Airbnb Design Ideas

Airbnb Interior Design Tips for a Modern Look

Those in the interior design or real estate industries know that modern design sells best. But what exactly does that mean for Airbnb hosts? Aren’t there a million different types of modern design? How do you choose which style to go with? Learn the ins and outs of modern design and the different vibes you can achieve with each style.

by Fernish

Understanding Modern Design for Airbnb

Modern interior design is all about creating inviting yet functional short-term rental spaces. It’s characterized by clean lines, neutral palettes, pops of color, geometric shapes, and a combination of natural and industrial materials. 

Some of the key characteristics of modern Airbnb interior design are detailed below.

Clean Lines

Lines that are clean and simple in design are easy for the eye to follow and have a visually uncomplicated appearance. These lines can be vertical, horizontal, or even curved. 

Neutrals Tones With Pops of Color

To make spaces feel light and open, modern design features slews of neutral tones such as gray, beige, brown, and white. Pops of color, such as fire-engine red, orange, mustard, and turquoise, are also common in modern design.

Geometric Shapes

In modern design, geometric shapes with clean lines and clear, perfect edges are often used in a pattern to give the space a sophisticated feel. 

Natural Materials

Natural materials, such as woods, stones, and rattans, are a foundational element of modern design. The intent of these materials is to make spaces feel tranquil and welcoming. 

Modern Airbnb Interior Design Styles

Now that you know some key staples of modern design elements, let’s dig into the different subcategories. 

While “modern farmhouse” and “mid-century modern” looks both have “modern” in their names, they are wildly different. Read on to learn about the various niches and how each substyle differs.

Minimalism

Minimalist design is just that — minimal or simple in nature. It features clean lines and neutral color palettes. Minimalist design is all about creating open, streamlined, and inviting spaces. 

Scandinavian

Scandinavian design is centered around creating functional spaces that are open and filled with light. They often feature neutral color palettes and natural elements such as solid wood. 

Japandi

Japandi is the perfect fusion of two modern styles. It takes the functionality of Scandinavian design and combines it with the neutral minimalism of Japanese style to create soothing, decluttered spaces. 

Industrial

Modern industrial style is all about making something old feel new by using raw materials and unfinished elements to create an updated, urban feel. 

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century modern is defined by simple, clean lines and functional silhouettes. It can be mixed with other styles easily because it is not overly ornate.

Modern Farmhouse

Modern farmhouse design removes the rustic feel of the traditional “farmhouse” style and brings in neutral colors. The style offers cleaner and smoother lines, which create a more polished and finished feel. 

Glam

Glam modern design creates elevated, luxe spaces through the use of metallics and shiny finishes, balancing light with these refined accents.

How to Incorporate Modern Design in Your Airbnb

You don’t have to stick to just one modern style; you can play around and weave in different modern design elements from various subcategories. Layered spaces with curated designs feel more thoughtful and homey. Create a space using a few different styles to see which ones speak to you the most. 

If you are looking for design inspiration or feeling stumped about where to get started, you can search hashtags like #moderndesign, #japandi, #scandidesign, and #modernfarmhouse on Instagram. 

Bookmark the photos you like best and create an impromptu mood board. If you’re feeling extra ambitious you can even make a Pinterest board. The great thing about Pinterest is that it uses AI to recommend similar products and photos. Once you pin a few that you like, the suggestions will roll in without you having to do any of the sourcing. 

Share your mood boards with friends and family to get feedback. You can even set your Pinterest modern design board to collaboration mode and invite specific people to contribute to it. This is a fun way to go back and forth with people whose style you admire and to bounce ideas off one another. 

Want an easy way to see the different modern looks in one place? This virtual design quiz recommends products you can rent, rent to own, or buy based on your selected preferences. It only takes a few clicks and is a fun and easy way to get inspired.