Making the Most of Your Design Budget

Designing an Airbnb that stands out doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll guide you through each room of your space with smart, budget-friendly tips to help you spend wisely and get the most impact for your money. Whether you're furnishing from scratch or refreshing a tired space, knowing where to focus your budget can make all the difference in attracting guests and earning rave reviews.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms (especially the primary bedroom) are often the selling point of a property for guests.

If space permits, always go for a king over a queen and always go for a queen over a full.

Err on the side of a firmer mattress. Make sure mattresses are clean (in case guests look under the sheets) and always cover a mattress in a waterproof protector. 

Make sure the bed is not too low or too high off the ground. Older people or those with mobility issues may have trouble if your beds are either too high or too low.

Beds don’t necessarily need a headboard, but the headboard is a design element that adds some character. In lieu of a headboard, you can add extra throw pillows and artwork above the bed.

Opt for a wood or fabric bed frame over a metal bedframe, as they look more polished.

Artwork should be sophisticated and pleasing to the average person. Think of what you’d see in an upscale hotel (but don’t spend a lot on art - you can get wrapped canvas prints for well under $100). 

If space allows, have a nightstand on either side of the bed (unless it’s a twin bed) so both guests have somewhere to put their things.

Lamps and overhead lighting can add a LOT to a room. Have a matching set of stylish lamps on each nightstand. You don’t need to spend a lot on lamps - you can get a nice set for $60 or less. But don’t get glass/ceramic, as they can easily break. Wood, wicker or metal are best.

Use classic bedding to ground the room. Always use white sheets (just like all hotels do). Have 3 sets of sheets per bed. Provide a lightweight comforter in whatever color you like (or even a sophisticated pattern, if you prefer). Have 2 comforters per bed. Stay away from using blankets instead of a comforter. You should provide blankets as an add-on if the guests wants to use it. Blankets can be stored in the closet or a drawer. 

Put 4 bed pillows on each bed (2 pillows on a twin bed). Use king size pillows on a king bed and standard/queen pillows on other sized beds. Always use pillow protectors over bare pillows (and under pillow cases). If pillows are stained or flat, it’s time to replace them.

Adding a large rug under the bed (but sticking out on 3 sides of the bed) provides a really nice aesthetic that brings a room together. 

Provide at least one piece of storage furniture for guests, like a dresser. To dress up an older or plain dresser, you can switch out the knobs for something fun/unique. You can even add peel and stick wallpaper to the top/sides or drawer fronts for some added interest.

Add coverings windows. Many guests prefer room-darkening shades or curtains. 

Always have a mirror in a bedroom - either a full-length mirror or a wall mirror. 

While it’s nice to add a seating area (a bench or chair) to a bedroom, it’s not absolutely necessary.

Ideally, each bedroom would have a TV. While not all guests will use it, at least it’s there.

Living Areas

Make sure to have plenty of comfortable seating in living areas. You should have enough seating for as many people as you can sleep in the house. Ideally, seating in living areas consist of cozy couches and arm chairs that go together visually and promote cuddling up (as opposed to hard chairs that force you to sit upright). 

Seating should be clean (without stains) and in relatively good shape.

Have some end tables/coffee table for guests’ convenience.

Have some lighting besides overhead lighting (table lamps, floor lamps).

An area rug provides a nice stylish way to ground a room.

Provide a large TV for guests to gather around.

Provide some books and games for guests. These can come from Goodwill or you can provide what you already own. Do not leave anything super controversial or polarizing.

Don’t leave out a lot of knick-knacks or candles. 

Artwork should be sophisticated and pleasing to the average person. Think of what you’d see in an upscale hotel (but don’t spend a lot on art - you can get wrapped canvas prints for well under $100). 

Use throw pillows to add some visual interest.

Kitchen

It’s possible to get relatively inexpensive kitchenware on Amazon and other similar sites, so don’t skimp. Make sure to have an array of crockery, bakeware, small appliances, utensils and more. Reference the kitchen items in this list.

Don’t do melamine or acrylic for dishes, serving ware or drinkware. It may be unbreakable, but it will eventually fade and crack over time, especially if put in the microwave and dishwasher. Opt for Corelle unbreakable dishes. For glassware, just expect to lose a few to breakage and replace them periodically. 

Do not buy expensive pots and pans or a knife set. Guests are especially rough on these items so you’ll be replacing them every year or so anyway. 

Guests don’t necessarily rent homes for their kitchens alone (unless they’re looking for a chef’s kitchen) so don’t feel like you need to update your cabinets and countertops to set up a vacation rental. But do make sure your kitchen is comfortably usable. Appliances should be in good working order. 

A great easy update for kitchens is a nice faucet. 

Outdoor

Outdoor areas can be an important factor for guests when making a decision to book, so if you have an outdoor area, make sure to make it livable. There should be enough seating to accommodate as many guests as you allow. Fun or unique seating (like an egg chair) can make your listing memorable and set your space apart from competitors.

Don’t buy the cheapest or the most expensive outdoor furniture. Don’t buy anything that folds up (unless space is a real concern) - it gives the impression of being cheap. 

Furniture with cushions gives a much nicer impression, usually. Buy dark cushions so they don’t show stains as easily.

Outdoor lighting creates a really nice ambience. String up plug-in cafe lights. The battery-powered/solar-powered are not very reliable.

Many guests expect a grill. Propane is best but you will be expected to provide propane to guests. If you have any concerns about putting a grill at your property, it’s not absolutely necessary.

Do not provide a propane fire pit. Guests will keep it on for hours at a time and go through propane quickly and expect you to continuously drop off propane during their stay. Firepits, in general, are an extra liability, so unless your competitors all offer a firepit, we do not recommend one.

If there is no shade, it’s nice to provide a large umbrella, however, you will want to make sure your guests know to close it after each use, or else a large gust of wind will blow it away, causing a danger. 

Bathrooms

The number of bathrooms in your home is a good gauge of how many guests you can accommodate. Do not host more than 4 guests per bathroom.

Leave at least one set of white towels per max number of guests (bath towel, hand towel, white wash cloth) and half the number of black wash cloths as total guests (for makeup removal). 

If you have a pool or are in a beach market, leave beach towels for guests. 

Towels will need to be replaced periodically. Don’t buy the $3 towels but also don’t spend more than $10/towel (unless you are a luxury property).

In your inventory, you should have:

• 3 bath towels per max number of guests

• 5 hand towels per max number of guests

• 5+wash cloths per max number of guests

• 2-3 black wash cloths per max number of guests

• 2-3 white bath mat towels per tub/shower

• backup shower curtain and liner for each shower

• 3 beach towels per max number of guests

• Plunger (at least 1) 

• Toilet brush and toilet cleaner

• All-purpose (non-bleach) cleaner

The homes we manage all provide the following supplies for guests:

• shampoo

• conditioner

• body wash

• hand soap

• laundry pods

• toilet paper

• paper towels

• dish sponge

• dish soap

• dishwasher pods

• tall trash bags

• small trash bags

Designing an Airbnb that feels thoughtful, inviting, and memorable is all about knowing where to invest and where to save. By focusing your budget on the right areas in each room, you can create a space that not only looks great but also delivers a top-notch guest experience. If you're ready to start—or refresh—your own Airbnb or vacation rental and want expert help bringing your vision to life, contact us today. We’d love to help you set up a space that guests will love and remember.