Better design can improve your Airbnb performance. Here’s the tea.
If you think fast furniture is good enough, in the competitive world of short-term rentals, think again. Design plays a crucial role in attracting guests, increasing bookings, and improving customer reviews. A well-designed Airbnb listing stands out from the crowd, captivates potential guests, and creates a positive and memorable experience.
Create an Inviting Space with Thoughtful Furnishing
The right furnishing choices can transform your Airbnb into a welcoming retreat for guests. There’s considerable evidence that amenities like an in-home gym or a chef’s kitchen can increase a guest’s likelihood to book. The latest data suggests this also extends to the design of a space, down to furniture choices, color palettes, and room layouts. Invest in comfortable, stylish furniture that complements the overall design aesthetic. Consider the functionality of each piece and prioritize comfort. Whether it's a cozy sofa, a plush bed, or a well-equipped kitchen, the thoughtful selection of furnishings enhances the guest experience and earns positive reviews, leading to increased bookings.
Fortunately, there’s plenty of data to support the correlation between good interior design and increased property value. A recent report from The Modern Space shows that it can add 12% on average to a property’s sale price.
Fast-growing digital hospitality platforms are looking to design firms to bolster their own performance
Despite an uncertain future for the travel industry , hospitality companies are now growing at an unprecedented rate. Many of these companies are either hiring internal design teams or partnering with design firms in an effort to increase the value of their listings.
Hospitality tech company, Jurny, for example, currently manages a portfolio of over 270 hotel and short-term rental listings across five markets. Recently, Jurny formed a new partnership with turnkey interior design company, Fülhaus, in order to integrate the company’s proprietary property management software with interior design solutions.
“Guests expect beautiful, modern accommodations each time they book a Jurny-operated property,” says Luca Zambello, co-founder and CEO of Jurny. “The design element is vital to making a notable first impression.”
Even Airbnb is making a sizable shift toward prioritizing a visual-heavy business model with its new Plus category, which is open only to hosts who demonstrate exceptional attention to design.
Photography is only as good as the subject
Aesthetics play a crucial role in attracting potential guests to your Airbnb listing. Strong photography is highly favored by Airbnb's algorithm due to its significant impact on the overall guest experience and booking conversion rates. Airbnb's algorithm aims to showcase listings that are visually appealing and engaging to potential guests. High-quality, well-lit, and professionally composed photographs have a higher chance of catching the attention of users and enticing them to click on a listing. VRBO provides a photography guide right on their website.
“The most important thing is, the first photo in your listing should be three things: professional, different, and eye-catching.”
Additionally, visually captivating images improve the overall user experience on the platform, leading to longer browsing sessions and increased bookings. By prioritizing designs and strong photography, hosts can increase their listing's visibility, attract more potential guests, and ultimately improve their performance on Airbnb. Pay attention to color schemes, textures, and decorative accents that create a cohesive and visually pleasing environment. Strive for a balance between style and functionality, ensuring that your Airbnb exudes charm and captivates potential guests right from the first glance. When in doubt, utilize professional photography for improved listing visibility.
Dustin Baker has some great tips below for optimizing a listing with great photography.
Trends come and go, but there are tried-and-true designs for furnishing a vacation rental that consistently win over guests
Good design, combined with thoughtful amenities and a memorable guest experience, leads to positive customer reviews. Guests appreciate attention to detail, comfort, and unique touches that set your Airbnb apart. Whether it's providing local recommendations, offering personalized welcome messages, or incorporating special touches related to the location, the overall design and guest experience can significantly influence reviews. Positive reviews, in turn, improve your Airbnb's reputation, attract more guests, and enhance your overall performance.
Conclusion
Design goes beyond mere aesthetics; it plays a vital role in improving your Airbnb's performance. By focusing on furnishing, creating an inviting space, utilizing professional photography, optimizing listing photos, and delivering a memorable guest experience, you can enhance your Airbnb's visibility, attract more guests, and earn positive reviews. Embrace the power of design to elevate your Airbnb's performance, stand out from the competition, and create a thriving short-term rental business.
