8 inspiring interior design ideas for your Airbnb 

What sets a successful Airbnb apart in a crowded market? The UK holiday let market is fiercely competitive, and guests are increasingly drawn to properties that offer more than convenience; they seek memorable experiences. Smart interior design can turn an ordinary listing into a sought-after destination, captivating guests and driving loyalty. Explore the top design ideas that attract and delight guests and be ready to transform your property into a top performer. 

WHY INTERIOR DESIGN MATTERS FOR AIRBNB & HOLIDAY LETS 

As a landlord, you know that making your space look good is key and that success requires balancing style, functionality and comfort. Yet, as an Airbnb investor, you have a greater mission: to provide your guests with a feeling they won’t forget. 

In competitive markets, standing out can make the difference between profitability and loss; most property investors already know that. While the UK remains a popular choice as a top 10 destination for travellers, London holds the highest number of Airbnb listings worldwide (over 150K)1. Up until 2023 that meant 37% more listings than Paris (which happens to be the most visited country2) and almost 50% more than New York City—the second and third cities in the ranking.  

However, what still surprises more than a few investors is how much success in the short-term let market is about delivering an experience rather than luxurious finishes alone. Well-thought-out interiors can do more than attract tenants and fulfil the standards of holiday accommodation; they can create memorable destinations and open the doors to loyalty, and that’s a sweet spot to capture financial profits for the likes of Airbnb and serviced accommodation.  

You may think of interior design as the investment that’ll enable your holiday let to create so-called ‘emotional value’ — the type of worth that young consumers attach to products and services based on how they make them feel, a trend we don’t see fading away too soon. Did you know that more than 50% of Airbnb guests are between 18 and 34?  

Whether hosting short-term guests or offering long-term stays, success in this market requires you to make the right decisions during your project’s life cycle. This starts by choosing the right location and property, ensuring legal compliance and efficiency through management, and all the way to strategic design—our focus in this piece. 

HOW TO CAPTURE OCCUPANCY RATES AND PROFITS IN HOLIDAY LETS (AIRBNB)

Interior design covers much more than picking the appearance of your property; it’s a set of calculated choices that links to financial performance. Properties that boast professional, appealing designs often achieve higher occupancy rates and can justify premium pricing. Guests are keen to return and willing to pay more for an environment that feels special, functional, and well-maintained.  

Holiday lets and serviced accommodation often operate through platforms like Airbnb, which means bookings and reviews are a huge selling point. Here’s where investing in high-quality interiors to amplify the travel experience pays off, as it encourages positive reviews and repeated bookings, which are critical to maintaining consistent revenue in the short-term rental market. 

Regarding interior design for rentals with strong demand and star-rating ambitions, the focus is on balancing aesthetic appeal with durability to ensure that your choices enhance your guests’ experiences while making a practical and long-lasting investment.  

HOW TO STAY AHEAD IN A COMPETITIVE MARKET 

As the holiday and serviced accommodation markets grow, standing out from the half-a-million-size [Airbnb] crowd, alone in the UK, is essential. Today’s travellers expect a lot more than a place to sleep; they’re looking for unique spaces that boost their well-being and make them feel special. That’s how a historic building was revived to wow guests with something you may say Instagram-worthy, where the original prison cell layout of the former Anfield Police Station offers a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Keeping up with design trends like minimalist or locally inspired decor can capture the desired attention and generate buzz. To take it one step further, tailoring spaces to suit specific market segments (e.g., families, professionals, couples, youth, etc.) will help create that memorable experience that builds guests’ loyalty. So, let’s explore how you can bring effective design strategies to life in your holiday let. 

ZONING AND MULTIFUNCTIONALITY 

Creating distinct activity zones within open spaces can improve the flow and usability of your property, increasing functionality and guest satisfaction. This approach is especially beneficial for compact holiday lets, where every square metre matters. With the right design, even the smallest spaces can feel spacious and inviting.  

1. OPEN-PLAN KITCHENS

When designed with intention, an open-plan kitchen can become the heart of your property. You can create a natural space for socialising by integrating seating into the kitchen area, for example, with a breakfast bar, a small island, or a multi-functional dining table. This setup fosters interaction, which guests appreciate when sharing a meal or catching up over coffee. Consider using consistent flooring materials and neutral colour schemes to tie the kitchen and living areas together, ensuring a cohesive and spacious feel. 

Our project, Maesteg Road in Swansea, highlights the benefits of zoning with efficient communal living areas and open-plan kitchens. 

2. VERTICAL STORAGE

Innovative storage solutions for smaller properties are essential. Vertical storage, such as floor-to-ceiling shelving, built-in wardrobes, and wall-mounted cabinets, maximises available space without encroaching on the floor area. These features provide practicality and contribute to a tidy, clutter-free aesthetic, which is particularly appealing to guests.  

Drawing inspiration from tiny house interior design, you can incorporate space-saving ideas that are as functional as they are stylish. Hidden storage compartments or foldable shelves are practical additions that ensure every corner of your property is used efficiently. Such solutions are especially valuable in Airbnb units that cater to long-term stays or families who require extra storage. 

MAXIMISING NATURAL LIGHT 

Natural light makes interiors feel more spacious and welcoming and is linked to a better mood and sense of well-being. For property investors, designing bright, naturally lit spaces is an easy way to increase a property’s appeal and perceived value, potentially supporting ratings and bookings. 

Large, unobstructed windows and skylights are the top approaches for introducing abundant natural light into a property. But sometimes window space is limited, and for those properties, designs that allow sunlight to flow through freely are essential. If privacy is a concern, features such as frosted or textured glass can offer a solution without sacrificing natural light. 

3. MIRRORS AND REFLECTIVE SURFACES 

Mirrors are a clever and cost-effective way to amplify light. Placing a large mirror opposite a window reflects natural light throughout the room, making it feel larger and more dynamic. Similarly, furniture with glossy or reflective finishes, such as glass tables or lacquered cabinets, can help bounce light around the space.  

See how natural light can transform a tired terrace in Sandylands, Lancaster into a multiunit captivating getaway. 

4. ENERGY-EFFICIENT FIXTURES  

Your property needs to maintain a bright and inviting feel throughout the day, combining natural and artificial light into a cohesive design. Enhance natural light during the day and incorporate energy-efficient fixtures to illuminate through the evening. LED lighting is a must for both practicality and sustainability. Consider using warm white LED bulbs in living areas to create a cosy ambience and brighter, cooler tones in kitchens and bathrooms for task lighting.  

Our Durward Street project in London features layered lighting and energy-efficient fixtures, a signature of modern accommodation. 

NEUTRAL FOUNDATIONS FOR RELAXING STAYS  

Neutral tones are the basis of a versatile and universally appealing interior design. In the competitive Airbnb and holiday let market, creating a calming, adaptable space ensures your property resonates with a wide range of guests, from families on holiday to professionals seeking a quiet retreat. A neutral colour palette enhances the visual appeal while providing flexibility for styling and personalisation.  

This is why minimalism is more than a design choice; it’s a whole strategy. Using this approach with clean lines, neutral palettes, and clutter-free arrangements creates spaces that feel open, inviting, and timeless, hence its popularity in Airbnb and holiday lets. 

5. SOFT PALETTES

Neutral colours such as soft greys, taupes, and off-whites create a serene and welcoming environment that feels instantly relaxing. These tones can help reflect natural light, brightening rooms and making them feel larger and more open. For Airbnb-style property rentals, this is particularly valuable in compact spaces where maximising light and space is essential. Elderbush Inn in Swansea perfectly illustrates how neutral tones and natural finishes create the right atmosphere for a relaxing stay. 

The key to a minimalist colour palette is blending simplicity, intentionality, and balance. It’s advised to prioritise warm, earthy, neutral tones over stark colours. For example, choose a dominant neutral base colour (white, beige, grey) and add one or two subtle accent colours, but keep variations and shades in the same colour family. Consider texture as an additional element to blend with the colour palette. A neutral foundation ensures that all elements work harmoniously together and that includes walls, floors, and furniture.  

Neutral foundations provide a versatile backdrop for incorporating seasonal or local accents. For instance, adding colourful throws, cushions, or artwork can refresh a property’s look without significant expense or effort—like in this minimalist tropical delight in High Street, Cambridge. 

BIOPHILIC DESIGN TO LEVERAGE THE POWER OF NATURE 

Biophilic design is a transformative approach that incorporates natural-inspired elements to create spaces that feel calm, healthy, and connected to the environment. For Airbnb and holiday let owners, this design strategy means enhancing aesthetics to promote guest well-being, and as we know, this is a key factor in creating memorable stays and attracting five-star reviews. 

Rooted in the idea that humans thrive when surrounded by nature, the biophilic design integrates greenery, natural materials, and organic textures to create that sense of escapism and relaxation everyone loves. So, how can you bring this concept to life in your property? 

6. INTRODUCING GREENERY 

Greenery is at the heart of biophilic design. Incorporating plants into your interiors, whether potted plants, hanging gardens, or even small herb gardens in the kitchen, instantly adds vibrancy and freshness to a space. Besides improving air quality, plants create a sense of warmth and life that most people find comforting. 

Look for alternatives that add a pop of colour and texture without overwhelming the space. Focus on low-maintenance options such as succulents, ferns, or snake plants—anything that requires minimal upkeep while providing maximum impact. 

7. NATURAL MATERIALS AND TEXTURES 

Use wood-textured finishes, stone accents, and organic textiles to create a warm, inviting environment. Such elements add depth and character to interiors while creating a pleasant connection to nature. Some examples include wood-textured floors, stone countertops, and woven baskets; they all provide subtle but impactful touches to remind guests of the outdoors.  

Organic materials are an excellent option for balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal. That’s why you often find timber finishes and linen fabrics among the top favourites. They look timeless but also align with sustainable practices—an important factor for eco-conscious guests. 

8. OUTDOOR CONNECTIVITY 

The biophilic design extends beyond the interior. Outdoor spaces such as balconies, patios, or gardens can become inviting extensions of the property. Furnishing these areas with comfortable seating, outdoor lighting, and planters allows guests to enjoy fresh air and nature during their stay.  

For properties without outdoor areas, large windows or skylights that frame natural views can mimic this effect. The key here is to allow guests to feel connected to the surroundings, even if the space is limited. 

Our New Market Street project in Cambridge showcases the impact of integrating nature and interiors. Paired with functional and minimalistic elegance, this outbuilding turns outdoor elements into a central statement. 

YOUR NEXT STEP FOR A SUCCESSFUL AIRBNB OR HOLIDAY LET 

You can see how creating an exceptional Airbnb, holiday let, or serviced accommodation goes beyond location and layout and why it’s about crafting an experience. When you invest in thoughtful interior design that resonates with your guests, you can elevate the quality of your property, attract more bookings, and maximise your revenue potential.  

At HMO Architects, we bring our interior design and planning expertise to help property owners optimise layouts and design for short-term lets. From making small spaces feel bigger to balancing aesthetics with practicality, our team understands how to design for form, function, appeal and compliance.  

Get your property investment aligned with modern travellers’ expectations and create visually stunning, high-performing listings. Book a discovery call to discuss your interior design vision.