Designing an Apartment for Short-Term and Holiday Lets

Short-term letting has become one of the most profitable ways to make the most of a property in big cities and tourist destinations. With more and more tourists and business travellers choosing an apartment over a hotel room, owners need to offer modern, comfortable and well-equipped spaces if they want to stand out in the market.

This article gives you a complete interior design guide, covering everything you need to consider to turn an ordinary apartment into a sought-after short-term rental.

Identifying your target guests and choosing an overall concept

A fundamental first step is deciding on the type of guests you want to attract. This will shape not only the decorative style, but also the level of amenities and the way you market the property.

Types of guests:

• Foreign or domestic tourists – look for a central location, pleasant design, and easy access to public transport and restaurants.

• Business travellers – look for comfort, quiet, a place to work, fast Wi-Fi and flexible check-in.

• Couples – value privacy, a romantic atmosphere and small personal touches.

• Families with children – need more space, practicality and safety.

Choose a cohesive concept that meets the needs of your target guests. It might be an apartment with an urban, bohemian or Scandinavian theme, or even one with local traditional influences.

Choosing colours and materials

The colours and materials you use should convey cleanliness, calm and quality. Neutral shades such as white, beige, grey, cream or warm wood tones are the favourites, as they are timeless and appeal to most people.

Avoid loud colour combinations and busy prints. Materials should be:

• Hard-wearing (especially in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen and bathroom)

• Easy to clean

• Pleasant to the touch (for textiles, cushions and bedding)

Making efficient use of the space

Whatever the size, every square metre has to work hard. Even a studio can be planned so that it has:

• A separate sleeping area (even if only visually, with a screen, an open bookcase and so on)

• A comfortable living area

• A dining space

• A workspace (a small desk with an ergonomic chair and a socket close by)

• Clever storage (under-bed drawers, wall-hung cabinets and so on)

In larger apartments you can add extra functions, such as a relaxation area, a small reading nook or a children's corner.

Furniture: striking a balance between looks and practicality

Furniture should be:

• Good quality, though not necessarily expensive

• Modular, so it can adapt to different uses

• Easy to maintain

• Compact, without compromising on comfort

Avoid pieces that are too bulky or too personal. A queen-size bed with an orthopaedic mattress, a sofa bed, a roomy wardrobe and a multifunctional table are the essentials.

The technical amenities that make the difference

Guests who choose short-term rentals expect modern, intuitive amenities. Here is what you should not be without:

• High-speed Wi-Fi

• A smart TV with pre-installed apps (Netflix, YouTube, etc.)

• Air conditioning / efficient radiators

• A washing machine and tumble dryer (especially for stays of more than 3 nights)

• A smart lock or a key safe with a code

• Smoke detectors / CCTV in the hallway

Bonus: you could add a Bluetooth sound system, a voice assistant (Google Home, Alexa) or even a phone charging station.

The kitchen: compact but fully functional

Many tourists choose apartments precisely because they can cook for themselves. Make sure the kitchen is:

• Clean and well ventilated

• Equipped with a fridge, microwave, electric hob, a coffee maker or espresso machine, a kettle, utensils, saucepans, a frying pan, a chopping board, a bottle opener and so on

• Stocked with a full set of tableware (plates, mugs, glasses and cutlery for at least 4 people)

• Supplied with the basics: salt, pepper, sugar, oil, coffee and napkins

Bonus: add a list of recommended local restaurants or quick delivery options.

The bathroom: a small space with a big impact

The bathroom should look like one in a 3- or 4-star hotel:

• A modern shower enclosure, with no fabric curtain

• Taps in good working order, a large mirror and good lighting

• Clean white towels in different sizes

• Liquid soap, shower gel, shampoo, toilet paper, a hairdryer and a toiletry kit

• A clean, non-slip bath mat

Extra touch: you can provide disposable sets (slippers, toothbrushes, combs).

Textiles, decor and the overall atmosphere

The look and feel of the space plays a key role in reviews. Make sure the space is:

• Welcoming, yet neutral

• Tastefully decorated (simple artwork, green plants, decorative cushions)

• Fitted with blackout curtains and drapes for a restful night's sleep

• Finished with scented candles, travel magazines or local guides

A great trick: use layered lighting (a central light, bedside lamps and warm ambient lighting) to create atmosphere.

Professional cleaning and regular maintenance

Every guest should feel as though they are the first to use the apartment. Work with a cleaning company or set up a strict routine:

• Disinfecting bathrooms, handles, remote controls and light switches

• Vacuuming and mopping the floors

• Washing and ironing bed linen and towels

• Checking that everything works: light bulbs, remote controls, appliances, drains

Keep a user manual in the apartment and provide a rapid-response contact line for technical emergencies.

Marketing the apartment and raising its profile

To attract guests consistently, you need a strong online presence:

• Professional photographs with natural light, tidy rooms and wide shots

• Clear, well-structured descriptions that highlight the strengths (location, amenities, facilities)

• Genuine, up-to-date reviews and ongoing engagement with guests

• A presence on several platforms: Airbnb, Booking, Facebook, Instagram

• The option to book directly (your own website, WhatsApp, email)

Legal and tax obligations

Don't overlook the legal side. A short-term rental must:

• Be legally registered as a PFA (sole trader), an SRL (limited company) or a private individual taxed on a flat income basis

• Have an operating permit from the local council

• Comply with guest safety regulations (fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, evacuation routes)

• Include declaring your income and paying your taxes

Feedback, adapting and improving your rating

Listen to what your guests say. Every review contains clear signals about what works and what needs adjusting. Reply politely to feedback, fix any problem quickly and keep making small improvements.

If you want your apartment professionally prepared for short-term letting, the YodaHomeDesign team is here to help with a full service covering interior design, consultancy, furniture selection and implementation. We take care of the whole process, from the concept and functional planning right through to the final fit-out and turnkey handover. Take a look at some of our completed projects here and, if you would like to work with us, simply fill in the contact form here and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Designing an apartment for short-term rental is not just a matter of design – it is a strategic investment. With clever planning, a full set of amenities and a consistent guest experience, you can create a space with its own identity that is profitable and well loved, able to attract loyal guests and stand out in an increasingly competitive market.