makes people feel like they know what to do—even if it’s their first time there.

Make It Feel Like Home (But Better)

Travelers want comfort. But they also want something special. Your design should feel like a warm hug with a little sparkle.

Use these design moments to stand out:

Soft lighting that invites people to unwind after a long day.
A reading nook with a comfy chair and a small bookshelf.
A welcoming scent, like a candle or diffuser, to trigger that “ahh” moment.

And always—always—add a bit of local flavor. A photo of a nearby landmark. A handwritten list of favorite cafes. Something that says, “You’re not just anywhere. You’re here.”

What Makes Your Rental Shine?

If you’re designing a short-term rental—or dreaming about it—ask yourself this:
What feeling do I want my guests to leave with?

Relaxed? Inspired? Surprised? Whatever it is, design it into the space. Every pillow, every picture, every lamp—it all adds up to a story.

Let’s Make It Unforgettable

Do you have a rental—or are you thinking of starting one? What design challenges are you facing? What’s working well?

Reply and tell me what makes your rental space unique—or what you wish you could fix. I’d love to help you create something guests will never forget.

Ester White Gherea is an Interior Designer and the founder of Gherea Studios.
She can be reached at 236-339-6644 or estergherea@gmail.com. Connect with Ester on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ester-white-gherea-6b339a2b5/. Connect with Ester at https://www.ghereastudio.com/.

TAGS: #InteriorDesign #TimelessStyle #DesignTrends #HomeDecor #ModernLiving #StylishSpaces #GhereaStudio