Why Interior Design Can Make or Break Your Airbnb Ratings

In the competitive world of short-term rentals, success isn't just about location and price. For UK hosts and tenants, a property's interior design is a powerful, often underestimated, factor that directly influences bookings, nightly rates, and, most importantly, guest ratings. A beautiful, well-thought-out space goes far beyond aesthetics—it creates an experience that leaves a lasting impression and can make the difference between a five-star review and a mediocre one.

This guide will explore why interior design is so crucial, how it impacts your Airbnb’s performance, and offer practical, UK-specific advice for both new and experienced tenants looking to get it right.

The Link Between Design, Perception, and Your Bottom Line

When a potential guest is scrolling through hundreds of listings, what makes them stop and click on yours? The answer is often visual appeal. Your listing photos are your first and most important marketing tool. A well-designed interior captures attention, signals professionalism, and sets a positive first impression. This is a crucial step in a guest’s journey; a poorly designed or cluttered space can lead to a quick scroll-past, while a stylish one invites them to explore further.

The connection between design and success isn't just a theory—it's backed by data. Listings with high ratings tend to achieve higher daily rates, better occupancy, and increased revenue. Platforms like Airbnb prioritise listings with strong ratings and positive reviews, boosting their visibility in search results. A McKinsey study showed that even small improvements in star ratings can drive significant growth.

In the UK, where competition is fierce in popular cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester, a standout interior is what distinguishes a successful host from one who struggles with low occupancy.

Here’s a breakdown of how design directly influences key metrics:

• Higher Rankings and Visibility: A great-looking property generates positive reviews, which boosts your listing’s ranking in Airbnb’s search algorithm. This means more people see your listing.

• Increased Bookings and Occupancy: An eye-catching listing gets more clicks and more bookings. This leads to a higher occupancy rate, a critical factor for profitability.

• Premium Pricing Power: Guests are willing to pay more for a space that is both functional and beautiful. A professionally designed or thoughtfully decorated property can command higher nightly rates.

• Enhanced Guest Satisfaction: A comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment makes guests feel valued. This leads to more five-star reviews, which in turn fuels the cycle of success.

Key Design Elements That Drive High Ratings

To create an Airbnb that consistently earns top marks, you don’t need to be a professional interior designer. You just need to focus on a few key areas that have the biggest impact on the guest experience.

1. Cleanliness and Clutter-Free Spaces

This is non-negotiable. Guests expect a spotlessly clean space, and a five-star rating is impossible without it. A clean, clutter-free environment immediately puts guests at ease. A cluttered space, by contrast, not only looks messy but can also imply a lack of care and poor maintenance.

• Practical Tip: Adopt a minimalist approach. Clear all personal items, such as family photos or engraved decorations. Ensure all surfaces, from kitchen countertops to bedside tables, are free of unnecessary items. This makes the space look larger and more inviting.

2. Accuracy and Setting Expectations

One of the most common reasons for a low rating is when a guest’s expectations don’t match reality. Your photos must be a genuine, up-to-date representation of your property.

• Practical Tip: Use high-quality, professional photos that accurately portray the space. If you've changed the sofa or repainted a room, update your photos immediately. For example, if your property is near a lively London pub, you could mention "Enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere" to set a realistic, yet positive, expectation about potential noise.

3. The Power of a Cohesive Theme

A unified design theme gives your property a unique character and makes it memorable. Whether it’s a rustic cottage in the Cotswolds, a modern urban flat in Glasgow, or a coastal retreat in Cornwall, a consistent style makes the space feel intentional and well-designed.

• Practical Tip: Choose a theme that complements your location. In a traditional Georgian townhouse in Bath, for example, a classic, elegant design with a few vintage touches would be more appropriate than a futuristic, minimalist style. Stick to a neutral colour palette with a few carefully chosen accents to create a calming and sophisticated feel.

4. Durability and Practicality

Airbnb furniture endures a lot of wear and tear. Investing in durable, high-quality furniture is a smart financial decision in the long run. Cheap items may seem appealing initially, but they'll need to be replaced frequently, costing you more over time and potentially leading to negative reviews.

• Practical Tip: Opt for sturdy, easy-to-clean materials. Look for sofas with removable, washable covers and dining tables made of solid wood. Prioritise comfort; a stylish but uncomfortable sofa is a recipe for a bad review.

5. Strategic Amenities and Comfort

Beyond a comfortable bed and clean bathroom, a few thoughtful amenities can elevate a stay from good to exceptional. These small details show you've gone the extra mile to consider your guest's comfort.

• Practical Tip: Provide a welcome basket with local treats, such as Cornish pasties or Scottish shortbread. Include a coffee machine, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a smart TV. In a smaller UK apartment, consider providing a guide to local transport, like the Tube in London or trams in Manchester.

  
  

Table: Design Investments and Their Impact on Ratings

Design Element	Practical UK Example	Impact on Ratings
High-Quality Bedding	A thick duvet, high-thread-count sheets, and plump pillows.	Guests sleep better, leading to five-star comfort ratings.
Ample Lighting	A mix of overhead, task, and ambient lighting, e.g., floor lamps.	Well-lit spaces feel safer and more welcoming; improves photo quality.
Local Touches	A print of the Edinburgh skyline or pottery from a local artist.	Creates a unique, memorable experience and a sense of place.
Well-Equipped Kitchen	A kettle, toaster, microwave, and a good set of pots and pans.	Crucial for self-catering guests, particularly for longer stays.
Fast Wi-Fi	A reliable, fast internet connection.	Essential for business travellers and families; often a deal-breaker.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Airbnb Design

While focusing on the positive is important, it’s equally crucial to avoid common pitfalls that can sink your ratings and profitability.

1. Over-personalising the Space: Remember, this isn’t your home. Guests want to feel like they’re in a clean, neutral space, not intruding on someone else’s life. Remove personal photos and highly specific decor.

2. Ignoring Guest Feedback: Guest reviews are a goldmine of information. If multiple guests mention a wobbly table or uncomfortable pillows, fix it. Ignoring feedback is a surefire way to repeat mistakes and watch your ratings suffer.

3. Sacrificing Comfort for Style: That trendy-looking sofa might seem great in photos, but if it's uncomfortable to sit on, your guests won't be happy. Prioritise comfort and functionality over fleeting trends.

4. Over-investing in Luxury: While quality is important, don't buy overly luxurious or expensive items. An Airbnb is a business asset subject to heavy use. Focus on durable, mid-range items that are both stylish and practical.

Final Thoughts: The Path to a Five-Star Stay

In the UK's bustling short-term rental market, interior design isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s an investment that pays dividends in the form of higher ratings, increased visibility, and greater revenue. By prioritising a clean, comfortable, and cohesive design, avoiding common pitfalls, and being mindful of your legal and financial obligations, you can create a truly memorable space that keeps guests coming back. The path to five-star success is built on more than just location; it's built on a commitment to creating an outstanding guest experience, one thoughtfully designed room at a time.