Designing with Guests in Mind: The Airbnb Interiors That Actually Get Booked
Bright vacation rental bedroom with king bed, large windows, gray curtains, and a colorful sunset mural creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Why Interior Design Matters in Vacation Rentals
If you think a clean space and a few throw pillows are enough to impress today’s Airbnb guests, think again. In the world of short-term rentals, design is everything. Not just for aesthetics, but for comfort, functionality, and emotional appeal. At Lemieux Interiors, we’ve styled and staged dozens of rentals around Portland and the Oregon Coast, and one thing is clear: properties that are intentionally designed get booked more often - and at better rates. People aren’t just booking a place to sleep. They’re booking a feeling, an experience, and a story to remember.
Create Spaces Guests Want to Stay In
The most effective Airbnb interiors are those that blend style with practicality. Guests should feel welcome the moment they walk through the door. That starts with smart layout decisions: seating that invites connection, beds that are cozy without being cluttered, and a sense of flow that feels intuitive. If a guest doesn’t know where to put their bag or plug in their phone, you’ve lost a small but meaningful opportunity to make them feel at ease. We design vacation rentals with a human-first lens -.everything should feel effortless to use and beautiful to look at.
Elegant dining and kitchen area in a short-term rental with wood table, pendant lighting, and white shaker cabinets for a clean, modern feel.
Layer Texture and Lighting for Impact
Lighting is one of the most overlooked aspects of short-term rental design, yet it’s what creates mood and enhances your photos (which, let’s be real, drive your bookings). We recommend layering warm-toned lighting...think sconces, floor lamps, and even battery-operated candles...to create a cozy atmosphere that reads well both in person and on screen. Texture is another must. Mix natural materials like linen, jute, wood, and stone to add warmth and depth. Bonus: these elements wear well over time and signal quality to guests, without needing constant upkeep.
Vibrant guest bedroom with colorful bedding, floral curtains, and yellow walls, offering a cheerful and cozy stay in a Portland home.
Add Local Touches to Tell a Story
One of the best ways to set your rental apart is by rooting it in place. Local art, books about the area, native plants, or even a handwritten note about your favorite coffee shop...these details create a sense of connection. Guests feel like they’re getting a unique, curated experience instead of a generic stay. This is especially powerful in Portland, where travelers often come for the character, creativity, and natural beauty of the region. Let your interior design reflect that.
Design for Function, Not Just for Instagram
Yes, your listing needs to look good online - but it also needs to function well in real life. We design vacation rentals that meet the needs of real travelers: easy-to-clean surfaces, durable furnishings, smart storage, and thoughtful amenities. Will guests be working remotely? Include a stylish desk nook with good lighting. Will they cook? Set up a kitchen that’s minimal yet fully equipped. It’s not about filling the space with stuff - it’s about making every detail count.
Open-concept living room and kitchen in a Portland vacation rental featuring a long modern sectional sofa, mid-century dining chairs, and warm ambient lighting.
Optimize Your Rental for Reviews and Repeat Guests
When guests feel relaxed and supported by their surroundings, they leave better reviews. When a space is designed to anticipate their needs, they rebook. That’s the long game of Airbnb interior design. It’s not just about visual appeal...it’s about creating a space that resonates emotionally. That’s where we come in. Lemieux Interiors helps Airbnb hosts and vacation rental owners turn ordinary listings into 5-star experiences. From full-service staging to remote consultations, we bring deep industry knowledge, Pacific Northwest style, and serious attention to guest behavior. Let’s design your space to work harder and feel better...for you and your guests.
Ready to elevate your Airbnb? Book a design consultation with Lemieux Interiors and let’s create a space that gets seen, gets booked, and gets remembered.
