Podcast Summary: Dear Alice | Interior Design Episode: Airbnb Interior Design Reviews: What Hosts Get Right (And Wrong) Release Date: June 12, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Dear Alice, hosts Alice, Suzanne, and Rebecca delve into the world of Airbnb interior designs. Drawing from their extensive experiences as Airbnb connoisseurs, they analyze three standout Airbnb properties, highlighting what hosts excel at and where they falter. The trio combines their expertise with humor and insightful commentary to provide listeners with valuable design perspectives, especially beneficial for both Airbnb hosts and interior design enthusiasts.

Property Reviews

1. Luxury Alpine Pine Tree House in Holiday, Utah

Overview: Located near ski resorts in Holiday, Utah, the Luxury Alpine Pine Tree House boasts a wood-clad exterior elevated on concrete pillars, offering picturesque treetop views and a central glowing pool at night.

Positive Aspects:

• Exterior Appeal: The consistent use of warm wood cladding across all surfaces successfully evokes a mountain retreat ambiance. (Alice: "Every surface on every plane of this space is clad in the same material. That was a good move." [05:54])
• Location: Proximity to ski resorts makes it an attractive choice for winter travelers.

Areas for Improvement:

• Interior Design Choices: The transition from a natural exterior to interiors dominated by icy grays and synthetic materials creates a cold and disconnected atmosphere. The use of accent walls with faux plants detracts from the authentic mountain feel. (Alice: "Everything is just so icy compared to the exterior. You want to feel like a natural." [07:00])
• Furniture Comfort: Common Airbnb issues such as uncomfortable seating and hard mattresses are evident. The lack of deep, inviting chairs hampers the cozy experience travelers seek. (Suzanne: "Most of the seating in Airbnbs are not that comfy... I can't be messing around with the synthetic down pillow." [09:41])
• Functional Layout: The bedroom layout with three twin beds facing different directions compromises space and comfort for guests, particularly families or groups. (Suzanne: "You've got three twin beds… no walking space." [13:20])

Takeaways: Hosts should maintain consistency between exterior inspiration and interior warmth, prioritize comfortable furnishings, and consider functional, guest-friendly layouts to enhance the Airbnb experience.

2. Oceanfront Malibu Home

Overview: This Oceanfront Malibu Home offers stunning views of the ocean, with design elements centered around a white-on-white color scheme and expansive windows showcasing the waterfront.

Positive Aspects:

• Location and Views: The unparalleled ocean vistas are a significant draw, providing a serene and picturesque environment. (Suzanne: "They won the view. That's amazing." [14:19])
• Natural Light: The inclusion of skylights in the kitchen ensures ample natural lighting, enhancing the bright and airy feel of the space. (Suzanne: "I love the skylights in the kitchen because the windows are small." [20:03])

Areas for Improvement:

• Furniture Orientation: The sofa placement does not capitalize on the ocean view, instead facing the TV, which diminishes the room’s primary attraction. (Suzanne: "I wish we were oriented that way. It’s a white-on-white situation." [18:36])
• Design Cohesion: A predominance of rectangular shapes and hard corners creates a rigid and uninviting atmosphere. Introducing softer, rounded furniture pieces could foster a more relaxed environment. (Alice: "Everything is a rectangle. I want more circles and softer surfaces." [19:03])
• Flooring: The gray wood floor, while practical, lacks warmth. Opting for warmer-toned wood or textured flooring could enhance comfort and aesthetic appeal. (Alice: "I think that’s an opportunity to go warmer on your wood floor." [20:07])

Takeaways: Maximizing views through thoughtful furniture arrangement, incorporating softer design elements, and choosing warmer flooring can significantly elevate the guest experience in location-driven Airbnbs.

3. Brighton, England – Airbnb’s 2024 Hottest Designs

Overview: Recognized as Airbnb’s 2024 hottest design, this property in Brighton, England, features a vibrant and cohesive interior with modern amenities and stylish furnishings.

Positive Aspects:

• Design Cohesion: The use of a consistent color palette and thoughtfully selected decor pieces creates a harmonious and welcoming environment. (Suzanne: "Designer. You can tell they hired a designer and I think there's some Airbnbs, you're like, okay, they hired." [32:23])
• Functionality and Comfort: The inclusion of a home office caters to modern travelers who might need to work remotely, blending convenience with luxury. (Suzanne: "This is really nice." [27:03])
• Artistic Elements: Tasteful artwork and accessories add character and originality, making the space memorable and distinct. (Alice: "I like the contrast of just, like, the gold and the ornate." [30:08])
• Natural Integration: The incorporation of live plants and outdoor elements enhances the organic feel and connects the interior with the surrounding environment. (Alice: "I like that they brought in life plants." [31:03])

Areas for Improvement:

• Overall Aesthetic Balance: While the design is largely praised, some listeners might prefer more exposure to personal touches over purely designer pieces to retain a homely feel.

Takeaways: A well-designed Airbnb that harmoniously blends aesthetics with functionality can become a top choice for travelers, driving consistent bookings and positive reviews.

Design Insights

Through their reviews, the hosts emphasize several key design principles crucial for creating exceptional Airbnb experiences:

1. Consistency Between Exterior and Interior: Maintaining a thematic and material continuity from the exterior to the interior fosters a cohesive atmosphere that aligns with guests’ expectations based on the property's appearance.

2. Comfort is Paramount: Investing in high-quality, comfortable furnishings, including seating and mattresses, is essential. Guests seek relaxation and comfort, especially after a day of activities.

3. Maximizing Views and Natural Light: Strategically orienting furniture to highlight unique views and incorporating natural light through skylights or large windows can significantly enhance the guest experience.

4. Authenticity and Local Touches: Integrating authentic, local elements and materials into the design creates a unique and memorable stay, allowing guests to feel connected to the locale.

5. Functional Layouts: Thoughtful space planning that accommodates the needs of different guest types (families, groups, solo travelers) ensures versatility and comfort.

6. Warmth and Softness in Design: Utilizing warm colors, soft textures, and rounded furniture pieces can transform spaces from cold and rigid to inviting and cozy.

Conclusions

In this episode of Dear Alice, the hosts provide a nuanced examination of Airbnb interior designs, celebrating successful design strategies while constructively critiquing areas needing improvement. The Luxury Alpine Pine Tree House showcases the importance of harmonious interior-exterior connections and guest comfort, while the Oceanfront Malibu Home highlights the necessity of functional furniture placement and warm design elements. The Brighton, England property stands out as a model for cohesive, stylish, and guest-centric design.

Key Takeaways for Airbnb Hosts and Interior Designers:

• Consistency and Cohesion: Ensure that the design theme is maintained throughout the property's spaces.
• Prioritize Comfort: Invest in quality furnishings to provide a restful and enjoyable stay.
• Leverage Unique Features: Maximize natural light and views to create standout experiences.
• Incorporate Local Flair: Use authentic materials and local design elements to enrich the guest's connection to the location.
• Functional and Flexible Spaces: Design layouts that accommodate various guest needs and preferences.

By adhering to these principles, Airbnb hosts can create inviting, memorable, and highly-rated properties that attract guests and encourage repeat bookings.

Note: For more detailed reviews and design tips, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Dear Alice on Spotify or YouTube and follow them on Instagram @AliceLaneInteriors and @AliceLaneHome.