Top Interior Design Trends for Short-Term Rentals in 2026

Interior design in the short-term rental market moves faster than in traditional real estate. What felt fresh and booking-worthy in 2023 can look dated by 2026 — and guests, increasingly sophisticated in their OTA browsing, can tell. The design choices you make affect click-through rates on your listing, review scores, and the ability to charge a premium.  

Here's what's resonating with guests in 2026. Awning helps owners prepare properties for maximum performance →

1. The Retreat Aesthetic Continues to Dominate  

The post-pandemic shift toward "restorative travel" hasn't faded. Guests still prioritize properties that feel like a genuine escape — calm color palettes, natural materials, uncluttered spaces. The maximalist "eclectic Airbnb" look has peaked in most markets and is now associated with older listings.  

2. Warm Neutrals Over Cool Grays  

Cool gray walls — the default palette of the 2015–2020 renovation era — feel dated. Warm whites, greiges, terracotta, and earthy tones are the current baseline for well-reviewed properties. Warm tones photograph better under artificial lighting (how most guests experience your listing photos) and make spaces feel more inviting in person.  

3. Quality Over Quantity in Furniture  

Guests are increasingly attentive to furniture quality in reviews. A room with three well-chosen, well-made pieces photographs better and holds up better than a room filled with budget flat-pack furniture.  

• A genuinely comfortable sofa (test it yourself)

• A mattress you'd actually sleep on

• Outdoor furniture that looks good and lasts more than one season

4. Functional Workspaces Are Now a Baseline  

Remote work has normalized travel that blends leisure and work. A dedicated workspace — even just a well-lit desk and an ergonomic chair — is now a filter feature on Airbnb and a frequent mention in positive reviews.

5. The 'Instagrammable Moment' Has Shifted  

In 2026, guests have developed a good eye for staged Instagram moments that don't reflect the rest of the property. What drives guest-generated content now is the overall atmosphere — a cohesive, beautiful space that makes people want to share the whole stay, not just one corner.  

6. Outdoor Space Is Being Taken Seriously  

Outdoor areas — decks, patios, fire pits, hot tubs, even a well-styled balcony — have become major drivers of booking decisions and premium pricing. Properties that invest in outdoor space consistently see stronger  ADR and review performance.  

• Good outdoor seating that's actually comfortable  

• Lighting that works and looks good at night  

• A functional fire feature if your climate permits  

• A hot tub — consistently one of the highest-ROI amenity investments  

7. Smart Home Features as Standard  

Smart locks, smart thermostats, and streaming-enabled TVs are no longer differentiators — they're baseline expectations for guests booking in the mid-to-upper price range. See our smart lock guide for 2026 recommendations.  

8. Local Art and Authentic Character  

One of the most consistent themes in 5-star reviews across markets is "felt like a real place, not a generic rental." Locally sourced art, books about the area, handmade ceramics, a small shelf of regional guides — these details cost relatively little and generate disproportionate goodwill in reviews.  

Need help furnishing a new property or refreshing an existing one? Awning works with property owners to prepare rentals for maximum performance. Learn about Awning setup services →

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