Short-Term Rental Design

Miami Airbnb

A ground-up interior design for a Miami short-term rental hotel, created to feel effortless, inviting, and visually striking

  • Location

    Miami

  • Property type

    Short-term rental hotel

  • Scope

    Full interior design from concept to completion

  • Key result

    97% occupancy reported

living room with blue sofa and pink decor

Project overview

Designing a high-performing Airbnb from the ground up

This project started with a blank interior and a clear goal: create a short-term rentals that feels inviting, functions effortlessly, and stands out visually from day one. The design focused on smart layout planning, durable materials, and a cohesive aesthetic tailored to Miami’s market and guest expectations.

Key details

Client

Private owner

Size

60 square feet

Quests

Up to 6 in each unit

Platforms

Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO

Project gallery

A visual tour of the redesigned space

A curated walk-through of the finished interior, highlighting key spaces, layout decisions, and design details that define the overall experience. Each view reflects how the apartment functions, feels, and presents in listing photography

  • living room with blue sofa

    Living area – hero view

    The main living space designed as the visual and social center of the apartment. Clear layout, generous seating, and balanced lighting create an inviting first impression.

  • living room in orange tones

    Living area – alternate angle

    An alternate living room showcasing flow, proportions, and the connection between living, dining, and kitchen areas.

  • bedroom with a window

    Sleeping corner

    A calm, well-defined sleeping space layered with soft textures and warm tones to support rest and privacy.

  • bedroom with grey bed and blue chair

    Bedroom styling details

    The bedroom was styled with a focus on comfort and visual balance. Soft layers, warm tones, and minimal accents create a space that feels calm, inviting, and easy to unwind in.

  • bedroom with pink chair

    Relaxing area

    A dedicated sitting corner adds flexibility to the bedroom, offering a quiet place to read or relax. The chair and lighting were selected to feel cozy without cluttering the space.

  • Kitchen area

    Kitchen update

    A functional, open kitchen designed for group use, with clean finishes and a layout that supports shared meals and everyday comfort.

  • Bathroom

    Bathroom

    The bathroom was designed to feel clean and hotel-like, with simple finishes and clear lighting. A neutral palette keeps the space timeless and appealing to a wide range of guests.

  • Bedroom design

    Styling & decor

    Styling throughout the apartment was kept intentional and uncluttered. Each detail was chosen to add warmth and character while ensuring the space photographs clearly and functions effortlessly for guests.

Space by space

What changed in each area

  • living room with yellow wall

    Living area

    A bright, open lounge designed for gathering, relaxing, and strong visual impact.

    Challenge

    Large open volume needed structure without losing its loft character.

    Solution

    Defined seating zones, bold color accents, and clear sightlines anchored the space.

  • bedroom with colorful art

    Sleeping corner

    A cozy sleeping zone with natural light and a calm, restful atmosphere.

    Challenge

    Creating privacy and comfort within an open-plan layout.

    Solution

    Soft textures, layered bedding, and strategic placement for visual separation.

  • dining area

    Dining area

    A vibrant dining space designed for shared meals and social moments.

    Challenge

    Balancing function with personality in a high-traffic zone.

    Solution

    Statement color, durable furniture, and a layout that supports group use.

  • kitchen area

    Kitchen corner

    A compact, efficient kitchen with a clean and modern look.

    Challenge

    Maximizing functionality without overwhelming the space.

    Solution

    Streamlined cabinetry, clear surfaces, and practical lighting choices.

Challenges & goals

What wasn't working before the redesign

  • Large open space lacked structure and clear functional zones.

  • No visual identity to stand out in listing photos.

  • Sleeping area needed privacy without closing off light.

  • Kitchen and dining zones felt disconnected from the rest of the space.

Create a bold, functional short-term rental with clear zoning, strong visual presence, and a layout that feels intuitive, comfortable, and memorable for guests.

Design approach

How we reimagined the space

  • Layout & zoning

    Clear zoning turned a large footprint into intuitive living, dining, and rest areas - easy to navigate, comfortable for groups, and visually balanced.

  • Materials & colour

    A neutral base layered with warm tones and bold accents to add personality while staying timeless and guest-friendly.

  • Lighting

    Layered lighting combines recessed fixtures, ambient glow, and accent pieces to enhance mood and photograph beautifully day or night.

  • Styling & photography prep

    Purposeful styling with minimal decor creates strong focal points and ensures the space reads effortlessly in listing photos.

Results

What changed after the redesign

After the redesign, the apartment shifted from a standard listing to a high-performing stay. Clear zoning, elevated styling, and intentional details improved both guest experience and overall listing performance

  • Increased occupancy

    Following the full interior redesign

  • Higher nightly rate

    Driven by improved visual appeal and perceived value

  • Stronger guest reviews

    Guests frequently mention comfort, design, and atmosphere

  • Fewer guest questions

    Thanks to clearer layout and more intuitive space planning

Design details

Key choices behind the look and feel

  • 1

    Colour palette

    A warm, balanced palette designed to feel inviting while translating cleanly in listing photography.

  • 2

    Materials

    Durable, easy-care finishes selected to withstand high guest turnover without sacrificing aesthetics.

  • 3

    Furniture

    Comfort-forward pieces with clean lines, scaled for the space to maximise flow and usability.

  • 4

    Accessories

    A curated edit of decor used sparingly to add character and create strong visual moments without clutter

Stay in the design loop

Subscription Form

Schedule time with me