Designing Your Summer Airbnb: Balancing Investment, Durability & Delight
Your seasonal getaway can be both a smart investment and a space you love.
Designing a summer property that doubles as an Airbnb is a unique kind of challenge—and one we love. It’s not just about creating a beautiful space; it’s about building a property that performs. That means designing with durability, profitability, and personal enjoyment all in mind.
Whether you’re renovating a lake house, upgrading a cottage, or furnishing your first short-term rental, thoughtful design makes a noticeable difference—not only in how your listing photographs, but in how it wears, functions, and feels over time.
Tip 1: Start With the Guest Experience (and Be Honest About Your Audience)
Before choosing paint colors or shopping for furniture, take a step back and consider your guest. Are you hoping to attract families? Couples? Pet-friendly weekenders? Your ideal renter should inform your layout, materials, and even storage solutions.
Small-space layouts that feel open and intentional tend to photograph well, book fast, and get great reviews. Think durable floors, smart furniture placement, and multi-use pieces (like a bench with hidden storage or a coffee table that doubles as a game table).
Pro tip: prioritize sleeping arrangements. Offering flexible setups (bunk beds in one room, a king-sized bed in another) allows you to accommodate different groups without overcomplicating your space.
Main Bedroom Concept
Bunk Room Concept
Tip 2: Design for Durability, Not Perfection
Yes, you want your Airbnb to look great—but more importantly, it has to last. That gorgeous boucle chair you saw on Instagram? It won’t survive a month of sunscreen and snack fingers.
Instead, opt for materials that clean easily, wear well, and still look beautiful. Performance fabrics, washable slipcovers, wipeable surfaces, and outdoor-rated rugs used indoors are all go-to tricks we love. Think more about texture and less about delicacy. This isn’t the space for irreplaceable heirlooms.
Walls take a beating too, so consider washable paints and vertical paneling (hello, shiplap!) for charm and protection in one.
Kitchenette & Living Room Concept
Tip 3: Add Personality—Without Making It Personal
Designing for guests doesn’t mean going bland. In fact, listings with character and charm consistently outperform neutral, forgettable spaces. So yes, bring in color, art, and local touches! Just keep personal photos, niche collections, and anything irreplaceable out of the mix.
We love adding visual interest through artwork, textiles, and layered lighting. A signature color palette or regional nod (think lake-inspired blues, vintage ski prints, or local pottery) can help your rental feel memorable without feeling like someone else’s house.
Finish Selections
