Now that the holidays are behind us, I’ve officially entered my “how soon can I escape the snow?” era.

Winter is beautiful. It’s charming. It’s cozy. I love a good snow globe moment as much as the next person… but I also know myself well enough to admit that by late winter, I’m desperate for sunshine and vitamin D.

So naturally, I’ve been scrolling Airbnb listings.

And I keep having the same thought over and over again:

Why do so many Airbnbs look exactly the same?

Unless you’re booking a very high-end, luxury property with a strong design perspective, so many short-term rentals blend together. Black-and-white interiors. Modern farmhouse furniture. Rustic accents in places that have absolutely no business being rustic.

It often feels mass-produced — like someone walked into HomeGoods, grabbed whatever was on sale, and called it a day.

And here’s where I might lose a few people… but stay with me.

Travel Should Feel Different — Not Like Home 2.0

When I travel, I don’t want the house to look like the one I just left.

I don’t want it to feel like my own living room, or worse — a generic version of someone else’s.

I’m traveling to experience something new.

Of course, there are non-negotiables. I want:

• Comfortable beds with quality sheets
• Clean, plush towels
• A functional coffee maker (this is important)

But aesthetically?

This is your opportunity to do something memorable.

An Airbnb isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s part of the trip. And when the design ignores the region, the landscape, and the culture, it misses a huge opportunity to enhance the experience.

Design Should Reflect the Place You’re Visiting

If I’m traveling to the Southwest, I want to feel that the moment I walk through the door.

Give me warm tones. Natural textures. A cowhide rug. A little turquoise. Lean into it.

If I’m going to Palm Springs?

It should be bright. Colorful. Mid-century modern. Fun. A little cheeky.

Florida?

Bring on the coastal vibes — but tasteful coastal.

Not sea turtles on every wall and anchor décor everywhere. There’s a difference.

And if I’m renting a cabin?

I want it to feel like a cabin.

Wood. Texture. Cozy layers. Rustic charm.

I want my flannel shirt to feel like it belongs there.

This doesn’t mean going overboard or leaning into clichés. There is a balance. But when it’s done right, a space feels intentional — and that’s what guests remember.

pictures from an Airbnb we stayed at in the woods of Northern Michigan last year

The Problem With One-Size-Fits-All Airbnb Design

The modern farmhouse, black-and-white aesthetic had its moment. And yes — it creates a clean, neutral backdrop.

But when every single rental looks the same, it strips away personality and sense of place. It turns homes into interchangeable boxes rather than experiences.

A neutral base can be beautiful — but it shouldn’t be the end of the story. It should be the starting point.

Want Better Reviews? Better Photos? Better Bookings?

Here’s the honest truth:

Properties with strong, intentional design stand out. They photograph better. They’re more memorable. Guests talk about them. They leave better reviews. They book again.

And yes — I’m going to say it.

Sometimes the answer is hiring a designer.

Not because you “don’t know what you’re doing,” but because you don’t have to do everything yourself. I don’t fix my own car — I hire a professional. Design can be the same.

It’s Time to Bring Personality Back

We don’t need another copy-and-paste Airbnb.

We need homes that respect their surroundings, reflect their region, and feel like an experience — not a showroom.

So let’s move away from the default black-and-white modern farmhouse.

Let’s bring back personality.

Let’s honor the landscape, the architecture, and the place people traveled to see.

Because good design doesn’t just look nice —

it tells a story.

And if it wasn’t’ clear from this post – you can hire me to decor your Airbnb, it would be my pleasure. You can inquire here.

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