How Interior Design Lifts Occupancy & Nightly Rates
Why it matters
Guests don’t book furniture; they book a feeling. When your space photographs beautifully and delivers comfort in real life, you convert views into bookings and justify premium rates.
The three forces that move the numbers
Sight (first impression): Palette + lighting + a clear focal point create scroll-stopping listing photos.
Comfort (drives reviews): Layered lighting, acoustics, quality mattresses, and tactile textiles reduce “nice but cold” feedback.
Memory (loyalty): Signature details—art, scent, and welcome rituals—turn a stay into a story guests share on social media and relay to friends and family.
Quick wins you can deploy right away
Use color that books: Choose a 3-tone palette that flatters your environment, think Athens Riviera daylight and dusk, bold yet classic neoclassical influences from Plaka, or Art Deco chic found in Kypseli. Don’t be afraid of interiors that stand out—don’t let any one convince you that “safe” sells. Beige is “bleh” and when used in interior design, it is boring. If you want more bookings, implement colors from nature or pops of color that pack a bunch.
A lighting plan: Overhead + wall + table; add dimmers; warm Kelvin temps (2700–3000K). Have art? Add lighting to it. Invest in kitchen worktop lighting under your cabinets. Add table lamps that are also chargers.
Texture stack: Linen, boucle, stone, wood finishes—it all reads premium in photos, it’s irresistible in person. Extra tip, invest in soft throws even in summer. They are a cozy and affordable luxury that guests love.
Hero image: One “money shot” per room (bed + sconces; sofa + art; terrace + horizon). When you was the last time you did a photoshoot? If your images are not current, it may be a good time to think about getting essential, new shots, done with a professional photographer. PRO HOSTING TIP: Did you know that Airbnb offers professional photography services? Check it out by clicking here.
Studio de la Serna also offers interior design clients professional photography services. Our photographer specializes in hotel, yachting and real estate photos.
Listing refresh: Rewrite the first paragraph of your listing to sell the experience, not square meters. Reorder images by lifestyle moments (morning coffee spot, sunset lounge). Do this at least every 3 months to refresh your algorithm.
Micro-case study (typical outcome)
I can hear you asking “Isn’t design just an unnecessary expense?”
It feels that way until you look at the numbers. In Greece, short-term rentals (STRs) generated €3.25 billion in 2024, representing 5.4% of GDP, and the best-performing properties aren’t the cheapest furnished—they’re the most memorable. According to AirDNA, STRs with design-forward interiors average 30–40% higher nightly rates than generic listings in the same neighborhood.
What if I told you that most of our clients make back the investment in the first month of renting their Airbnb and Booking property?
An Airbnb rental / property investor in Kalamata tried DIY for her STR, spending €10K on furniture and essentials. She filled her calendar—but at low nightly rates, with reviews that read “functional but basic.” We redesigned the same property turnkey—we brought in local art, upgraded mattresses, gave it a contemporary vibe, layered lighting, redesigned the layout and created an outdoor lounge area, the average nightly rate jumped from €110 to €260 in season, occupancy rose beyond season, and the Airbnb and Booking new rental rates quickly paid back the interior design investment.
What did we change? Layout and flow, lighting plans, lighting colors, added functional storage, mattress and linen quality, upgraded amenities and we swapped out generic decor for items that told the story of the region and connected guests with the place.
There are so many subpar properties out there that it’s easy to stand out and extend season with the right design. With tighter STR regulations, more inspections, more tourism, and more educated travelers out there, don’t risk your investment and end up at the bottom of the search list, or worse, get passed over.
Upgrade your interiors, be bold, and market to premium guests.
PS: Want to level up your holiday villa, guest suites, or short term rental apartment? Read my FREE Guide to Sensory Design.
Ready to take action and want my help transforming, renovating, or getting a ready-from-day-one turnkey property?
Request a meeting with me directly for a design audit and we can identify opportunities for you and your investment property.
