How to Find Design Inspiration for Your Short-Term Rental (Without Overthinking It)

When it comes to decorating a short-term rental, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the Pinterest boards, design trends, and Instagram-perfect spaces out there. But here’s the truth I’ve learned through my own hosting journey: great design doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need a huge budget, a degree in interior design, or a themed room for every guest. What you do need is a little direction, and a plan that feels personal and manageable.

Here’s how I’ve approached design in my own Airbnb, and a few ideas to help you find your own style without overthinking it.

Start with Your Surroundings

One of the easiest and most natural places to draw inspiration from is your local area. Think about the mood, vibe, or even the weather and culture of your location.

Hosting near the coast? Soft blues, sandy neutrals, and driftwood textures might make sense.
In the mountains or high desert? Earth tones, cozy textures, and warm woods can reflect your surroundings without feeling forced.
Urban space? Clean lines, smart lighting, and bold art can match the energy of your city.

Using your location as a design cue creates a sense of cohesion and intentionality, and it helps guests feel more connected to the place they’re visiting.

Don’t Be Afraid to Build Around One Color

When I was setting up my Airbnb, I didn’t have a theme or even a clear design “style.” What I did have was a muted orange throw blanket that my husband gave me for Christmas and it didn’t really fit into our personal home’s decor. That one piece ended up inspiring a whole color story that runs through the space in subtle, simple ways.

You’ll find that muted orange:

On a few throw pillows and The Blanket :o)
On the kitchen plates and bowls
In accents within the wall art
And even on the front door

Everything else is neutral — creams and wood tones — which makes the orange stand out without overpowering the space. Best of all, if I ever want to change things up? I don’t have to swap out furniture or repaint every wall. I just update a few accessories, and the whole space can take on a new feel. Here are photos of my space and how I sprinkled muted orange throughout:

Or Go Totally Off the Wall — Literally

Now, if subtle neutrals aren’t your thing, here’s the fun part: you can go wild.

Short-term rentals are one of the few places where bold, themed design choices actually work. In fact, they often stand out more in crowded listing feeds and on social media.

If you’ve got a strong creative vision, lean into it.
Imagine:

An arcade-themed stay complete with retro game art, neon lights, and pixel-patterned wallpaper
A rainforest oasis in the desert, full of bold botanical wallpaper, hanging plants, and soft green textures
Or even a Vegas-style glam bungalow in Florida, dripping in gold accents, mirrors, velvet seating, and disco ball decor

Themes like these won’t be for everyone, and that’s the point. Themed rentals can carve out a niche that guests specifically seek out – especially for photo-worthy trips, girls’ weekends, or family getaways.

Just remember: the theme should still serve the comfort and usability of the space. Bold is fun, but not if it gets in the way of a guest relaxing or finding a spot to plug in their phone.

Let Texture Do the Heavy Lifting

If picking colors or committing to a theme feels like too much, you can also focus on texture and material.
Mixing textures like linen, leather, wood, ceramic, and metal keeps a space visually interesting without needing a lot of pattern or color. This is especially helpful for neutral-heavy designs.

It also makes your space feel more layered and welcoming, which translates to more comfort (and more five-star reviews).

Choose Function First, Style Second

Here’s something I always remind myself when I’m decorating a rental: this space needs to be used. Aesthetic matters, but not more than function.

So when you’re browsing for inspiration:

Choose throw pillows that are washable.
Pick rugs that hide wear and tear but still feel cozy.
Select art that ties things together without being too personal or distracting.

Design isn’t just about looks; it’s about how guests feel when they walk in the door. Calm, comfortable, and cared for is always the goal.

Quick Tips for Finding Inspiration

If you’re still feeling stuck, here are a few fun ways to spark ideas:

Look through your own home. What colors or pieces are you naturally drawn to?
Check out boutique hotels in your area — they’re often designed with local influence and guest experience in mind.
Browse by color or mood on Pinterest or Instagram. Try searching “desert modern,” “vintage glam,” or “green living room” and see what sparks.
Start with one anchor item. A piece of art, a rug, or even your favorite coffee mugs can guide your palette or theme.
Read more in “Design Tips: How to Furnish and Decorate Your Short-Term Vacation Rental Like a Pro.”

Final Thoughts

Designing your short-term rental should feel exciting, not stressful. Start with one simple inspiration point – whether it’s a color, a feeling, or your local surroundings – and build from there.

Whether you’re keeping it neutral and cozy or going all in on jungle wallpaper and disco balls, make it personal, intentional, and easy to maintain. That’s the sweet spot.

Want some help and guidance with choosing a theme? I would love to chat! Drop me a message in the comments.

– KP