How to succeed at Holiday Rental Styling

Thinking about listing your holiday home on Airbnb or a short-term rental platform? Whether it’s your first time hosting or you're upgrading an existing property,  holiday rental styling is key.  How you style and furnish your rental will directly impact your bookings, reviews, and revenue.

Many property owners spend months searching for the perfect investment or renovating their holiday home—only to neglect the the holiday rental styling phase. But today’s guests expect more than just a clean bed and good location. They’re searching for a mini escape, a taste of luxury, and a space that feels like a boutique hotel. Fortunately, that’s easier to deliver than you might think.

'A cohesive and strategic decorating plan not only will get the booking in the first place but improve the entire experience thus improving repeat stays and great reviews. This means you will increase your bookings and also your ability to charge a higher rental price.'

Why Design Matters for Holiday Rentals

Be strategic about your holiday rental styling as its helps to;

• Attract more bookings through scroll-stopping photos

• Encourage better guest reviews and repeat stays

• Command a higher nightly rate

• Stand out in a saturated rental market

Even a simple investment—like a bedhead or seascape artwork—can make a surprising difference in your occupancy rate.

There is a lot of advice around in regards to how to renovate a rental property, do your listing and keeping your property clean/ clutter free but we wanted to concentrate on the decorating side of things in this blog as we have so many customers on this exciting journey.

Your aim should be to make any guest feel like they are staying in an inviting and luxurious hotel, a holiday away from the stresses of everyday life. Does this sound daunting? Its actually not that hard to accomplish if you invest in the right areas.

Here is our guide to becoming a super host.

1. Choose Your Interior Design Style

Before you start purchasing furniture, decide on a clear design style—and stick with it across the property.

Hamptons style is a popular and reliable choice for holiday rental styling, especially in coastal or beach-adjacent areas. Its blend of clean lines, soft tones, and natural materials creates a luxurious, resort-like feel that guests love.

But Hamptons doesn’t always mean white-on-white. You can opt for modern, classic, or coastal variations of the style, or even blend it with other aesthetics like contemporary or industrial—just keep it cohesive.

2. Know Your Target Market

Ask yourself:

• Who do you want to attract—families, couples, business travellers, or groups?

• What amenities will they value most?

Examples:

• Business guests: Provide a desk or workspace.

• Families: Offer a high chair, basket of toys, or child-safe furnishings.

• Couples: Focus on comfort, intimacy, and spa-like touches.

Tailoring your decorating plan to your audience helps guests feel understood and welcome.

If you are targeting business people, make sure you offer a nice place to work.

A basket of toys or a high chair for family stays can make all the difference to parents.

3. Comfort Is Key

A beautiful rental is useless without comfort. Poor bedding or an uncomfortable sofa can ruin the entire guest experience.

Must-have comfort essentials:

• A quality mattress, pillows, and doona

• Natural-fibre sheets and covers (like our new ‘Threads’ range – a 50/50 cotton-linen blend for five-star softness)

• Plush, supportive lounges guests can sink into

A good night’s sleep leads to glowing reviews—and loyal return guests.

4. Invest in Furniture That Adds Luxury

When holiday rental styling, remember your goal is to create a space that feels like a holiday. Make strategic investments that visually elevate each room:

Essentials for Styling Success:

• A linen bedhead or bed frame: Instantly adds structure, elegance, and comfort

• Artwork: Choose calming pieces in blue, green, and neutral palettes—like our Shoreline seascape canvas

• Lamps and trays: Great for styling and creating photo-worthy moments

• Beautiful, functional dining settings and sofas

Pro tip: Thoughtful styling equals better photography, which equals more bookings.

 We have spoken to many customers who have informed us how their occupancy rates went up considerably after making this one simple investment.

5. Focus on Durability

Short-term rentals need furnishings that can handle wear and tear. Choose materials that are both beautiful and built to last.

Areas to pay close attention to:

Dining room:
Opt for sealed or coated tables. Choose chairs with rattan seats or removable pads.

Lounge room:
Choose slipcover sofas in linen blends—easy to dry clean or replace.

If you have your heart set on a light colour, choose a slipcover design where the covers can be removed and dry cleaned or even replaced.

Rugs:
Use polypropylene rugs. They’re affordable, durable, easy to clean, and ideal for high-traffic, sandy or pet-friendly home

Outdoor furniture:
Look for UV- and weather-resistant options that don’t need frequent maintenance. Our poly timber adirondack range is a crowd favourite for holiday rentals. And why not make your entry shine with our Hamptons PVC planter boxes?

6. Add Finishing Touches That Wow

This is where the magic happens. Add elements that surprise, delight, and photograph well:

• Books on the shelf

• High-quality soaps and hand towels

• Faux plants or florals for colour

• Designer trays with candles, coasters, or drinkware

• Historical photos or local interest books

• A welcome moment at the entrance—like a white Hamptons PVC planter box with greenery

Guests remember the details. These touches help create emotional connections—and better reviews.

Guests remember the details. These touches help create emotional connections—and better reviews.

7. Prepare for Photography & Hospitality

You’ve styled the space—now show it off!

• Hire a professional photographer

• Use natural light

• Stage with thoughtful vignettes

• Remove clutter (but not all personality)

Then go one step further with guest-focused hospitality:

• Provide a printed welcome book with local tips

• Include beach towels, picnic supplies, or toys if relevant

• Invest in quality cheese boards, glassware, and cookware

• Ensure your kitchen is fully stocked with essentials

Bonus: Use a Styling Service if You Need Help

If decorating feels overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. Our Interior Design & Styling Service includes:

• Onsite visit and measurements

• Mood boards tailored to your vision

• Professional support from experienced designers

And the best part? The consultation fee is redeemable over a certain spend.

Learn more about our styling service here →

Final Thoughts: Design Your Way to Superhost Status

With the right strategy and a thoughtful investment in comfort, quality, and style, your holiday rental can truly shine.

Whether you're aiming to increase occupancy, improve guest satisfaction, or command a premium rate, following these holiday rental styling tips will put you on the path to success.

Explore our full collection of Hamptons furniture, artwork, linens, and styling services to start your journey.