Your Airbnb Doesn’t Stand Out — And It’s Costing You Thousands

Unique short-term rentals command +15-30% higher nightly rates.

In today’s saturated short-term rental market, one truth separates the Airbnbs that stay fully booked from the ones that sit empty: design equals ROI.

If your Airbnb looks like every other rental in your area—white walls, generic furniture, a splash of farmhouse décor—you’re not standing out. And if you’re not standing out, you’re leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

The good news? With the right design strategy, you can transform your property into an unforgettable, bookable experience that commands higher nightly rates, drives consistent occupancy, and earns you rave reviews.

In this post, we’ll cover the Airbnb design tips that actually move the needle—and why bold, memorable design isn’t just about looks. It’s about profit.

Why “Normal” Airbnbs Don’t Win

Scroll through Airbnb or Vrbo in your market and you’ll quickly notice a pattern: predictable furniture packages, cookie-cutter wall art, the same neutral palette repeated in listing after listing.

Hosts often make the mistake of designing for “broad appeal.” They believe that by playing it safe, they’ll attract more guests. In reality, the opposite happens. Here’s why:

While this room is fine, it isn't memorable.

• Guests scroll fast. You have seconds to make them stop. If your thumbnail image resembles the 10 listings around it, they’ll never click.

  
  

• Memorable = Marketable. Guests don’t share photos of beige walls. They post spaces that wow them. Social media-worthy design becomes free marketing.

  
  

• Safe design feels cheap. A generic design signals a “budget stay,” even if your price point is higher. Guests equate lack of creativity with lack of value.

The result? Lower occupancy, lower nightly rates, and a race to the bottom on pricing.

The ROI of Bold Design

At Bold Hues Studio, we approach design the way marketers approach a product launch: with ROI at the core.

Here’s what the numbers tell us:

This room utilizes bold shapes and colors to add visual interest and create a memorable space.

• STRs with unique, highly designed interiors can charge 15–30% more per night.

  
  

• Distinctive design increases click-through rates, meaning more guests actually view your listing.

  
  

• Guest satisfaction—and 5-star reviews—go up when the property delivers a memorable experience, not just a place to sleep.

  
  

In other words, design isn’t a cost—it’s an investment that pays for itself, often in a single busy season.

5 Airbnb Design Tips to Help You Stand Out

Ready to move beyond “just another Airbnb” and start maximizing ROI? Here are five proven strategies:

1. Lead with Your First Photo

Your hero image is the single most important marketing asset your property has.

• Choose a bold, well-staged shot that captures the essence of your brand.

• Avoid the predictable wide-angle living room photo. Instead, feature your most unique or dramatic space.

  
  

2. Choose a Bold Design Narrative

Instead of copying Pinterest boards, build a story. Ask: What should guests remember about this space?

• Boho craftsman in Boise.

• Western chic in Austin.

• Moody, sophisticated whiskey lounge in Denver.

A clear narrative helps guests feel they’re booking an experience, not just a bed.

3. Invest in Durable, Design-Forward Furniture

Cheap furniture costs more in the long run.

• Guests notice when things wobble, stain, or look tired.

• Invest in statement pieces that last and reinforce your brand.

Pro tip: Mix high-style items with durable, hospitality-grade basics to stretch your budget.

4. Design for Instagram Moments

Guests love to share their stays online. Give them a reason.

• Add an unexpected design feature, such as a bold mural, a sculptural chair, or dramatic lighting.

• Create small “photo spots” like a styled reading nook or patterned tile entryway.

These moments turn your guests into free marketers.

5. Think Like a Marketer, Not Just a Designer

Every design decision should ladder up to ROI. Ask:

• Will this feature help my listing photos pop?

• Will it create a guest memory worth sharing?

• Does it justify a higher nightly rate?

This shift in mindset is what separates average hosts from high-performing ones.

The Bottom Line

Your Airbnb doesn’t need to appeal to everyone. It needs to be unforgettable to the right guests. Safe, generic design leads to average results. Bold, strategic design drives higher ROI.

At Bold Hues Studio, we believe that different is memorable, and memorable is marketable.

If you’re serious about increasing bookings, raising your nightly rate, and building a short-term rental brand that stands out in a crowded market, design is the lever you can’t afford to ignore.

Ready to see how bold design can transform your short-term rental into a high-performing asset?

👉 Visit Bold Hues Studio to learn more about our ROI-driven design services.