Clever Airbnb Design Hacks You'll Want To Use In Your Own Home

Did you know that design is one of the reasons people choose to book Airbnb units instead of hotels? According to Statista, almost 25% of those surveyed stated "uniqueness of unit" as a motivating factor. Many hosts know this and go to great lengths to make their units stand out. But Airbnb accommodation is a business, and so hosts have to carefully balance cost with visual impact. The result? Some super clever decorating ideas that look great and won't break the bank.

And you don't have to own an Airbnb unit to take inspiration from these tips. Lots of these interior design tricks can apply to a regular home. They range from using wallpaper to make a statement, to how to make paint look like wallpaper, and how to make faux plants look deceptively real in a matter of minutes. If you've ever stayed in a beautiful Airbnb and secretly wished it was your home, here are some of the cleverest interior hacks that savvy hosts deploy (and that you can copy).

Using mirrors to make rooms feel bigger is an old trick — but there are times when hanging up a regular mirror might look out of place. In this video, the Airbnb host combined four mirrors to create a feature that feels like an art installation while also reflecting light and creating extra visual depth. To steal this idea, measure the wall space you want to decorate. For a modest area, you might be able to go with something like this basic wall-mount mirror from Amazon. For something larger, Amazon also sells these square vanity mirrors.

Faux plants can  a double-edged sword in design. They can get you that lush look minus any maintenance or natural light requirements, but obviously faux plants can feel cheap and tacky. For a more realistic look, try tinkering with the shape of the leaves and stems. Bend out the branches, flatten the leaves, and manipulate them until you achieve a more natural look. Placing moss, stones, or bark around the base can help disguise a clearly fake stem. And if you want to make faux plants look real on your home's exterior, mix them into an arrangement with real plants.

Making an Airbnb listing pop is all about hyping up noteworthy features, such as great views or amenities like fireplaces. To turn your fireplace into a focal point, consider creating an accent wall that goes from the hearth up to the ceiling. In this video, the creator installed thin timber strips vertically and horizontally, which adds dimension and frames out the fireplace. But you can achieve a similar effect by simply painting the wall your fireplace is on in a dark, moody color and making the mantel white. 

Contrast is key to preventing designs from feeling flat. If you've got lots of light furnishings and pale walls, pops of black can add the perfect edge. In this video, a black accent wall makes a strong statement as you enter the apartment. The color is repeated in the bedroom, on the kitchen island, and on the dining room ceiling, which creates cohesion. If you're not keen on feature walls, keep in mind that you can achieve a similar, just subtler effect with small items like lamps, art, side tables, and accent chairs.

If you want to save some dollars and get the wallpaper look for less, @house_of_boggs shows how you can use tape and a laser level to paint a repeating pattern and create an accent wall. Simply mark out a grid with painter's tape, and then use a sponge brush (with the tip cut flat) to stamp an alternating pattern. This is just one of many faux painting techniques you can try, such as brushing wet paint for a fabric look or even using a rubber stamp like in this faux wallpaper TikTok hack.

If you're looking to get more longevity from upholstered items and bedding, here's a smart piece of Airbnb host advice: choose patterns and prints over plain options. Prints can make marks and stains less visible, which is ideal for items that can't be bleached. This savvy tip also applies to rugs and mats. For ultimate stain-hiding power, choose a design with an intricate pattern, such as a Persian-style print or faux vintage rug, like this washable indoor doormat from Amazon. 

If you want your home to feel like a well-appointed Airbnb, now is the time to create a convenient solution for your paper towel roll. @superhostbae shows how she makes guests' lives easier by attaching a paper towel holder to the underneath of the kitchen cabinets in her unit. You can pick up similar ones on Amazon for less than $10, or make your own for just a couple of bucks using a plastic coat hanger paper towel holder DIY.

Ever wished for your own private sanctuary to retreat to and meditate or read? Well, Airbnb hosts show that you don't have to own a mansion to get your wish. In this video, @agathers21 gives us a tour of a "mood room" created from a walk-in closet. After clearing out a spare closet of its contents and railings, all you have to do is create some comfy seating with cushions, mount a shelf for things like books, candles, and ornaments, and install some cozy lighting, such as a table lamp and string lights.

If you want your bedroom to feel like a luxury hotel, then white bedding is the way. Airbnb hosts like white sheets because stains are easy to bleach out. Wave goodbye to spilled coffee ruining your new comforter. White is also easy to match. And don't think that white bedding has to be boring. You can still jazz up the color palette by incorporating a richly colored throw blanket and some extra cushions. With this approach, you can switch out the colors seasonally while keeping your base bedding the same.

This isn't a sexy interior design tip, but it can save you a lot of money and stress. Whether you want to make your home more pet-friendly, have kids, or simply want to preserve that white sofa, applying a layer of Scotchgard (or a similar product) is a smart move. Just make sure you do a test patch to ensure the colorfastness of your fabric, never use on leather, and avoid oversaturating upholstery with product, as this can cause discoloration and make you feel like Scotchgarding furniture is a big mistake.