1. Think minimalist, not maximalist. 

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Luckily, for the Airbnb design aesthetic, less is more. But you want to have a balance here. You don’t want your Airbnb to look like a college boy’s dorm room—sparsely decorated with plain Ikea furniture lying around. Instead, go for a clean and fresh minimalist look with beautiful and creative design touches in just the right place. Clutter doesn’t look good in photos and no guest wants to be overwhelmed by all the knick-knacks you have (especially guests with children who love to pick up every object they see). Instead, think of thoughtful placement and a minimal number of objects or wall hangings (as in, placing in groups of three.) This will help your bottom line too—you can still create a beautiful aesthetic or theme with your space without spending a ton on decorative items. 

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2. Be choosy where you shop.

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On the aforementioned Ikea...a little Ikea is fine, though its plainness and simplicity can be a visual bore. Branch out beyond Ikea, and if you have the eye for it, you’ll be able to score some finds at less expensive stores. If you love Anthropologie but aren’t a millionaire, get choice decorative items at World Market instead. If you love Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel, you can find similar knock-offs at Ross or Marshalls—again, if you have the eye for it. If not, bring along a design-minded friend who can help you pick out the gems inside the cheaper stores. Online shopping is also a great way to get those deals.

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3. Don’t underestimate the value of free stuff! 

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When I design my Airbnbs, I like to do a mix of modern and vintage. You can make a space much more visually interesting if you keep a playful balance between the two. A space filled with all new, modern furniture will feel too stark and uninviting. All vintage will feel too grimy or stuffy. A thoughtful mix of both is the perfect combination for the Airbnb aesthetic and for those listing photos. And utilizing some free resources will help you achieve the look. In the months leading up to listing your Airbnb, get in the habit of checking the free sections on Craigslist, Nextdoor, Buy Nothing Groups, etc. Check the Little Free Libraries around town for vintage hardcovers and coffee table magazines. You would be amazed at how many cute things people want or need to give away because they’re moving. While I was setting up an Airbnb in Southern California, a lady a few streets up from me posted a multitude of free items on Nextdoor. She had gorgeous antiques, vintage pieces, and much-needed kitchenware. I messaged her immediately and learned that she was moving across country and needed the stuff out asap but couldn’t physically move it. Meanwhile, I had an empty Airbnb to furnish and all the time in the world to move some furniture around. I became her favorite person during move-out week, and every few days she would message me with the new stuff she found that she didn’t want to keep. We were a match made in heaven. Keep in mind that there are a lot of people all over your city who are moving and need someone like you to come take things off their hands. You will be each other’s best friends for a week.

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