1. Statement Bathtubs and Spa Moments

Deep soaking tubs, outdoor baths, and spa-like moments photograph incredibly well. At Casa Kirra, for example, the backyard bathtub has become one of the most shared features. Guests love bath shots with candles, greenery, and soft lighting.

Why guests love it:
It feels luxurious, calming and personal. A beautiful bathtub suggests slow mornings, self-care, and relaxation — all of which perform amazingly on Instagram.

Design tip:
Add greenery, textured towels, soft lighting and natural materials to elevate the vibe.

2. Lighting That Looks Good on Camera

Good lighting makes or breaks a space. Soft lamps, warm bulbs, LED strips, dimmers, and layered lighting help create that cozy-glow look guests love.

Ring lights and overhead LEDs? Not so much.

Why guests love it:
Warm lighting makes photos look dreamy and inviting. It also makes the home itself feel more comfortable and luxurious.

Design tip:
Avoid harsh overhead lights. Use warm white bulbs in lamps, sconces, and art lights to build a layered, mood-setting glow.

3. Textured Bedding and a Perfectly Made Bed

Guests always photograph pretty bedding. Soft layers, neutral tones, chunky blankets, hotel-quality pillows, and crisp sheets create a welcoming, editorial-looking shot.

Why guests love it:
A great bed signals comfort and intention. It feels high-end and relaxing, and it photographs beautifully.

Design tip:
Neutrals always win. Think linen textures, quilt layers, oversized throw pillows and a chunky knit.

4. Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces

San Diego’s climate makes indoor-outdoor living incredibly popular. Guests love sliding doors that open wide, patios with cozy seating, fire pits, bistro lights, tropical plants and lounge areas.

Why guests love it:
It creates a vacation-in-your-own backyard vibe that feels warm, romantic and shareable.

Design tip:
Add layered textiles, lanterns, hammocks or a boutique-style seating area.

5. Unique Architectural Details

Arched doorways, curved plaster walls, Spanish tile, vintage beams, and custom niches stand out on camera. These details give a home character and make guests feel like they’re in a special, thoughtfully created space.

Why guests love it:
Unique architecture stands out in a world full of bland, cookie-cutter homes.

Design tip:
Even adding one statement feature, like an arch or custom shelving niche, goes a long way.

6. Coffee + Breakfast Corners

Coffee stations always go viral. A small area with a pretty machine, mugs, syrups, plants and under-shelf lighting becomes a daily Instagram story moment.

Why guests love it:
It feels cozy and personal. Guests love their morning ritual and they love photographing it.

Design tip:
Make it feel curated rather than cluttered. Choose stylish mugs, glass jars and warm wood textures.

7. Color Moments, Not Color Overload

Guests love colorful accents that photograph well, like a bold front door, patterned pillows, a vintage rug or a playful piece of art. They love having one standout moment without overpowering the rest of the home.

Why guests love it:
It adds personality and makes selfies or travel photos pop.

Design tip:
Keep the palette neutral overall so the color moment feels intentional.

8. Boutique Hotel Bathrooms

Guests adore bathrooms that feel like high-end hotels — oversized mirrors, gorgeous tile, rainfall showers, soft towels, floating vanities and mood lighting.

Why guests love it:
It feels like a luxury upgrade from daily life. Beautiful bathrooms create a quiet, private moment that photographs well.

Design tip:
Light your bathroom with warm bulbs and add plants for texture.

9. Perfectly Curated Shelving and Decor Moments

floating shelves, ceramics, travel books, plants, candles, framed art, and minimal styling create spots that guests naturally gravitate toward for photos.

Why guests love it:
It feels thoughtful, stylish and pulled together. It shows personality.

Design tip:
Use decor with texture and natural materials for a warm, organic look.

10. The “Hero Shot” — One Unforgettable Feature

Every great Airbnb has one standout element that becomes its identity.
For Casa Coolangatta, it might be the boardwalk bikes.
For Kirra, it is the outdoor bathtub.
For Jade Manor, it is the green exterior and historic details.

This is the feature guests post the most.

Why guests love it:
It gives them a signature moment, something unique to your home alone.

Design tip:
Choose one feature and make it unforgettable, whether it is a mural wall, neon sign, bathtub, fireplace, or backyard swing.

11. Native + Tropical Landscaping

Palm shadows, large monstera leaves, cactus clusters, hummingbird flowers, climbing vines — guests love photographing natural elements.

Why guests love it:
Nature-based photos always perform well and are incredibly shareable.

Design tip:
Build one dedicated greenery moment near outdoor seating or an entryway.

12. Small Luxury Details That Guests Notice

Guests often post the details most hosts overlook.
Beautiful wine glasses.
Amber bottles for soaps.
Handwritten notes.
Curated blankets.
Pretty laundry setups.
Aesthetic pantry organization.

Why guests love it:
Small luxuries make the home feel intentional, cared for and elevated.

Design tip:
Think boutique-hotel-meets-home, not big-box Airbnb.

Why Instagrammable Design Matters

People don’t just stay at Airbnbs anymore, they experience them.
They photograph them.
They share them.
They remember how they felt in them.

Instagrammable features:

• Increase word-of-mouth

• Help listings stand out

• Lead to more bookings

• Attract guests who appreciate design

• Create emotional connections

• Inspire glowing reviews

• Turn first-time guests into repeat visitors

A well-designed Airbnb is not about being trendy. It is about creating spaces that look beautiful on camera and feel even better in person.

If you’re thinking about transforming your home or vacation rental into a more photogenic, high-performing Airbnb, reach out. I can break down the upgrades that actually matter, share what guests look for, and help you create the kind of stay people rave about long after checkout.