10 Airbnb Styling Tips to Help Your Property Stand Out

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With thousands of Airbnb properties competing for attention, great photos alone aren't always enough. Guests are comparing dozens of listings before deciding where to stay, so creating a home that feels welcoming, memorable and comfortable can make all the difference.

Whether you're preparing your first Airbnb or refreshing an existing property, these Airbnb styling tips will help create a space guests are more likely to book, enjoy and recommend.

Wellington builders Orkney Group Limited have come up with a list of suggestions for how to best style your property to get noticed and increase your bookings:

10 Airbnb Styling Tips to Help Your Property Stand Out

KNOW YOUR IDEAL GUEST

It really helps to know who you’re trying to target before you go spending money on furniture and paint. If your home is in the inner city, then your target market is likely to be people who are visiting town on short business trips or for an event. Your property could be in the countryside with surrounding farmland; your target could be families with young children or people who love nature.

Knowing your target market will help you identify the most suitable style and furniture.

CHOOSE A CONSISTENT THEME

Choose a theme for your property and stick with it throughout. Of course, if you’re going with a beachy vibe, you don’t need to have fish-patterned curtains and blue walls everywhere. But having a theme will tie everything together and create a cohesive look and memorable experience for your guests.

If your home is in a remote part of the countryside, for example, you may want to frame professional photos of the surrounding hills, and perhaps use colours in your furnishings that reflect the outside. Wherever your property is, tying in the location will help to personalise and create an unforgettable experience that’s unique to you.

USE COLOUR TO CREATE THE RIGHT MOOD

Now that you know who your target market is and the theme of your place, you can choose colours accordingly. Although white is a blank canvas that many appreciate, bear in mind that when it comes to furniture, trying to remove dirt and stains will cost you more in cleaning fees. You might want to consider choosing fabrics such as leather or linen-blend that can be cleaned easily.

If you prefer a calm, relaxing feeling to your home, then go with neutrals in your palette and use colour as an accent.

Colour can help your listing jump out at prospective clients, but be sure to choose tones that enhance the mood you’re trying to create. Do you want your property to appear cosy, modern, relaxing? For a luxurious feel, go with a rich colour palette.

Be sure to also keep in mind the location of your property. A quiet suburban home might suit pastel hues, but a city apartment might look great with brightly patterned wallpaper (keep in mind that too many patterns and colours can make a space feel smaller).

Not sure which colours will work best? Our blog, Choosing the Perfect Paint Colours for Your Home, shares practical advice on selecting a colour palette that creates a welcoming, cohesive space. If your Airbnb is looking tired, you don't always need a full renovation. Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint is enough to completely change the feel of a space. See our blog How Paint Can Transform a Room for ideas and inspiration before you get started.

INVEST IN DURABLE FURNITURE

There are plenty of affordable furniture options available today, but when furnishing an Airbnb, it's worth investing in pieces that are designed to withstand frequent use. Buying the cheapest option can often end up costing more over time if items need to be repaired or replaced after just a few guests.

Remember that good quality doesn't always mean expensive. Second-hand stores, vintage shops and local marketplaces can be great places to find solid timber furniture with plenty of character. Mixing new and pre-loved pieces can create a unique, welcoming space that feels more like a home than a hotel room.

When choosing sofas, dining chairs and other soft furnishings, look for durable, easy-to-clean fabrics or removable, washable covers. A comfortable mattress, supportive pillows and quality bed linen are also worthwhile investments, as these are often mentioned in guest reviews and can have a big impact on the overall experience.

ADD WARMTH WITH TEXTURE

Using a variety of textures can help to create a feeling of luxury in the home. Remember to add texture to create an inviting space - not an overwhelming one; so don’t go overboard on this. Texture can be added by way of throws, cushions, and rugs. In the cooler months, a basket with thick woollen blankets in the lounge or thrown over an armchair can make a place feel very welcoming and cosy.

If you can splurge on the budget, go with floor-to-ceiling-length curtains. Not only will this keep the space warmer in the cold months, but it also gives the feeling of luxury. Don’t forget sheer curtains for privacy.

Pro tip: Hanging your sheers in front of the curtains (rather than closest to the window) adds a romantic, dreamy look.

CREATE PERSONALITY WITHOUT BEING PERSONAL

Have you ever stayed in a home that was filled with someone’s personal items? Did it give you the feeling that you were invading someone’s private space?

When styling your home, be sure to add personal touches that reflect you and the location, but avoid displaying personal items such as photos. Items like local ceramics or artwork are ideal.

THINK ABOUT GUEST COMFORT

Beautiful styling may encourage someone to click on your listing, but it's the little details that often lead to five-star reviews and repeat bookings. As you style your Airbnb, try to see it through the eyes of your guests and think about what will make their stay comfortable and convenient.

Simple additions such as luggage racks, bedside tables with charging points nearby, quality pillows and bedding, extra blankets, blackout curtains and plenty of coat hooks can make a noticeable difference. If your property is likely to attract business travellers, a small desk or dedicated workspace and reliable high-speed WiFi are also valuable features.

A well-equipped kitchen with essentials such as a coffee machine, tea, cooking oil and basic pantry items can help guests feel at home from the moment they arrive. It's often these thoughtful touches that guests remember long after their stay and mention in their reviews.

BRING NATURE INDOORS

Low-maintenance indoor plants such as snake plants, ZZ plants or monstera can instantly make a space feel more welcoming without requiring constant care. Just be careful not to overcrowd rooms, and make sure any plants receive enough natural light between guest stays.

LAYER YOUR LIGHTING

Lighting plays a much bigger role than simply helping guests see. It creates atmosphere, makes spaces feel larger and warmer, and helps your property look its best in listing photos.

Rather than relying on a single ceiling light, aim to layer your lighting throughout each room. Combine overhead lighting with bedside lamps, floor lamps or table lamps to create a warm, inviting ambience.

Warm white bulbs generally create a cosier feel than cool white lighting, especially in living areas and bedrooms.

Bathrooms and kitchens benefit from brighter task lighting, while outdoor lighting near entrances, pathways or decks helps guests arrive safely after dark and adds to the overall presentation of your property.

A large mirror positioned opposite or beside a window can also reflect natural light throughout the room, making the space feel brighter and more spacious without any structural changes.

MAKE THE MOST OF OUTDOOR SPACES

Whether it's a compact apartment balcony or a spacious backyard, outdoor areas have become an increasingly important feature for Airbnb guests. Even a small outdoor space can add value when it's thoughtfully presented.

Choose durable, weather-resistant furniture that can withstand the elements, and add simple touches such as outdoor cushions, potted plants or soft lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere. If space allows, an outdoor dining setting or BBQ can make your property even more appealing, particularly for families and longer stays.

Privacy is another important consideration. Screening, hedging or strategically placed planter boxes can help create a more secluded outdoor retreat for guests to enjoy.

If you're planning a larger upgrade, consider working with a landscaper to make the most of your outdoor space. A well-designed garden or entertaining area not only enhances the guest experience but can also help your listing stand out from the competition.

STYLE FOR YOUR PHOTOS

No matter how beautifully you've styled your Airbnb, your listing photos are what persuade guests to click "Book Now". Taking the time to prepare each room before photographing it can make a significant difference to how your property is perceived online.

Open all curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible, turn on lamps to create warmth, and remove unnecessary clutter from benchtops and tables. Freshly made beds, neatly folded towels, a bowl of fruit or fresh flowers, and a few carefully chosen decorative pieces can help create an inviting, lived-in feel without making the space look overcrowded.

When photographing your property, try to capture each room from its widest angle to showcase the available space, and include any standout features that make your Airbnb unique, whether it's a cosy reading nook, beautiful outdoor entertaining area or stunning views. Professional photography is often one of the best investments you can make, helping your listing stand out and giving potential guests confidence in what they're booking.

INCLUDE ONE MEMORABLE FEATURE

Creating a “surprise” element in your home can be an unexpected bonus that will attract guests and make your listing stand out. An “instagrammable” area in the house could be a window seat guests can enjoy while gazing outdoors, a cosy small reading nook beneath the stairs (or an otherwise unused small space), an oversized piece of artwork, or vintage rocking chairs on the deck. Creating something unexpected will delight your guests – something they will remember your listing by, and hopefully, share with others.

At Orkney Group, we've spent more than 20 years helping Wellington homeowners transform and improve their properties. Whether you're renovating a holiday home, preparing an investment property or simply refreshing tired interiors, thoughtful design and quality workmanship can significantly improve both the appearance and long-term value of your property.

Creating an Airbnb that guests remember doesn't necessarily mean spending a fortune. Thoughtful styling, a cohesive colour scheme and a few well-chosen upgrades can make a significant difference to how your property looks, feels and photographs, helping it stand out in a competitive market.

If you're considering more than just cosmetic changes, our blog Planning a Renovation in Wellington offers practical advice to help you prepare for a successful renovation and avoid common pitfalls before work begins.

And if a fresh coat of paint is all your property needs, our Painting & Decorating team can help transform tired interiors and exteriors with professional workmanship and quality finishes that leave a lasting impression.

Whether you're refreshing an existing Airbnb or preparing a new property for its first guests, Orkney Group has been helping Wellington homeowners improve and enhance their homes for over 20 years. Get in touch with our team to discuss your project or request a no-obligation quote.