Furnish an Airbnb or Short-Term Rental on a Budget

In this post, I'll walk you through a real example of how our Short-Term Rental & Airbnb Interior Design e-Design Package can transform your rental property on a budget.

The Client & Vision

Our client, based in Brisbane, had recently purchased a 1-bedroom apartment in Fortitude Valley. While she'd already furnished the space herself, she recognised the potential to elevate it and attract more guests. We began by discussing her vision, and three keywords emerged consistently throughout our conversation:

Coastal + Vintage Space Age + Hint of Palm Springs

She had a reasonable budget and wanted to keep costs wallet-friendly. We committed to delivering a stunning result while respecting her financial constraints.

Creating the Moodboard & Colour Palette

Once we understood her vision, we got to work creating a moodboard that would bring all the elements together.

For the coastal aesthetic, we drew inspiration from rattan and rustic textures. To incorporate the vintage space-age element while keeping it modern, we selected soft-edged, curved furniture pieces. And for that Palm Springs touch? We added desert-inspired accents with plants like cacti and lush greenery. For pattern, we chose classic coastal stripes, think beach towels and the umbrellas you'd see in Positano.

Our colour palette featured:

• Two whites: a crisp, bright white and a softer cream for the coastal theme
• A warm, deeper beige (reflecting the natural rattan furniture)
• Accent colours: muted orange, navy, and olive green

Sourcing Furniture & Building the Shopping List

With the moodboard and colours locked in, we curated furniture pieces that would work perfectly with the space. Dimensions were crucial—we needed to ensure each piece enhanced rather than cramped the apartment.

Rather than limiting ourselves to a single brand, we sourced from multiple retailers to find the best combination of size, style, price, and colour that would feel cohesive and functional. The result? A fully furnished living space for approximately $3,200 and the best part is that we retained most of the existing bedroom furniture, adding just a few key pieces to really capture that coastal-meets-Palm-Springs vibe.

Floor Plan & Layout Recommendations

We also reviewed the current floor plan and furniture arrangement to optimise the space. Fortunately, the homeowner had done an excellent job with the layout already. We provided recommendations on furniture sizing to ensure comfortable movement throughout the apartment.

The Result

The final space was a success—a happy client and a beautifully furnished rental ready to attract guests.

Living Space 

Dining Space 

Bedroom 

Are you a short-term rental owner looking to maximise your property's earning potential? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with us. We'll assess your space and guide you through the next steps to create a rental that guests love and that generates real returns.