New York Airbnb
A character-filled loft transformed into a guest-friendly Airbnb that feels warm, functional and instantly recognisable in listing photos.
Location
New York
Property type
Short-term rental
Scope
Full redesign & styling
Key result
Booking rate +37%
Project overview
From underperforming listing to standout stay
The owner of this compact loft had a prime location but average booking performance. The listing photos did not reflect the character of the building, the layout felt awkward for guests and reviews mentioned comfort issues. Our task was to clarify the layout, elevate the atmosphere and make the space more competitive in a crowded short-term rental market.
Project gallery
A visual tour of the redesigned space
Scroll through the images below to see how each area was reworked – from the main living zone to the sleeping corner, kitchen and entrance.
Living area – hero view
Main living area with new shelving and warm wood tones
Living area – alternate angle
Clear conversation zone with balanced proportions
Sleeping corner
Semi-private nook with soft headboard and bedside lighting
Bedroom styling details
Warmer textiles for a more hotel-like feel
Dining & work table
Compact table doubles as breakfast spot and workspace
Kitchen update
Refreshed fronts and improved lighting
Entrance & storage
Hooks, bench and closed storage for organized arrivals
Styling & decor
Limited decor pieces creating recognizable photo moments
Space by space
What changed in each area
Living area
Before, the living zone felt visually heavy and did not clearly communicate where guests should relax. After the redesign, custom shelving, a lighter sofa and layered textiles create a focal point that reads instantly in photos and feels calm in person.
Challenge
Cluttered furniture arrangement and no clear focal point
Solution
Simplified layout, warm wood shelving and a cohesive palette
Sleeping corner
The bed used to sit exposed in the middle of the loft, making the whole space feel like one large bedroom. We repositioned it to create a semi-private sleeping nook with a soft headboard, side tables and adjustable reading lights.
Challenge
Lack of privacy and hotel-level comfort
Solution
Defined sleeping zone with lighting and softer materials
Kitchen & dining
The kitchen layout remained compact, but fronts, handles and lighting were updated to look cleaner and more contemporary. A small round dining table now doubles as a work spot and social area.
Challenge
Visually dated finishes and no comfortable dining surface
Solution
Refreshed fronts, warm lighting and a dual-purpose table
Entrance & storage
We introduced functional storage at the entrance so guests have a clear place for luggage, coats and shoes. This keeps the rest of the loft visually calm and simplifies cleaning between stays.
Challenge
Bags and outerwear spreading through the space
Solution
Hooks, bench and closed storage right at the door
Challenges & goals
What wasn't working before the redesign
Guest reviews mentioning lack of comfort, unclear storage and awkward circulation
Generic furniture and decor that failed to stand out against competing listings
Dark corners and uneven lighting that made the space feel smaller in photos and in person
Confusing layout with no clear separation between sleeping, relaxing and working zones
The goal was to keep the charm of the loft while making it more intuitive for guests, easier to maintain for cleaners and more attractive in search results.
Design approach
How we reimagined the space
Layout & zoning
We redefined the main zones – sleeping, lounging, dining and working – so guests immediately understand how to use the space. The bed was repositioned to feel more private, while the seating area became the visual focus for photos.
Materials & colour
A warm, neutral palette with layered textures highlights the loft's original features without overwhelming them. Durable surfaces were chosen for high-contact areas, making cleaning and maintenance easier between stays.
Lighting
Layered lighting – ambient, task and accent – was introduced to eliminate dark corners and create a more flattering atmosphere for both guests and photography. Dimmable fixtures allow the mood to shift from bright and practical to soft and cosy.
Styling & photography prep
We selected decor that adds character without creating clutter. Styling moments were planned with the camera in mind, ensuring every key photo angle tells a clear visual story.
Results
What changed after the redesign
Within the first season after the redesign, the loft began to perform significantly better in terms of both occupancy and guest satisfaction.
Booking rate +37%
compared to the previous year
Nightly rate +18%
after updated photos
More 5-star reviews
mentioning comfort, design and atmosphere
Fewer guest questions
due to clearer layout and guides
Design details
Key choices behind the look and feel
1
Colour palette
Warm neutrals with soft contrast to keep the space calm and photographically forgiving.
2
Materials
Scratch-resistant surfaces, easy-to-clean fabrics and robust hardware to handle high guest turnover.
3
Furniture
Compact pieces with hidden storage to maximise functionality without visual clutter.
4
Accessories
A limited number of decor items chosen to create recognisable moments in photos.
Chicago Airbnb
A character-filled loft transformed into a guest-friendly Airbnb that feels warm, functional and instantly recognisable
Los Angeles Airbnb
A character-filled loft transformed into a guest-friendly Airbnb that feels warm, functional and instantly recognisable
Old Town Airbnb Loft
A character-filled loft transformed into a guest-friendly Airbnb that feels warm, functional and instantly recognisable