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How to Style an Airbnb That Books Out Months in Advance
- Joe Weaven
- Nov 5
- 4 min read
There’s an art to creating a space people never want to leave. The kind Airbnb guests who walk into and immediately say, “Holy shit balls.” But in a good way...
It’s not about expensive furniture or perfect symmetry. It’s about how the space makes you feel. Calm. Considered. A little bit special.
At Haus of Gray, we’ve styled everything from compact coastal studios to sprawling countryside getaways, and the same design principles always apply. Whether you’re trying to attract your first guests or elevate your reviews, here’s how to make your Airbnb one people actually book—not just scroll past.
1. Start with the Experience, Not the Furniture
Before you even think about what sofa to buy, think about how you want your guests to feel. Cozy retreat? Modern sanctuary? Bright weekend escape? Every decision you make should tie back to that mood. So get the freakin mood right!
If the space is coastal, skip the obvious, cliché blue-and-white stripes and lean into organic textures like linen, timber, and woven pendants.
If it’s a city apartment, think tonal, layered neutrals with soft lighting to offset the concrete and glass.
Designing for experience keeps your choices consistent and makes the whole space feel intentional, even if your budget isn’t endless.
2. Don’t Skimp on the Sofa or the Bed
These two things can make or break your reviews. A comfortable bed and a decent sofa will always give you a return on investment. Guests forgive a smaller kitchen, but they don’t forgive a sore back.
We tell our Airbnb clients to think of it as an investment in repeat bookings. High-quality mattresses and durable, washable fabrics make your life easier and your guests happier. It’s that simple.
If budget is tight, focus on quality over quantity. A great sofa and one amazing piece of art will elevate the entire room more than five average things ever could.
3. Lighting is Everything
Lighting sets the tone. The biggest mistake we see in Airbnbs is harsh downlights everywhere. Swap them for soft, warm lighting that creates a sense of atmosphere—lamps, wall sconces, pendants.
If your property gets great natural light, work with it. Sheer curtains let the sun in while adding a bit of texture and privacy. At night, layer your lighting so guests can create different moods.
Bonus points for having changeable-temperature lights with a remote, so guests can really customise their moods.
It’s small details like this that make your space feel “designed.”
4. Add Personality (Without the Clutter)
Guests want to feel like they’re staying somewhere unique, not a stock-standard rental. Add personality with art, books, ceramics, or locally sourced pieces that give the space character. But—and this is important—EDIT.
You’re not styling a family home; you’re creating an experience. Keep surfaces clean, use quality over quantity, and give every object a purpose.
Think of it as intentional personality.
That old timber stool in the corner? It’s not just decor—it’s where guests set their morning coffee, or put their shoes on.
That stack of books on the sideboard? A subtle invitation to slow down and have a read.
5. The Little Things Are the Big Things
Fresh linen. Matching hangers. A good coffee machine. Quality toiletries. These are the things guests actually talk about in their reviews.
At Haus of Gray, we design spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful—because if it doesn’t work day to day, it won’t get five stars.
Every item we select for our Airbnb clients is chosen for both form and function, from the rugs that can handle sand to the sofas you can actually nap on.
Think of it this way: If you are charging a higher fee for your stays, you'd best have a higher quality coffee, not some shitty home brand sachets that taste like dirt. Better yet, get a locally produced coffee. These little touches will immerse the guest into feeling like a local, because, hell, that's why they booked your Airbnb in the first place!
There Is WAY Too Much To Think About, I Know...
Want Help Creating Yours?
We’ve now completed multiple Airbnb transformations across Queensland—from coastal escapes to rural stays—and every single one has paid for itself within months.
Higher fees and booked-out stays mean you can pay the mortgage off much quicker.
Our Airbnb Styling Service covers everything: sourcing, design, installation, and even full furniture fit-outs so you can focus on hosting, not logistics.
Whether you’re planning your first Airbnb or refreshing an existing one, we’ll help you turn it into something guests will want to rebook again and again.
Check out our Airbnb packages here: Airbnb Services
And when you are ready to go, schedule a FREE virtual consultation with our head interior designer, Shanty, to discuss what you're looking for and get custom pricing.