If you own a holiday let in the UK, how your property looks online can make or break your booking rate. In fact, 68% of guests say photos influence their decision to book a holiday rental. But even the best location won’t save you if your interiors are telling guests to go elsewhere.
At Balance Home Staging, we work with cottage owners and holiday let agencies to transform properties into stylish, welcoming spaces that drive bookings and 5-star reviews. Here are five styling mistakes we see all too often and how to fix them.
1. Overusing Grey in Your Holiday Cottage
Grey walls, grey sofas, grey curtains… While grey interiors were once a trend, too much can make your space feel cold and uninviting, it’s a look that feels more “don’t get too comfortable” than “relax and stay a while”.
How to fix it:
- Add large green plants in woven baskets for warmth
- Use artwork with natural themes (botanical prints, landscapes) in gold or wood frames
- Layer with colourful cushions and throws in earthy accent colours to break up the grey.
- Tip: Want help choosing the right colour palette? Explore our guide to styling with natural paint tones.
2. Matching Furniture Sets
If everything in the room looks like it came from the same flat-pack box, your guests will notice. Matchy-matchy furniture lacks personality and makes the space feel like a showroom, not a home-from-home.
How to fix it:
- Mix things up. Use different textures and styles for a more lived-in, curated look
- Add an old piece or reupholstered piece of furniture to elevate basics
- Vary shapes and heights for visual interest.
3. Using Fake Plants and Flowers
Faux flowers may seem like a quick fix, but they do little to make your space feel alive. Guests can tell, and it often makes the room feel dated.
How to fix it:
- Use real plants or fresh greenery, even a single stem in a bud vase
- Try low-maintenance options like peace lilies or snake plants
- Add natural materials like wood, stone or linen for texture
4. Predictable or Generic Wall Art
Shell prints and stock beach scenes don’t exactly inspire. They can make your space look like every other rental being promoted online.
How to fix it:
- Hang one large, bold artwork to create a focal point
- Choose landscapes, abstract pieces or photography in colours that complement the room
- Avoid lots of small frames and artworks which clutter room.
5. Harsh Lighting Without Dimmers
Lights without dimmers (especially ceiling spotlights) create a bright, clinical look more like a dentist’s office than a holiday retreat, not what your guests want when winding down after a long day exploring.
How to fix it:
- Install dimmer switches for overhead lighting
- Add pendant lights, table lamps, and wall sconces to the room with warm bulbs
- Layer your lighting so guests can change the mood throughout the day.
Why Invest in Professional Styling for Your Holiday Let?
Get More Bookings Properties with professional photos and thoughtful styling attract more interest. 68% of users on Booking.com say images play a key role in choosing a place to stay.
Increase Your Rental
Income Airbnb reports that styled and well-photographed homes can earn up to 40% more than average listings.
Better Reviews = Repeat Guests
83% of TripAdvisor users say aesthetic appeal and comfort are key to choosing accommodation. Good style = great reviews = loyal guests.
Work With Balance Home Staging
We help holiday let owners, Airbnb hosts, and letting agencies across Northumberland, Cumbria, and Tyne & Wear to:
- Increase bookings
- Boost rental rates
- Get 5-star reviews
- Encourage repeat visits
Need help transforming your holiday let into a 5-star space? Let’s talk. Call Louisa on 0789 1723404 Email: louisa@balancehomestaging.co.uk
