2010–2015: The Craigslist Couch Era

In the early 2010s, Airbnb was a scrappy disruptor. Hosts furnished spaces with whatever they had lying around—hand-me-down couches, IKEA bookshelves, and novelty “Live Laugh Love” signs. Guest expectations were low, and the novelty of staying in a local’s home made even quirky or under-decorated spaces feel “authentic.”

It was enough to have enough beds for your guests and the bare minimum amenities for them to get by for their short time there.

2016–2019: The Rise of ‘Airbnb Chic’

As the platform matured, hosts began paying more attention to aesthetics decorating their places with white walls, minimalist furnishings, faux plants, and string lights. Their goal was to be clean, neutral, and inoffensive – a look that could appeal to the masses without breaking the bank.

This look worked for a while, but as the platform continued to grow, so did the listings and the platforms became more crowded as vacation rental owners saw a new way to market their places. 

2020–2023: The Boutique Boom

The pandemic changed how people traveled, and for how long. Remote workers, digital nomads, and families started booking STRs for weeks or months at a time. Expectations rose as guests weren’t just looking for a place to sleep anymore; they wanted comfort, function, and style.

Boutique STR brands and “Instagrammable” listings began dominating the market, with hosts investing in photography, custom furniture, cohesive themes, and premium amenities.

2024–2025: Guest-Experience-First Design

We’re now in the “experience economy” phase of short-term rentals. Travelers want to feel something when they walk into your space. A story. A vibe. A sense of identity.

This is what today’s travelers expect – whether they’re booking a downtown loft or a 1-bedroom beach condo. And it’s exactly where many property owners are falling behind.

How Guest Expectations Are Being Shaped by Instagram, TikTok, and Premium STR Brands

1. Social Media Is the New Search Engine

Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest to discover travel destinations and accommodations. If your property doesn’t photograph well – or doesn’t feel unique enough to be shared – it simply gets bypassed.

What they’re seeing:

• A-frame cabins with velvet sofas and record players
• Boho bungalows with woven swings and curated coffee table books
• Coastal cottages with vintage surf art and custom tilework

If your listing still looks like a 2015 Airbnb starter kit, you’re invisible to this guest.

2. STR Brands Are Raising the Bar

Premium vacation rental brands like Sonder, Placemakr, The Guild, and AvantStay are training guests to expect more. These companies invest heavily in custom furnishings, layout planning, and on-brand décor.

Even traditional hotels have entered the chat, marketing “design-forward” rooms with local artwork, layered lighting, and custom linens. Guests may not know design terminology – but they can feel when a space is cohesive, inviting, and special.

3. Reviews Now Reflect Design

Scan Airbnb or VRBO reviews today and you’ll see just how often guests mention design.

“Stylish and cozy – we didn’t want to leave.”

“The photos don’t do it justice – it was stunning!”

“Felt like a boutique hotel, but better.”

The better your design, the better your reviews. And better reviews lead to better rankings – and more revenue.

What Design Really Impacts (Hint: It’s Not Just Looks)

Let’s talk numbers. Because design isn’t just about taste – it’s about return on investment.

Design and Average Daily Rate (ADR)

According to internal benchmarking across Farawae-managed listings:

• Professionally designed properties in San Diego command 15% to 40% higher ADR than comparable units with basic or outdated design.
• Listings with “photo-worthy” interiors often see higher occupancy during shoulder seasons, when competition is fierce.

Design and Revenue per Available Night (RevPAN)

Design not only boosts ADR – it improves conversion. With a stronger click-through rate from platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, high-design listings get ranked higher, booked faster and stay occupied longer.

In Farawae’s 2024 data:

• The same listings had over 100% more bookings once redesigned and rephotographed
• Even a refresh of the interior led to significantly increased bookings.

Design and Review Scores

Guests aren’t just looking for cleanliness – they’re evaluating ambiance. Properties with updated interiors averaged 0.3–0.5 stars higher in guest ratings than dated listings.

Why? Because guests reward spaces that make them feel good – and memorable design is emotional.

What Today’s Guests Expect in 2025 – Even from “Budget” Properties

The expectation bar has been raised across all tiers. Even value-conscious travelers want:

• Cozy, inviting spaces that feel like more than a crash pad
• Thoughtful amenities like coffee stations, reading nooks, and charging docks
• Modern furnishings that don’t scream “assembly required”
• Smart layout that accommodates remote work, small families, or couples
• A sense of identity – color palette, textures, lighting, and mood, especially one that matches their destination

Even small studios or ADUs can feel premium if well designed. It’s about being intentional.

You don’t need a hot tub and ocean view to impress guests. You just need good taste, executed well. That’s what Farawae delivers.

Photography, Layout, and Identity – The Holy Trinity of STR Design

Great design is only effective if it’s captured well and communicated clearly in your listing.

1. Photography

The best interiors fail without strong visual storytelling. That’s why we hire pro photographers trained in STR composition – not just real estate.

We use:

• Wide-angle shots with depth
• Hero angles that showcase “Instagrammable moments”
• Detail shots that evoke ambiance and quality

2. Layout Planning

Farawae reconfigures spaces for functionality and flow:

• Separate zones for dining, lounging, working, and sleeping
• Smart storage and staging
• Guest-friendly layouts that photograph beautifully
• Layouts that maintain the design and flow while maximizing occupancy

3. Cohesive Brand Identity

Farawae design creates spaces that feel elevated and intentional—not like a mix of Target’s clearance rack.

We define:

• A clear color palette
• Material consistency (materials, finishes and textiles that are on trend as well as functional)
• Aesthetic that reflects the home’s location and target guest profile

The result? Spaces that feel like they were designed for someone – not just anyone.

How Farawae Does It Differently

At Farawae, we believe owners shouldn’t have to choose between beauty and profitability—or between doing it yourself and paying a luxury markup.

That’s why we offer:

Free Professional Design Services

Our in-house design team collaborates with you to plan, source, and style every room. You approve the concept – we handle the rest.

Discounted Furnishings

We pass along our discounted pricing to you. No “design fees.” Just beautiful, durable, guest-loved pieces at trade pricing.

Turnkey Installation

We help you to receive, inspect, and install every piece of furniture, art, or accessory. No need for you to spend time needlessly worrying about logistics.

Design That Drives Results

We tailor every space to its price point and audience. Our design work isn’t about what looks good – it’s about what books better and earns more.

Design Is the New Minimum

Today, guest expectations have outpaced most hosts. What once passed as “good enough” is now a liability. Listings without strong design are skipped over – no matter how great the location or how clean the reviews.

Your STR’s interior isn’t a sunk cost. It’s your brand. Your conversion engine. Your competitive edge.

At Farawae, we handle everything – design, sourcing, staging, and setup – so you can sit back and watch the impact on your calendar, your reviews, and your bottom line.