Seasonal Décor for Tourist Apartments: Simple and Effective Ideas

Décor is one of the key elements that shapes a guest’s first impression. Even before arriving at the apartment, many travelers focus on the photos they see online, and from that very first glance they already form an idea of the atmosphere, style, and level of care behind the accommodation. That’s why adapting the apartment’s seasonal décor to specific times of the year, such as Christmas, can be a simple and effective way to add a special touch without the need for renovations or major investment.

Choosing small seasonal details can transform a neutral space into a warm and memorable place, helping to attract more bookings and improve overall guest satisfaction. In this article, we share practical ideas to incorporate seasonal décor in a quick, budget-friendly way, without losing the essence of your tourist apartment.

 

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Why Adapt Your Apartment’s Décor to the Season or a Special Event?

Each season sets different expectations for travelers: warmth in winter, freshness in summer, color in spring, or a cozy atmosphere in autumn. The same applies to key moments such as Christmas, Easter, summer holidays, or local festivities.
That’s why adapting your vacation rental to these moments comes with several key benefits:

• It reinforces the feeling of home and well-being.
• It improves the perception of care and attention to detail.
• It increases the appeal of photos on booking platforms.
• It creates an emotional connection with guests from the very first glance.
• It helps your apartment stand out from similar listings.

Best of all, there’s no need to replace furniture or redecorate from scratch—small accessories can make a big difference!

 

Seasonal Accessories: The Secret to Decorating Without Renovations

To create a themed atmosphere without losing the apartment’s original style, we recommend choosing elements that are easy to add and remove. Here are some of the most effective options:

Decorative cushions and covers

They are one of the most popular resources because they can completely change the feel of a home by updating just one textile. For Christmas, opt for burgundy, warm beige, or forest green covers; for summer, blues and whites; and for spring, soft pastel shades.

Throws and blankets

A soft throw placed on the sofa or at the foot of the bed instantly adds warmth, especially in winter. In summer, lighter fabrics such as linen or cotton work best.

Candles and subtle scents

Decorative candles—preferably LED—create atmosphere without any risk. Choose gentle scents depending on the season: cinnamon or pine in winter, white florals in spring, and citrus notes in summer.

Temporary prints or artwork

An empty frame allows you to swap prints without altering the walls. During the holiday season, go for simple illustrations; in spring, botanical motifs; in summer, Mediterranean-inspired designs; and in autumn, earthy tones.

Table centerpieces and small details

A vase with dried branches, a bowl with holiday ornaments, fresh flowers, or a stylish tray with two cups can create highly photogenic corners with minimal effort.

 

Preserving the Apartment’s Own Style: The 70/30 Rule

A very practical tip when decorating for any season is to apply the 70/30 rule:

• 70% of the apartment’s style remains unchanged.
• 30% is adapted to the season through temporary accessories.

This way, you preserve the apartment’s identity while introducing changes that make it more appealing to guests.

 

What to Avoid: Common Mistakes in Seasonal Décor

Seasonal décor can make a real difference, but it’s important to avoid a few common pitfalls. Overdecorating with too many ornaments often creates a cluttered feel and can make the apartment look smaller or less functional. When it comes to this type of décor, less is always more.

It’s also important not to disrupt the apartment’s core style. Seasonal elements should blend naturally with the existing décor, respecting the apartment’s colors, materials, and overall atmosphere.

Another key point is to avoid fragile, delicate, or impractical items, as vacation rentals have frequent guest turnover and cleaning. When it comes to scents, it’s best to steer clear of strong fragrances, which may feel overpowering or off-putting to some guests.
Decorative lighting should enhance the atmosphere without interfering with the main lighting or the everyday use of the space. Lastly, opt for a neutral and elegant décor, avoiding overly personal items, and make sure there is consistency between the apartment’s real décor and the photos shown in the listing.

 

Does Seasonal Décor Increase Bookings?

Many property owners wonder whether these kinds of details truly deliver a return. The answer is yes: various industry studies show that apartments with well-executed seasonal décor receive a higher click-through rate and a greater number of saves on rental platforms. A visually appealing apartment can:

• Better performance in photos.
• More clicks on listings.
• Higher perceived quality without increasing the budget.

It’s not about transforming the entire apartment, but about enhancing its charm with accessible, seasonal details.

 

Which Decorative Details Attract More Clicks (By Season)

On rental platforms, decisions are made in a fraction of a second. Apartments that stand out visually usually have one thing in common: small, well-chosen details that are highly photogenic and easy to spot in the very first image. Below are the decorative elements that work best, organized by season.

Winter (Christmas and colder months) Visible throws and blankets on the sofa or bed, conveying warmth and comfort.Cushions in warm tones (beige, burgundy, dark green, or earthy shades). Soft ambient lighting, such as accent lamps or warm indirect lights. Subtle Christmas details, like simple table centerpieces or minimalist ornaments. Cozy textures (wool, knit, soft fabrics) that come through clearly in photos.

Spring Fresh or dried flowers in simple vases, adding life and color. Lightweight textiles in soft or pastel tones (cushions, bedspreads, curtains). Botanical prints or soft illustrations, easy to swap out by season. Clear surfaces with small decorative details (books, decorative trays). Well-used natural light, creating visually brighter and more open spaces.

Summer Fresh, Mediterranean-inspired colors: whites, blues, sand tones, and natural fibers. Cotton or linen textiles, visible on beds and sofas. Elements that suggest summer (hats, baskets, glass vases). Well-presented terraces or balconies, even if they’re small. A sense of order and spaciousness, key to standing out in main listing photos.

Autumn Earthy and natural tones in cushions, throws, or small accessories. Table centerpieces with natural elements, such as dried branches or ceramics. Warm, enveloping lighting, ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere. Visual textures that add depth without cluttering the space. Details that convey calm, such as well-styled reading corners.

Extra Tip: Add a Local Touch if Your Apartment Is in Barcelona

If your apartment is in Barcelona, adding a subtle local touch can make a big difference, especially for international guests. A small Tió de Nadal figurine, an illustrated postcard of the Sagrada Familia or a eucalyptus branch typical of the Mediterranean add authenticity and strengthen the connection to the destination.
These are simple details, easy to incorporate and highly photogenic, helping the apartment feel like a local experience rather than a generic accommodation. And very often, it’s precisely these small touches that win guests over from the very first click.

If you found this article useful, feel free to leave us a comment. And if you’re thinking about having your property managed by experts, at AB Apartment Barcelona we can support you every step of the way. We take care of every detail to enhance your guests’ experience, even through small gestures on special occasions that truly make a difference. Get in touch with us!