We already know that listings with professional photos get more bookings on Airbnb. But if you already create one, just one, instagrammable spot in your Airbnb, you can already increase the number of eyeballs on your listing (and the chance of more bookings). I’ve become a little obsessed with helping hosts add Instagram-worthy features to their homes.

And here’s the truth – creating a photo-worthy Airbnb isn’t just about pretty decor. It’s about creating moments that guests can’t resist sharing! Whether your Airbnb has space for a morning coffee nook, or you’ve got a wall waiting to make a statement (and get tons of selfies) – here’s X tips on creating an Airbnb people will love to share on Insta.

But first, what is a focal point?

Tip 1. Understand the basics of focal points

I just finished styling my 25th vacation rentals, and here’s one thing that always guides me: a photo-worthy Airbnb lives or dies by its focal points. Back in my early days, I made the rookie mistake of trying to make every corner of a room Instagram-worthy. But your space needs a clear “star” of the show.

Statement walls are my favorite because they can implemented in almost any Airbnb. I completely transformed a dull bedroom with a bold botanical wallpaper about six months into hosting. A few weeks after the reno, I started to see my Airbnb show up on Instagram (my Airbnb has a hashtag). Just two months later my bookings had increased by 30%. You don’t need to commit to permanent changes either. If you’re unsure, start with removable wallpaper.

Tip 2. What you need to know about light and composition

Lighting is so important in living spaces. The right lighting can make or break an otherwise beautiful Airbnb. I learned this lesson the hard way after spending weeks perfectly staging a living room, only to have it photograph like a cave. When you can, always try to use natural light. When I’m designing an Instagram-worthy vacation rental, I start by identifying the golden hours in each room. Golden hours are times in the morning and evening when the sun creates that certain “glow” that people love in photos. The light is a bit redder and softer. I’ll often keep that in mind when I arrange furniture.

Tip 3. The layer technique

Ok so we’ve talked about choosing a focus, like a statement wall. You can take it one step further and add in layers. Think about it like a theater stage. Your statement wall is the backdrop, but you need mid-ground and foreground elements to create depth. In one of my recent projects, I paired a deep blue accent wall with a mid-century modern chair and a textured throw blanket in the foreground. A perfectly composed shot from any angle.

I’m a big fan of decluttering in general, and creating an instagrammable Airbnb goes in the same direction. Less is more. You have to keep some “negative space” in your home to make the photo-worthy stuff pop out. When I went on my first shopping trip to get my supplies for an insta-worthy Airbnb, I got way too much stuff (I love me some Target though). But your focal point needs room to breathe. One time, I removed three decorative items from a bedside table setup, and suddenly the remaining pieces looked magazine-worthy.

Tip 4. Easy seasonal changes

I recommend having some flexible decor elements that come and go with the seasons, it will really make your Airbnb stand out. A simple shelf setup can transform from tropical summer to cozy fall with just a few strategic swaps. This keeps your aesthetic fresh for repeat guests and gives them new Instagram photo ideas throughout the year.

Yes, practically speaking you’re creating pretty corners. But to a guest – you’re designing moments that tell a story. Every focal point should feel intentional and photo-ready, but also livable. The best compliment I ever received wasn’t about how photogenic the space was, but how a guest said they felt instantly at home while still being inspired to share every corner on social media.

Master the art of aesthetic styling

Tip 5. Color theory for photography

Choosing a color palette for you Airbnb isn’t easy. Now, if I tell you there are rules for color theory in photography I know you’re gonna give up on me right now. So let me keep it simple: it’s fairly similar. Here’s my tried-and-true process for selecting a winning palette:

• Choose one neutral base color (I swear by warm whites or soft greiges)
• Add one or two complementary colors that photograph well (blues and greens are my go-to choices)
• Include one bold accent color for those ‘pop’ moments
• Keep metallics to a maximum of one finish per room

Tip 6. Texture and dimension

I remember walking into a beautifully decorated vacation rental that looked absolutely flat in photos. The problem? Everything was smooth and one-dimensional. Now I follow what I call the “touch test” – every area should have at least three different textures within arm’s reach. Think smooth velvet pillows against nubby woven throws, with a sleek ceramic vase nearby.

One mistake I see often in vacation rental staging is going too trendy. I prefer classic pieces for the big items (sofas, beds, dining tables) and bring in current trends (if I like them) through accessories I can easily swap. 

Tip 7. Lighting strategies

You heard me yap about lighting a lot. So I won’t go into too much detail. But here are the 3 types of lighting every room should have:

• Ambient lighting for overall illumination (think main ceiling lamp)
• Task lighting for functionality (like a bedside lamp)
• Accent lighting to highlight those Instagram-worthy moments (stand alone lamps with a softer light)

Tip 8. Styling details

Plants look beautiful in Airbnbs and in photos. You can try using real plants, though guests may kill them (accidentally). Or get high-quality fake plants. They require zero maintenance but aren’t as eco-friendly (and don’t do any air filtering like real plants). 

The final details come down to what I call the “camera candy.” A perfectly placed book, a strategic stack of magazines, or an artfully arranged breakfast tray. These elements help create those viral Airbnb features that guests love to share.

Design picture-perfect spaces for daily activities

Tip 9. The perfect breakfast nook

The most shared photos don’t show elaborate design features – they’re of everyday moments. So don’t spend your money on an artistic light fixture. A simple breakfast nook can get your place noticed.

The secret here is about creating what I call a “morning moment.” In one of my properties, I transformed a basic corner into a photo magnet by adding a rounded bench, textured pillows, and – here’s the key – a small shelf with artisanal coffee supplies. Here’s a simple checklist for creating a breakfast nook that guests will want to photograph:

• Position seating to face natural light
• Include a surface for coffee/tea setup
• Add one statement element (I love a bold art piece)
• Provide styled props like attractive mugs and small vases
• Keep the color palette bright and morning-friendly

Tip 10. Bedroom and bathroom design

The bed is the star in the bedroom, duh. I like to think of layers, texture, and height. That means multiple pillows (but not a pillow menu like hotels!), at least three different textures in the bedding, and a headboard that makes a statement.

One of my most viral Airbnb features was actually a simple bathroom setup. I created a “spa moment.” Think plush white towels rolled just so, high-end toiletries arranged on a wooden tray, and – you guessed it – perfect lighting. I installed a dimmer switch in one of my bathrooms and the number of tagged photos tripled!

Tip 11. Outdoor and “lost” spaces

Outdoor spaces are where people like to hang out in the warmer seasons. My best-performing outdoor setup wasn’t anything fancy – just a simple string of market lights over a basic dining table. But the way it photographed at dusk was magic.

Hosts often overlook hallways or entryways. For my properties, it’s true that you can’t really take a nice selfie or group photo there, it’s too cramped. So I use the space to feature unique art and illustration that my guests will probably photograph (and hopefully share).

Tip 12. Kitchen

Even if your guests aren’t cooking much, they’re definitely taking photos there. A carefully styled coffee station, a bowl of fresh fruit, and some strategically placed cookbooks can transform a basic kitchen into an Instagram backdrop.

Optimize lighting for social sharing

Tip 13. Natural light maximization

Light is the first thing I consider in any photo-worthy Airbnb design. Natural light is your best bet in the Instagram world, and knowing how to use it can make or break your space’s shareability.

How do you make sure you get natural light when you need to use curtains for privacy? Here’s how I approach this:

• Start with sheer curtains for privacy
• Add light-filtering curtains for ambiance
• Include blackout options for sleeping comfort

Mirrors can also work wonders, especially in small places. Plus there are so many beautiful, affordable mirrors today – there’s one for every taste. I love it when I can optically increase the apparent size of a tiny living room just by placing mirrors to reflect both natural light and greenery from outside. The key is to think about what the mirror will reflect – don’t position mirrors to reflect blank walls or cluttered spaces.

Tip 14. Artificial lighting design

Lighting, again. You already know about three point lighting. But let’s talk about temperature. This is something I overlooked when I began focusing on creating Instagram-worthy vacation rentals. But mixing cool and warm bulbs throughout the house is a photographer’s nightmare. Now I stick to warm white bulbs (2700-3000K) for most spaces. They create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that photographs beautifully.

Tip 15. Specialty lighting features

If you can, install dimmer switches wherever possible. They’re relatively inexpensive but give guests the power to create perfect lighting for any photo opportunity. I learned this after noticing that my most-photographed spaces were ones where guests could adjust the lighting to their preference.

Some of my most successful choices have been exterior lighting features. String lights are obvious winners, but I’ve also had great success with uplighting on architectural features, pathway lighting, and even outdoor plant lighting (looks super cool, like you’d expect at a botanical garden).

Add shareworthy amenities and props

Tip 16. Essential props list

A $30 neon sign became my property’s most photographed feature, not the $250 fancy lamp hanging over the dining room table. My point? It doesn’t need to cost a fortune to make guests reach for their phone to take a pic. 

Here’s my go-to list for photography props that consistently deliver results:

• A vintage-style record player (even if not functional)
• Statement coffee table books
• Local artisan pieces
• A well-styled bar cart
• Letter boards or artistic signage
• Unique mirrors for selfie opportunities

Tip 17. Creating interactive experiences

In one of my Airbnbs, I created a simple coffee station with local beans and a pour-over setup. Not only did it photograph beautifully, but guests loved sharing their morning coffee-making routines.

Whenever you can, add a local or personal touch. And no, I’m not talking about that generic  “Live Laugh Love” signs. I source unique pieces from local artists and makers. These items tell a story and give guests something specific to share about their stay.

Tip 18. Seasonal and practical styling

Seasonal displays need to be both photogenic and practical. A copper pot filled with colorful umbrellas becomes both functional and photo-worthy during rainy seasons.

I actually have a “prop closet” for my vacation rental staging. It includes items for different seasons and holidays that I can easily swap out. Cozy throws and candles for winter, bright pillows and beach gear for summer. That keeps the space fresh for repeat guests and provides them new photo opportunities throughout the year.

It always helps when your know who your target audience is. For example, I noticed many of my guests were digital nomads, so I created a beautiful (and functional) workstation with perfect lighting for those #workfromwherever shots. It’s become one of the most tagged features of the property.

Your takeaway

You know what I’m going to say, right? Start with your lighting. Take 10 minutes to walk through your space during different times of day and identify your “golden hours” – those perfect lighting moments when the sun hits just right. Write down what time these occur in each room, then leave this guide for your guests. This simple step costs nothing but will immediately help your guests capture better photos of your space, leading to more social shares and better visibility for your rental.