15 Clever Design Tricks for Landlords and Tenants

From quick and easy ways to add color to a neutral palette to tips for displaying art without damaging walls, here are a handful of practical ways to add personality and pizzazz to a short-term rental property or Airbnb.

July 06, 2021

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Photo By: Robert Peterson/Flynnside Out

How to Make a Rental Appealing

This Nashville, Tennessee, townhouse was decorated to have just enough personality to appeal to a wide array of Airbnb guests or short-term renters, but in a manner that was not too specific or tied into one particular style. Neutral navy walls have mass appeal, but also add a dramatic backdrop for almost any style of furniture. Grouping art together and placing it against walls avoids extra costs for painters to repair and repaint walls.

Security Deposits

Many property owners are okay with renters painting walls, but this often requires forfeiting security deposits if the hues are specific to one's taste. Consider painting walls warm shades of greige (gray + beige) to give your rental home a personal touch; it's also a neutral enough color that many property owners will be happy to keep it up for their next tenant rather than having to repaint.

Classic Combos

Whether you're a property owner renting to Airbnb guests or a renter looking to make some temporary changes, keep in mind that classic color combinations have the most staying power. This kitchen's back wall was painted navy blue; countertop accessories in red were added for a timeless, all-American palette.

Play Up Your Views

Sometimes even just a simple view above the treelines is enough to add a little magic to your Airbnb, especially when it's decorated as nicely as this rooftop deck. To watch the Nashville sunsets, a mix of sturdy chairs and an aluminum farmhouse table were added to this quaint rooftop area.

Low-Cost Decorating

When you don't know exactly how long you'll be living in a rental property, it may be wise to stick with budget-friendly objects that add some character and can also be left behind. For some warmth, these prints in autumnal tones were added beside the bed to balance out the cold and stark vibe of the ultra white walls.

Versatile Furniture

This tip applies to owners of rental properties as well as those living in short-term rentals. Stick with furniture that's not specific to one particular style of architecture or vernacular and keep it simple. Here in this sitting area, a low slung armchair in a timeless sand tone works well with modern, traditional, eclectic and even rustic and industrial style decor.

Kitchen Accessories

The easiest way to add personality to kitchens of rental properties is with easily removable countertop accessories. Although this Nashville kitchen is all white and gray, the bold bursts of red make it feel much more personal and unique.

Learn How to Work With Multiple Paint Colors

If you have an open concept property and want to paint it, it's likely you've asked yourself, "Where do I stop and start? All walls open to one another!" Designers suggest sticking with edges of walls with plenty of architectural surroundings to distract from the change in color. Here, the corner where the blue stops and the white starts also includes a window and a staircase, two elements that can help take the focus off of the abrupt change in hues.

Make Sure Rooms Are Doing Double Duty

With more and more people using dining rooms as work from home spaces, it's smart to build multifunctionality into your rooms. A hefty sized farmhouse table with a metal wrapped top is sturdy enough for crafting and creative projects and large enough to sprawl out with laptops and books. This table is also perfect for game night or casual hangouts.

Clever Storage Solutions

Not enough closet or cabinet storage in the bedroom? Create your own, with minimal effort. Consider adding an open, free-standing shelving system beside the bed to display objects, books and to allow space for personal items. This also allows you to use the shelf most aligned with the top of the mattress as a nightstand.

Maximize Outdoor Space With Durable, Neutral Furniture

If you've got any open outdoor space, put it to good use! The rooftop space of this townhouse was maximized with seating for up to nine. Rather than splurging on high-ticket items, a simple furniture set in a neutral color was arranged around a propane-fueled fire pit. This additional living space makes the property feel more spacious, and the durable furniture can withstand years of heavy use.

Neutrals in the Bathroom Are Versatile, Not Boring

When choosing tiles for an investment property or a short-term rental, it's okay to think about practicality and neutrality, but that doesn't mean your choices have to be boring. In the primary bathroom, a hexagonal tile in sand tones was installed with a random color variation that makes it seem unique and one-of-a-kind but still flexible enough to work with many different color schemes, tastes or styles.

Unique House Numbers Help With Wayfinding

A quick and easy way to freshen up an outdoor entry is with house numbers. Moderne and Neutra fonts are excellent choices for properties aiming for more of a modern vibe.

Learn More: Make a Modern House Number Planter for Spring

A Place for Everything

When space is at a premium, additional storage for renters and Airbnb guests is a must. A simple shower niche paired with an in-shower window sill offer extra space for things like waterproof Bluetooth speakers and toiletries that would otherwise take up valuable space on a vanity.

Kitchen Upgrades

A simple upgrade, like a detachable faucet, can make a kitchen much more desirable for those who love to cook and bake. By simply switching out a stationary faucet for one that clicks loose to wash servingware and produce in the sink, you can minimize the expense and maximize the payoff for both property owners and potential renters.