picture of a holiday home with holiday let sign in the garden

Design Tips to Make Your Airbnb Standout

Airbnb as a platform continues to grow in popularity for affordable trips in the UK, with the site finding that stays increased in 2023. This came from an 18% jump in bookings for listings that cost less than £100 per night. With this jump in bookings, the site is preparing for another busy year, and hosts may be looking at ways to make theirs stand out among the seven million others active.

With the site's landscape becoming increasingly crowded and the market more competitive, it's crucial to design your Airbnb listing in a way that sets it apart. We’ve compiled some top tips to help you create a unique and appealing listing that will catch the eye of holidaymakers this year.

Create a rustic, homely environment

One key detail that many properties miss out on is creating an environment that’s warm and inviting. While many will simply use Airbnb as an alternative to getting a hotel, guests still want to feel welcomed and comfortable after exploring the local area. Personal touches like a welcome basket with local treats or a guidebook with personal recommendations can also make guests feel more at home. Emphasising a cosy atmosphere that makes them feel welcomed can help them get settled when they arrive and even encourage recommendations to others who may want to stay in the area in the future.

Think about the furniture and accessories that you have around the property. Would you think they were welcoming and felt cosy and lived in? Adding more rustic elements in the form of vintage pieces from side tables to repurposed crates, or even getting some chunky cushions and blankets, can add atmosphere.

For properties in colder areas of the country, installing a log-burning stove could be one thing that adds both a homely vibe and a practical value, serving as a long-term cost-saving solution to traditional heating and providing an extra rustic vibe to the property. Plus, there’s an added novelty for visitors who don’t have one in their home to throw some kiln-dried hardwood logs onto a roaring fire to warm themselves through.

Minimal is better – don’t overcrowd and overwhelm

When adding elements to your property to make it more welcoming, be mindful not to overcrowd it. Having the right furniture and add-ons like cushions and rugs can make Airbnb feel like a home away from home for your guests, but if too much, they can feel a bit claustrophobic.

Colour is key

The colour palettes you commit to from room to room are one of the easiest ways to create a warm and inviting feeling for your guests. Neutral tones are a classic example, but adding a splash of colour through accents or decorations can help to inject some life and stop them from feeling too clinical or impersonal.

Cushions, curtains, and artwork can be quick wins to add splashes of colour around the property. When picking your artwork, accentuate the location of your Airbnb by making it themed to the area. This can provide more of an atmosphere to the property and make your guests feel more integrated into the local area.

Plants are also a great way to add some natural colour. Stick to succulents and other plants that don’t require a lot of maintenance. This way, your guests and visitors aren’t likely to feel weighed down by the responsibility of watering them but will still benefit from being around gorgeous greenery for their stay.

From the location to the listing

Besides improving the aesthetics, considering the highly competitive market, it is crucial to make the property a desirable location on Airbnb. The best way to stay on top is to update your listings regularly and respond quickly to messages from prospective visitors.

This should include keeping the property description as accurate as possible without overloading the guests with information. Some key information to include is the best bits that your property has to offer, some key locations nearby, and any local transport options that improve the quality of life while staying there. High-quality photos that show these off will help significantly.

The final and potentially the most crucial thing to think about is setting your price. While you want to get what the property is worth from the fee, keeping it competitive will encourage people to stay with you rather than any other listings available on the site.