Case Study: The Shocking impacts of an “Airbnb Refresh” and the shocking results no one expected:

The Park Didn’t Get Quieter, But the Airbnb Complaints Stopped

 Fed up and overwhelmed, This Airbnb owner was close to selling. 

The house itself was not the issue. It was well located, well maintained, and already performing decently. The real problem was the unruly park across the street. Late night music. Drunk crowds. Endless Guest complaints. 

The result was a steady stream of two, three, and four star ratings for something the owner could not control. 

She had tried everything. Before listing the property for sale she asked us to do a quick furnishing and décor refresh so she could get top dollar on the sale.  What happened next shocked everyone. 

The noise didn’t change but the complaints completely stopped. 

The park stayed busy. The events continued. The crowds still showed up. But the complaints stopped. Same location. Same external conditions. Completely different guest experience. 

Why Design Changed Guest Perception 

The home was already “cute.” It was not broken or outdated. What it lacked was intention. 

Guests were noticing the noise because nothing else was grounding them. The space did not actively support rest, comfort, or emotional calm. Every irritation felt louder because there was no counterbalance. 

Design affects how guests experience everything else. When a short-term rental feels cohesive, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed, guests are more forgiving. They settle in faster. Small inconveniences fade into the background. 

After the refresh, the space felt finished, grounded, and elevated. Guests felt taken care of. 

And that changed how they experienced the stay.  

The Results 

The impact showed up immediately. 

• Noise complaints disappeared. 

• Weekend rates increased by over $100 per night. 

• Bookings improved. 

• Selling was no longer on the table. 

Nothing outside the home changed. Only the design did. 

What Strategic STR Design Actually Does 

Strategic short term rental design is not about trends or decoration. It is about reducing friction and managing perception. 

Well designed STRs: 

• Photograph better and stand out in search results 

• Feel elevated without feeling precious 

• Hold up to heavy guest turnover 

• Are easy to clean and maintain 

• Reduce the small frustrations that turn into bad reviews 

When design does its job, guests focus on the experience instead of the annoyances. 

 Why This Matters for Airbnb Hosts 

Many hosts assume that bad reviews come from things they cannot control. Location issues. Street noise. Neighbors. Weather. 

Sometimes that is true. But often, the real issue is that the design is not doing enough work. A smart refresh can change how guests feel in the space, which changes how they interpret everything else about their stay. 

The Bottom Line 

This case study is not about hiding flaws or pretending problems do not exist. It is about understanding how design shapes perception. 

For short-term rental hosts dealing with repeat complaints, review drag, or guest dissatisfaction, the fix is not always stricter rules or bigger discounts. Sometimes, it is a smarter design strategy. 

Designs Delivered works with Airbnb and short-term rental owners to create professional, durable, guest friendly interiors that improve reviews, increase nightly rates, and protect long term performance without unnecessary cost or complexity. 

FAQ 

How can Airbnb hosts improve reviews without lowering prices or offering refunds? 

Many Airbnb hosts improve reviews by investing in strategic interior design that reduces friction and improves guest comfort. Professional STR design helps guests feel settled, cared for, and satisfied, which often reduces complaints even when external factors cannot be changed. 

Can interior design really reduce guest complaints? 

Yes. Interior design directly impacts how guests experience a stay. When a space feels intentional, comfortable, and well designed, guests are less likely to fixate on minor inconveniences and more likely to leave positive reviews. 

What kind of design works best for short term rentals? 

The best short term rental design balances aesthetics with durability and ease of maintenance. Successful STR design prioritizes comfort, layout, lighting, materials, and furnishings that photograph well, hold up to heavy use, and support a positive guest experience.