Unlike a vacation home the owner uses, a rental vacation apartment, typically listed on Airbnb, often emphasizes aesthetics, sometimes at the expense of functionality. This means that while a kitchen might be minimal, the bedroom should be more luxurious. A hot topic in design discussions: Does such an apartment need to be equipped with a washing machine and dryer?
By Hadas Magen, Nadlan Center
G. and his wife, retirees, recently purchased a house on one of the Greek islands, which serves them and their family during their vacations. This summer, the entire family—children, grandchildren, and even some friends—stayed in the house. The property includes a living room, four bedrooms, a large yard, and a spacious, well-equipped kitchen that can comfortably accommodate the family for one- or two-week stays. The home is functional and designed, without gimmicks, catering to the family’s needs.
In contrast, an Airbnb rental focuses more on visual appeal, often at the expense of practicality. “In an Airbnb apartment,” says architect Shira Muscal, partner at Hallel Architecture, “we can take the design a step further—be more daring, create a more dramatic look, because it’s a space for short stays.”
Living space for short-term rentals
Musical compares an Airbnb apartment (short-term rental) to a type of “living machine”: on the one hand, it needs to be practical, but on the other hand, it allows for a more playful design. For instance, there’s no need for excessive storage space, and the dining area might only need two chairs. “It’s almost like a museum exhibit,” she says. “It allows you to be bold with the design.”
Interior designer Oron Milstein also takes a bold approach when designing Airbnb apartments. “People staying in these apartments are looking for a different experience,” he explains. “When people go on vacation, they want to feel something unique,” Milstein recalls designing a vacation home in Tel Aviv for a couple that wasn’t intended for rent but allowed the couple to embrace their fantasies in its design fully.
In the Airbnb apartments Milstein designs, especially in Tel Aviv, there will be a kitchen, but it’s minimal—enough to cook pasta or heat takeout. There’s seating for two, but it’s not designed for cooking or entertaining. The idea is that part of the vacation experience is dining out. For the same reason, there will be no dishwasher or washing machine. The bathroom and bedroom, however, will be luxurious as part of the overall experience. “When I design Airbnb apartments,” Milstein says, “I imagine an ideal guest and trying to cater to them as much as possible. Airbnb is for experiential functions—when you stay in an apartment in the center of Tel Aviv, you want to ‘live the city’ rather than stand around cooking.”
Comfort, practicality, and personal touches
Interior designer Liat Malka believes a successful Airbnb apartment balances comfort, practicality, and visual appeal. “In a space with a high turnover of guests, creating maximum movement space with an open, airy layout that gives a sense of freedom is important. It’s better to choose durable, easy-to-maintain furniture and add aesthetic elements to give guests an extraordinary experience and unforgettable atmosphere.”
Muscal agrees about the importance of using durable materials due to the high number of users. For example, in the Airbnb apartments she designs, there won’t be wooden flooring but synthetic wood; instead of stone or concrete, there will be tiles that resemble those materials.
Architect Clara Ragen sees things a bit differently. On the one hand, she emphasizes that the Airbnb apartment should be well-designed and have a “wow” effect. On the other hand, it’s important for guests to feel at home, even if they are only staying for two or three days. “Once guests feel a sense of belonging, they want to return,” she says. “To make a guest feel at home, the apartment must have everything they have at home.” For this reason, in her designs, Ragen plans space for a washing machine, even a dryer, and fully equips the kitchen.
Personalizing the Airbnb experience
Malka agrees: “Guests in an Airbnb want to feel more at home, so the design includes comfortable, homey furniture, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and even books, games, or items that give the feel of a lived-in space. This contrasts with hotel designs, usually standardized, functional, and aimed at a broad audience. Airbnb apartments are designed with a personal touch, allowing guests to live a lifestyle similar to their everyday routines, such as cooking or doing laundry, which provides comfort and connection to the place.”
Designing for location
Is there a connection between the design of the apartment and its location? Does an Airbnb apartment in Jerusalem need to look different from one in Eilat? The answer is yes. “The location has a huge impact on the design and inspires the apartment’s style,” says interior designer Nir Yiftach. “An apartment in the Mahane Yehuda market will incorporate local motifs, while a seaside apartment will emphasize marine elements. The idea is to highlight environmental elements to create an authentic experience. The design should give a sense of homeliness while reflecting the local character.”
Architect Ohad Omer explains that the design of a vacation apartment must blend with its surroundings to create a harmonious experience. For example, vacation homes in coastal cities like Acre or Netanya might feature marine elements, light colors, and large windows overlooking the sea. A minimalist design with clean lines, modern materials, and advanced technological solutions might be more appropriate in urban areas like Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Local building materials, such as Jerusalem stone or natural wood, can enrich the design and strengthen the connection to the place.
The influence of local design
Malka adds: “The goal is for guests to feel connected to the place. In Tel Aviv, the Airbnb apartment’s design will convey urbanism, freedom, and youthfulness. In certain parts of the city, natural materials like wood, concrete, and touches of metal will be used, with large windows that bring in light and views. In older areas like Jaffa or Neve Tzedek, the style will be more vintage-retro, eclectic—using the original flooring, natural stone, and historical elements that create authenticity.”
“When I design an Airbnb apartment,” says Ragen, “I learn about the history of the place. For instance, in an apartment I designed in Jaffa, there are hand-painted tiles, like many of the apartments in Jaffa. Ultimately, even though we don’t know exactly who will stay in the Airbnb, we do know that guests coming to Jaffa want to live like the locals for a few days, so I’ll give them the experience of the place.”
Malka concludes, “The idea is for guests to feel connected to the location. The Airbnb apartment’s design will reflect urban life, freedom, and youth in Tel Aviv. Natural materials like wood, concrete, metal touches, and large openings for light and views will be used in certain parts of the city. In older areas like Jaffa or Neve Tzedek, the style will be more vintage and eclectic, incorporating original flooring, natural stone, and elements that give the space an authentic, historical feel.”
