In the world of holiday rentals, one of the most common decisions for property owners is how to decorate and present their apartment: should you follow the latest trends or go for a more timeless style?
At first glance, it may seem like a purely aesthetic choice, but it actually has a direct impact on profitability, guest perception, and the long-term durability of your investment. Making the right choice can help you stand out from the competition, improve your reviews, and keep your apartment appealing for longer.
In this article, we analyse both options to help you make the best decision based on your type of property and your rental strategy.
Article contents
1. Trends: immediate impact, but with an expiry date
Interior design trends are constantly changing. What’s popular today on social media or platforms like Airbnb can feel outdated tomorrow.
Following trends can bring clear advantages:
- They grab attention quickly in photos
- They generate more clicks on booking platforms
- They convey a modern, up-to-date image
However, they also come with certain risks:
- They can become outdated quickly
- They require more frequent updates
- They may feel visually overwhelming for guests
For example, highly distinctive styles like “extreme boho” or the overuse of bold colours may work for a while, but they don’t always appeal to every type of traveller.
In short: trends are effective as an attention-grabbing tool, but not always as a solid long-term foundation.
2. Timeless style: a safe bet
Timeless design is based on neutrality, functionality, and durability. It doesn’t aim to stand out aggressively, but rather to create a comfortable and pleasant experience for most guests.
Its main advantages include:
- It doesn’t go out of style easily
- It reduces the need for constant renovations
- It appeals to a wider audience
- It creates a sense of order and cleanliness
Neutral colours, natural materials, and simple furniture are typically the foundation of this style. It also aligns well with the expectations of international travellers, who value practical and welcoming spaces.
That said, it does have one drawback:
- It can be less eye-catching in photos if not styled properly
In short: it’s a more stable strategy, designed to maintain the apartment’s appeal over time.
3. What do guests really value?
Beyond trends or style, one thing is clear: guests don’t book based on looks alone.
- Comfort (air conditioning, comfortable beds)
- Good location
- Cleanliness and proper maintenance
- Functional spaces
- Accurate photos that match the real experience
An apartment can look very “trendy”, but if it doesn’t meet these basic expectations, your reviews will still suffer.
4. The key: combining both approaches
It’s not about choosing one or the other, but about finding the right balance.
The most effective strategy is usually:
- A timeless base → walls, main furniture, layout
- Touches of trends → decor, textiles, small details
For example:
- A living room in neutral tones with modern cushions or artwork
- A functional kitchen with contemporary decorative touches
- A simple bedroom with carefully chosen textiles
This way, you get the best of both worlds: a long-lasting apartment that still looks visually appealing.
5. How often should you update your apartment?
You don’t need to renovate constantly, but it’s important to make small, regular updates to stay competitive.
General recommendation:
- Light refresh each season (textiles, decor)
- A more in-depth update every 2–3 years
- New photos whenever there are significant changes
This approach helps you keep your apartment up to date without taking on major costs.
6. Conclusion: less extremes, more strategy
Following trends can help you capture attention, but building your entire apartment around them can be costly in the long run. On the other hand, relying only on a timeless style may cause you to lose visibility if you don’t pay attention to the details.
If you enjoyed this article and want to read more, take a look at our Property Owners Blog. And if you’d like personalised advice, feel free to get in touch with our team — we’ll be happy to help!
