Designing an Airbnb guests won't scroll past

With thousands of holiday rentals available at the touch of a button, thoughtful design can be the difference between someone scrolling on or making a booking.

For this West Sussex studio Airbnb, the brief was to transform two underused rooms into a single, self-contained apartment that felt both practical and memorable.

Rather than relying on the pale, predictable palette often associated with holiday lets, we embraced rich, atmospheric colours to create a space that feels warm, welcoming and cocooning, particularly in the evenings. The aim was to give guests the feeling of arriving somewhere special rather than simply somewhere to sleep.

Every decision balanced durability with character. A sofa with removable washable covers makes everyday maintenance straightforward, while carefully chosen artisan materials, including a Foresso worktop made from reclaimed timber offcuts, bring individuality and craftsmanship to the space.

In a compact apartment, every centimetre matters. Careful space planning, layered lighting and considered storage ensure the studio feels calm and uncluttered, despite incorporating a kitchenette, dining area, sleeping space and shower room.

The best holiday accommodation leaves guests with a lasting impression long after they've checked out. More often than not, it's not because the space was larger or more expensive, but because it felt distinctive, thoughtfully designed and unlike anywhere else they could have booked.