STR Property - 1 Bedroom Apartment

Transforming a Standard Apartment into a High-Performing Airbnb

By Styled Stays | Studio Anu Ranasinghe

Project Overview

This project demonstrates how a typical apartment living room was transformed into a calm, coastal-inspired Airbnb space designed to increase visibility, guest satisfaction, and overall return on investment - without structural renovations.

The goal was to create a light, welcoming interior that photographs beautifully, appeals to a broad range of travelers, and remains durable and easy to maintain for short-term rental use.

The Challenge

Like many apartments entering the short-term rental market, the space was:

• Visually neutral but lacking personality

• Easy to overlook in crowded Airbnb search results

• Functional, yet not emotionally engaging for guests

• Not optimized for photography or guest comfort

The challenge was to elevate the apartment’s perceived value through design - without increasing operational complexity or maintenance costs.

The Design Strategy

Styled Stays focused on high-impact, guest-centered design choices proven to perform well in short-term rentals:

• A soft, neutral coastal palette to increase broad guest appeal

• Natural textures (woven lighting, cane, wood) to add warmth and character

• Comfortable, durable seating sized for apartment living

• Layered lighting to improve ambiance and evening usability

• Minimal yet intentional decor to reduce clutter and simplify turnovers

Every element was chosen to support both visual impact and long-term functionality.

The Transformation

The apartment now presents as a relaxed, coastal retreat—bright, inviting, and thoughtfully styled. The cohesive design creates a strong first impression in listing photos, encourages longer browsing time, and helps guests imagine themselves at home in the space.

The result is a living room that feels elevated, memorable, and well-suited for both leisure and short stays.