How to Make More Money with Your Airbnb: Out with the Old, In with the Light and Airy

The vacation rental market is more competitive than ever, and if you're running an Airbnb, the key to standing out (and charging more) often comes down to design. One of the most important—and overlooked—factors that influence a guest’s booking decision is the look and feel of your space.

If your Airbnb still leans heavily on chunky wood furniture, dark tones, or a “woodsy cabin” aesthetic, it might be time to rethink your approach. Today’s travelers are looking for modern, bright, and thoughtfully designed spaces that feel like a boutique hotel—clean, calming, and Instagram-ready.

Here’s how to upgrade your Airbnb to boost your bookings and increase your revenue.

1. Say Goodbye to the Rustic Cabin Look

Once charming, the heavy wood beams, dark-paneled walls, and antler chandeliers of the old “cabin chic” style are now seen as dated by most guests. Travelers—especially younger audiences—are drawn to properties that feel fresh, airy, and aligned with the minimalist, modern aesthetic they see online.

Out:

• Chunky log furniture

• Dark, heavy wood paneling

• Outdated mountain or rustic décor

• Brown and burgundy color palettes

  
  

2. Embrace a Light, Airy, and Modern Feel

What’s in? Clean lines, calming neutrals, and natural light. Guests want a space that feels like a breath of fresh air. Think Scandinavian design meets coastal calm.

In:

• Light wood furniture (think birch, ash, or white oak)

• White or off-white walls to reflect natural light

• Minimalist décor with curated pops of color

• Sheer curtains and soft lighting

• Indoor plants for a fresh, natural touch

These updates create a space that feels bigger, cleaner, and more inviting— especially in listing photos, which are key to attracting guests

3. Invest in Modern Bathrooms and Kitchens

Guests will pay more for updated kitchens and bathrooms—period. If you're still rocking tile countertops or outdated fixtures, a refresh can go a long way.

In the Kitchen:

• Swap out dated cabinets for flat-front styles in light tones

• Install modern pulls and handles (brushed brass or matte black)

• Upgrade to sleek countertops like quartz or butcher block

• Add under-cabinet lighting and open shelving for a contemporary touch

In the Bathroom:

• Ditch the shower curtain for glass doors

• Choose large format tile in neutral tones

• Install floating vanities and backlit mirrors

• Stock with high-end toiletries and plush white towels

  
  

4. Use White Linens for a Boutique Hotel Feel

There’s a reason top-rated Airbnbs and hotels use all-white bedding: it signals cleanliness, quality, and comfort. Skip the themed bedspreads and go for crisp, white duvets and sheets. Add a soft throw or accent pillow for personality, but let white be your base.

Bonus: White linens are easier to bleach and keep looking pristine, which also helps with reviews.

5. Add Thoughtful Touches that Wow Guests

Guests remember details. Here are a few high-impact, low-cost upgrades:

• A coffee station with a sleek Nespresso or pour-over setup

• Curated local guidebooks or wall-mounted recommendations

• Full-length mirrors for selfies and getting ready

• USB ports and charging stations at each bedside

• A few statement plants (faux or real) to soften the space

  
  

6. Photograph Like a Pro

Once your space reflects your modern vision, make sure your listing shows it off. Hire a professional photographer, or at the very least, shoot during the day with natural light. Showcase the brightness, clean lines, and spacious feel of the updated design.

Final Thoughts: Design That Pays Off

Redesigning your Airbnb doesn’t have to mean a total overhaul. Focus on the elements that matter most to guests—natural light, modern touches, and a cohesive, clean aesthetic. Small changes like swapping out dark wood for light finishes, updating linens, and adding greenery can significantly increase your nightly rate and occupancy.

In the new era of Airbnb, guests are willing to pay for style. The more your space feels like a curated, peaceful retreat, the more bookings you’ll see—and the more you can charge.