How to Style Your Airbnb: A Photographer’s Guide to Creating Spaces Guests Love (and Book!)
- bhauzinger
- 40 minutes ago
- 4 min read
If you’re dreaming of turning your Vermont farmhouse, New Hampshire A-frame, or Upstate New York chalet into a five-star short-term rental, styling matters just as much as location. Beautiful photos grab attention online, but the styling behind those photos is what gets guests to click Book Now!
This post is packed with practical styling tips, hosting psychology, and small design choices that create major visual impact — all through the lens of a professional STR photographer. Whether you’re launching a brand-new rental or refreshing your space for next season, these strategies will help you elevate your interior and stand out in competitive markets like Burlington, Stowe, the Mad River Valley, Woodstock, the Adirondacks, the White Mountains, and the Northeast Kingdom.
Why Styling Matters for Airbnb Hosts
Beautiful styling = higher perceived value.Higher perceived value = higher booking rate + higher nightly price.
Guests today choose rentals based on vibe and experience, not just square footage. They want spaces that feel curated, cozy, intentional, and memorable — the kind of place that makes them say, “I could live here.”
Especially when you’re competing with other dreamy cabin stays across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Upstate New York, styling helps you:
Capture attention in search results
Create a premium, boutique experience
Increase nightly rates
Get more 5-star reviews
Become “Instagrammable,” AKA free marketing via guests
This is exactly what I help STR hosts create and photograph with Spacial Harmony — thoughtful design that translates to scroll-stopping images.
Tip #1: Define Your Aesthetic
Every successful Airbnb has a clear identity.Your interior style determines what kind of travelers you attract.
Think about which of these fits your space:
Modern Cabin Style — perfect for A-frames and chalets in the Adirondacks or White Mountains
Luxury Rustic — reclaimed wood, neutral palettes, linen textiles for high-end Vermont retreats
Timeless Farmhouse — ideal for properties in rural Vermont or New York
Minimal Modern — clean lines, Scandinavian influence, great for tiny homes
Hygge Cozy — layered textures, soft lighting, perfect for winter stays
Pro tip: Select 2–3 words that define your vibe and use them to guide every styling decision.
Tip #2: Create “Focal Moments”
In photography, we call this visual storytelling.
Each room should have one intentional focal point — not chaos.
Examples:
A framed mountain view from your A-frame loft
A farmhouse dining table styled with a linen runner and artisanal mugs
A cozy reading nook with blankets + soft light
A spa-style bathroom tray with neutral organic products
These focal moments help guests envision themselves experiencing the space — not just sleeping in it.
Tip #3: Layer Textures for Warmth and Depth
This is the secret that luxury Airbnbs get right.
Layering textures creates an inviting, boutique-hotel feel — especially in winter or fall.
Think:
Wool throws
Linen bedding
Woven baskets
Sheepskin rugs
Wood cutting boards
Ceramics and stoneware
Soft cotton towels
Knitted pillows
Textures photograph beautifully and help guests feel the coziness of a Vermont or New Hampshire mountain escape.
Tip #4: Use a Neutral Color Palette (and Add Personality with Accents)
Luxury STR styling is all about calm, not clutter.
Create your base palette using:
Whites
Beiges
Warm wood tones
Soft greys
Sage or forest green
Matte black accents
Then add personality through:
Art by local Vermont or New Hampshire makers (we love collabs!)
Books on hiking, skiing, or the region
Vintage pieces sourced from local antique stores
A handmade ceramic vase or pitcher
These details make it feel curated and memorable.
Tip #5: Style Your Bed Like a Boutique Hotel
Your bed is your hero. It will be photographed. Guests will judge it.
To make it look crisp + cozy:
Use a white duvet or quilt
Add a textured blanket folded at the end
Place two large euro pillows + two sleeping pillows + one accent pillow
Keep visible mattress edges to a minimum (photographer trick!)
A well-styled bed can transform an A-frame loft or farmhouse bedroom into an aspirational, share-worthy space.
Tip #6: Curate the Kitchen (Don’t Overload It)
Guests want functionality, but the images should feel clean.
Do:
Keep counters decluttered
Style one beautiful vignette (mugs + cutting board + greenery)
Use glass jars or wooden trays for organization
Avoid:
Random plastic containers
Too many mismatched appliances
Busy countertop clutter
A minimal kitchen photographs best and still feels functional.
Tip #7: Lighting Matters — A Lot
Soft, warm lighting immediately elevates the experience.
If your Airbnb is surrounded by forest or mountains, you want lighting that feels:
Warm
Cozy
Inviting
Best options:
Lamps (no overheads in photos!)
Warm bulbs (2700K–3000K)
Dimmable switches
String lights or lanterns outdoors
Lighting translates directly to mood in your photos.
Tip #8: Bring the Outdoors Inside
This is especially important for short-term rentals in Vermont, New Hampshire, and the Adirondacks — where outdoor adventure is part of why guests travel.
Bring in:
Fresh pine or evergreen sprigs
Soft linens in earth tones
Locally sourced pottery
Framed landscape photography
Botanical prints
This builds a sense of place and gives your space personality rooted in the region. Also think about seasonal shots//visits from guests and what that might look like.
Tip #9: Style Outdoor Spaces like “Experiences”
Instead of just capturing a deck or patio, create experiences.
Ideas:
Adirondack chairs facing mountain views
Charcuterie boards or mugs for photos
Hot tub towels rolled and ready
Lantern lighting for evening ambiance
Firepit setup with cozy blankets, s'mores, and wine
Outdoor styling is major content for guests’ social media — AKA organic marketing.
Ready to Elevate Your Airbnb Visuals?
At Spacial Harmony Photography, I specialize in capturing the authentic character of:
Vermont farmhouses
A-frame cabins in NH
Boutique Upstate NY chalets
Luxury short-term rentals
Mountain-view retreats
Lakeside cabins
I help property owners style their space, curate focal moments, and create images that convert visitors into bookings.
If you’re getting ready to launch your Airbnb or refresh your listing: