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šŸ  šŸ“ Design Flaws That Kill 5-Star Reviews

Having an Airbnb isn't enough to impress your guests. Keep reading for commonly overlooked design problems that impact your bookings. šŸ“‰

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July 24th, 2025

Good evening STR Report Community!

In today’s issue, you will find:

šŸ“±Today’s Article: šŸ šŸ“ Design Flaws That Kill 5-Star Reviews

šŸ“ˆ Trending Market Highlight: Eugene, Oregon and Wilmington, Delaware

šŸļø Unique Airbnb of the Week

šŸ« Subscriber Perks: Go Live Playbook, including: Beginner’s Guide E-Book, Guest Communication Messaging Templates, Airbnb Welcome Guide Template, STR Buy Box Template, & Tax Savings E-Book

āœ… Community Perks: Top-Tier Property Management, Personal Airbnb Investment Finder, and STR Loans & More

šŸ“¬ See our collection of newsletters here: Prior Newsletters

šŸ šŸ“ Design Flaws That Kill 5-Star Reviews

You’ve invested in stylish furniture, beautiful photos, and the perfect listing description—but your short-term rental still isn’t racking up those coveted 5-star reviews.

Here’s the truth: guests judge your property not just on location or cleanliness, but on how comfortable and thoughtfully designed it feels.

Here are six common interior design mistakes that silently sabotage your ratings—and how to fix them:

sitting fred armisen GIF by Amazon Prime Video

There’s a balance between aesthetically pleasing AND comfortable furniture.

1. Cluttered Spaces

Guests want to feel relaxed, not overwhelmed. Too many decorative objects, busy patterns, or oversized furniture can make a space feel cramped and chaotic.

āœ… Fix: Keep decor tasteful and minimal. Prioritize open space over filling every corner. Remember: less is often more.

2. Uncomfortable Furniture

That chic velvet sofa might look amazing in photos—but if it’s stiff as a board, your guests won’t care how stylish it is.

āœ… Fix: Test every piece of furniture for comfort. Choose beds, sofas, and chairs that invite lounging and relaxation.

3. Poor Lighting

Dim rooms, harsh overhead lights, or zero bedside lamps can leave guests frustrated. Lighting sets the mood—and bad lighting can ruin it.

āœ… Fix: Layer your lighting. Add lamps, warm bulbs, and dimmers to create a cozy, flexible atmosphere guests love.

4. Lack of Practicality

A designer coffee table that offers nowhere to set down a drink. A gorgeous rug that’s a tripping hazard. Guests notice when beauty gets in the way of function.

āœ… Fix: Think like a traveler. Provide sturdy surfaces, storage for luggage, and layouts that are easy to navigate—even with bags in tow.

5. Missing Key Spaces

Today’s guests are looking for more than a bed and a couch. Many need spaces to work, exercise, or simply retreat for privacy—especially during longer stays. A rental without these versatile zones can feel incomplete.

āœ… Fix: Carve out even small zones for key activities. Add a dedicated desk and comfortable chair for remote work. Create a cozy reading nook, a small yoga area, or a vanity table. These thoughtful extras make your property stand out—and earn rave reviews.

6. Neglecting Local Character

Generic decor might feel safe—but it also feels forgettable. Guests often choose short-term rentals for a sense of place they can’t get from a hotel.

āœ… Fix: Infuse your space with local art, regional materials, or small touches that tell a story about your city or neighborhood.

The Bottom Line

A beautifully designed rental isn’t just about looks—it’s about creating an experience that’s comfortable, memorable, and practical. Fix these common flaws, and you’ll be well on your way to turning those 4-star reviews into glowing 5-star raves.

Wilmington, Delaware šŸš™ 

Downloadable Wilmington, Delaware Short-Term Rental Market Report

Wilmington STR Market Report.pdf3.31 MB • PDF File
  • Average Daily Rate (ADR): $212.17 per night

  • Occupancy Rate: 56.05%

  • Annual Revenue Potential: Around $43,492 per year

Read our full Wilmington, Delaware Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

Eugene, Oregon šŸžļø

Downloadable Eugene, Oregon Short-Term Rental Market Report

Eugene STR Market Report.pdf2.14 MB • PDF File
  • Average Daily Rate (ADR): $240.26 per night

  • Occupancy Rate: 48.75%

  • Annual Revenue Potential: Around $42,765.42 per year

Read our full Eugene, Oregon Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

šŸ“¬ See our collection of 60+ market reports here: Prior Trending Market Reports

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Subscriber Perks:

šŸ“–šŸ”šŸ’° Go Live Playbook

The "Go Live Playbook" is your all-in-one guide featuring a beginner’s guide e-book, messaging templates, Airbnb welcome book, STR buy box template, and tax savings tips to kickstart your short-term rental success.

Community Perks with The STR Report

šŸ  Top-Tier Property Management ā€“ Lower fees, higher payouts, and premium service. Built for investors who want performance and peace of mind. Act Now: Mention The STR Report by 7/30/25 and get a 6-Month Risk-Free Guarantee.

šŸ”Ž Personal Airbnb Investment Finder ā€“ Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 213+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands. Take 15 seconds to fill out the form to see how all of these properties are experiencing at least a 15% Cash-on-Cash return.

šŸ¤‘ STR Loans & More – Need funding for your next short-term rental? Expect expert guidance, personalized service, and the best possible rates.

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