Architect's Advice: Tips for Increasing Airbnb Ratings and Earnings Through Vacation Rental Interior Design
Introduction
“I want to start a vacation rental, but how much should I spend on the interior?”
“My Airbnb ratings just won't go up.”
“I want an interior that international guests will love.”
Vacation rentals are currently attracting attention as a side business and real estate investment. However, since the quality of the interior is directly linked to Airbnb ratings, making the right investment in the interior will significantly impact your earnings.
From the perspective of someone who has run an architectural firm for 15 years, I will share tips on how to increase your Airbnb ratings and earnings through vacation rental interior design.
1. The 'Mindset' for Vacation Rental Interiors is Completely Different from Hotels
While hotels are chosen for their 'brand image,' vacation rentals are chosen based on 'photos and reviews.'
The process by which guests decide to book on Airbnb is as follows:
They see the photos and think, 'I want to stay here.'
They read the reviews and confirm, 'I can feel at ease.'
They look at the price and decide, 'I'll book it.'
In other words, an interior that looks great in photos and an interior that earns high ratings in reviews determine the profitability of your vacation rental.
2. Photogenic Interiors Determine 'Booking Rates'
On Airbnb, property photos are everything. No matter how comfortable the room is, if the photos are bad, you won't get bookings.
Tips for a Photogenic Interior
Decide on a theme
Narrow your concept down to one, such as 'Japanese Modern,' 'Scandinavian Style,' or 'Industrial.' A room without a theme will not look good in photos.
Accent wall
Just changing the color or material of one wall can significantly change the impression of the photo. This is the interior investment with the highest cost-effectiveness.
Lighting effects
Using warm-colored indirect lighting gives photos a cozy atmosphere. Turning on all the lights when taking photos makes the entire room look attractive.
Utilizing accessories and greenery
Placing houseplants, candles, or art pieces creates an impression of a 'stylish vacation rental.' You can improve how photogenic your space is without spending much money.
3. Interior Design That International Guests Will Love
For vacation rentals with many international guests visiting Japan, interior designs that appeal to foreigners lead to high ratings.
Creating a Japanese Atmosphere
What international guests look for in a vacation rental is a "unique Japanese experience."
Incorporate Japanese elements such as tatami mats, shoji screens, and washi paper lighting
Display local traditional crafts and art
Provide storage space for yukata and towels
User-friendly universal design
Number and location of power outlets (install extra, as international guests use adapter plugs)
Install USB charging ports next to the bed
Use smart locks to eliminate language barriers
Thorough cleanliness
International guests are very sensitive to cleanliness. By using materials and designs that are easy to clean, you make it easier for guests to write "clean" in their reviews.
④ Interior design that earns "5-star reviews"
Interior design tailored to Airbnb's evaluation criteria leads to high ratings.
Cleanliness
The most important item in Airbnb evaluations.
Choose materials that are easy to clean (flooring with fewer seams, stain-resistant wallpaper)
Design ventilation to prevent mold growth
Use white towels and linens (they convey a sense of cleanliness)
Accuracy
The photos must match the actual room. Over-embellishing photos leads to low ratings. The ideal is photos that look slightly better than reality.
Check-in
Implement contactless check-in using smart locks or key boxes. This also accommodates late-night or early-morning check-ins.
Communication
Place multilingual guidebooks in the room. A guidebook featuring recommended local spots and restaurants leads to high ratings.
Location
While you cannot change the location, you can compensate for it by arranging windows and creating views that help guests appreciate the location.
Value
Create an interior that makes guests feel, "I am satisfied with this quality for this price." It is important to achieve an appropriate grade that is neither too expensive nor cheap-looking.
5. Vacation rental interior design techniques to make it look expensive on a low budget
Since many vacation rentals are run by individual owners, budgets are almost always limited.
How to make it look expensive while keeping costs down
Prioritize your spending
Beds and bedding: Do not compromise (sleep quality is directly linked to ratings)
Lighting: Just adding indirect lighting makes a huge difference
Accent walls: Focus on just one wall
Accessories and greenery: Big impact for a small amount of money
Where you can save money
Ceilings: Just painting them white is enough
Curtains: Simple, solid colors are sufficient
Storage: Use affordable furniture like IKEA as a substitute
Save money with DIY
You can handle painting walls, installing shelves, and arranging accessories yourself. Always hire a professional for electrical and plumbing work.
6. Facility design compliant with the Private Lodging Business Act
To start a vacation rental, you must comply with the law. There are facilities you should consider during the design phase.
Required facilities
Installation of emergency lighting and exit signs
Installation of fire extinguishers
Installation of fire alarms
Ensuring ventilation equipment
Regarding Notifications and Permits
You must submit a notification based on the Private Lodging Business Act (New Private Lodging Law). Some regions may have restrictions based on local ordinances. Be sure to check with your local government before opening.
How to Think About Budget Allocation
The interior budget for a vacation rental varies greatly depending on the size and grade of the property, but 500,000 to 1.5 million yen for a studio apartment is a good benchmark.
High-Priority Investment Areas
Beds and bedding (directly linked to sleep quality and reviews)
Photogenic interior design (directly linked to booking rates)
Materials that are easy to keep clean (directly linked to cleanliness ratings)
Smart locks (directly linked to check-in ratings)
Multilingual information and guest guides (directly linked to communication ratings)
Summary
✅ Choose a theme and create a photogenic interior
✅ Increase satisfaction for international guests by incorporating Japanese-style elements
✅ Improve review ratings by using materials that are easy to keep clean
✅ Enhance convenience with smart locks
✅ Do not compromise on beds and bedding; prioritize sleep quality above all else
Designing a vacation rental interior based on "whether it will get high ratings on Airbnb" rather than just "looking stylish" will lead to stable earnings.
Follow me to receive notifications. Please be sure to follow!
I have been running a construction company for 15 years, staffed by many qualified professionals including architects, electrical engineers, and plumbing construction management engineers. We have a proven track record in constructing restaurants, clinics, hair salons, nurseries, and more. I am sharing information on store and facility interior design from a field-perspective.
#VacationRental #Airbnb #VacationRentalOpening #SideHustle #RealEstateInvestment #Inbound #InteriorConstruction #Architecture #PrivateLodgingBusinessAct #ForeignTourists