Simple Airbnb Decor Tips for Hosts in South Africa
Simple Airbnb Decor Tips for Hosts in South Africa
Creating a warm, memorable environment in your Airbnb doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. The key lies in small, thoughtful details that speak to the comfort and personality of the space—something that guests feel the moment they walk through the door.
If you’re a host in South Africa, you have a unique opportunity: you can bring your local culture, landscapes, and natural beauty into your decor in ways that feel genuine and grounded. It’s these authentic touches that help your Airbnb stand out and leave lasting impressions.
Let’s explore some simple, effective decor strategies for your Airbnb that blend style, comfort, and a distinctly South African aesthetic—using accents and décor available from Lily Grace Design, an online store known for designs that celebrate local identity and comfort.
1. Choose a Grounded Colour Palette Inspired by Nature
Sticking to a consistent colour palette helps create a sense of harmony throughout the home. If your space feels too chaotic or disconnected, guests may feel unsettled, even if they can’t put their finger on why.
Consider palettes inspired by South Africa’s diverse natural scenery—muted greens from the forests of Knysna, sandy beige from the Karoo, or the dusty pinks of Namaqualand flowers in bloom. These tones not only feel calming but are also versatile enough to complement seasonal decor changes.
To add focal points, incorporate soft accents like scatter cushions with patterns or prints reflecting native flora and fauna. Lily Grace’s collection of Cushion Covers includes designs that reflect these local inspirations—perfect for tying the entire colour scheme together while subtly showcasing the country’s natural beauty.
2. Think Thematically—But Stay Practical
Giving your Airbnb a distinct theme helps create a memorable experience. It could be something as broad as "Coastal Calm" for a Cape Town apartment or "Bushveld Retreat" for a home near Kruger. Themes not only offer direction for decor choices but also help tell a story that guests can connect with.
Themes should never feel forced or overdone. A good approach is to pick 2–3 anchoring ideas—such as wildlife, botanical elements, or local heritage—and then use them across artwork, linen, and accessories. Lily Grace’s
Wallpaper and Wallpaper Murals collection includes designs that make this easy to achieve. From soft botanical murals to wildlife illustrations, you can create feature walls that set the tone for the entire room without overwhelming it.
These thematic accents don’t have to dominate the room. In fact, the goal is to create something that feels curated, not cluttered.
3. Textures Make the Difference
Visual interest doesn’t always come from colour or print. Texture plays a massive role in how guests experience comfort. In South Africa, mixing natural materials—like wood, linen, leather, and woven fabrics—gives your space warmth while reflecting local materials and lifestyle.
A great way to introduce soft, inviting textures is through throws and cushions. Fleece Blankets from Lily Grace offer not just warmth but also subtle design elements. Whether folded at the foot of the bed or draped over a chair, they provide functional softness that guests can appreciate, especially during chilly mornings or cool inland nights.
Pairing different textures together—such as a linen duvet, a fleece blanket, and a wooden bedframe—creates a layered look that feels inviting and lived-in without being overly styled.
4. Use Repetition for a Clean, Polished Look
Consistency is key when decorating a space that’s meant to welcome different people each week. Repeating design elements—such as colours, shapes, or motifs—creates a sense of unity and makes the space feel purposefully put together.
For example, if you’re using botanical prints, look for ways to echo that theme in both the bedroom and lounge area. A King Protea on a scatter cushion in the bedroom could be mirrored by similar artwork in the living room or even on a ceramic mug in the kitchen.
With the range of Cushion Covers at Lily Grace, it’s easy to maintain that visual thread throughout the home. These subtle cues help the space feel well-thought-out, giving guests the sense that you’ve put real care into their environment.
5. Add Local Character with Personal Touches
Guests don’t just want a place to sleep—they want a place that feels like it belongs where it is. Adding personal or localised items can help them connect with the area and make their stay more memorable.
Think about what you can include that feels distinctly South African: handwoven baskets, beadwork accents, or even unique ceramic mugs featuring local themes.
A subtle yet powerful way to do this is by integrating locally designed lifestyle products, such as the Lily Grace designer mugs that feature proteas, fynbos, or wildlife. These are more than just drinkware—they’re conversation starters and pieces of local identity.
You can even leave a welcome tray with coffee, rusks, and two custom mugs to greet your guests upon arrival. It’s these kinds of thoughtful moments that inspire glowing reviews.
6. Lighting Should Be Soft and Strategic
Few elements influence the feel of a room more than lighting. Many Airbnbs fall into the trap of relying solely on harsh overhead lights, which flatten out the space and make it feel sterile.
Instead, opt for layered lighting. Combine overhead lights with floor lamps, table lamps, or even LED candles for a soft glow in the evening. This is especially important in bedrooms and lounge areas where guests unwind after a day of exploring.
To complete the mood, pair lighting with textiles—cushions, rugs, and fleece throws. A corner lamp casting a warm light over a textured blanket draped on a chair creates an atmosphere that encourages relaxation.
7. Celebrate South African Art Without Going Overboard
There’s a growing appetite among tourists to experience the real South Africa, not just through tours and food, but also through the spaces they stay in. Incorporating local artwork is an easy way to satisfy that curiosity.
You don’t need to hang expensive original pieces to accomplish this. Printed canvases or mural-style wallpapers that reflect native animals, plants, or heritage designs can be just as effective.
8. Less Clutter, More Meaning
One of the most common mistakes Airbnb hosts make is over-decorating. The idea of “more is more” rarely results in a relaxing environment. Instead, focus on a few standout pieces that hold meaning or offer function.
This could mean choosing a few larger scatter cushions over lots of small ones or opting for a bold wallpaper mural in just one room rather than spreading small prints across every wall. Aim for clarity over clutter. With the help of Lily Grace’s curated range, it’s easier to select impactful items that do double duty—serving both a visual and emotional purpose.
9. Think Seasonally, Plan Flexibly
In summer, lean into lighter tones and swap in cushion covers with breezier prints—perhaps ocean-inspired patterns or florals that reflect blooming seasons in your region.
These small seasonal switches keep your listing looking fresh and cared for, which guests pick up on even subconsciously.
10. End with Comfort That Guests Will Talk About
Ultimately, guests remember how a place made them feel. A chair that invites you to curl up with a book. A blanket that makes you want to linger in bed a little longer. A cushion that feels just right behind your back.
These are the finishing touches that can’t be underestimated. And they’re easier to implement than you think—especially when you have access to high-quality, locally designed items from a brand like Lily Grace Design.
11. Create Standout Features with Custom Printed Fabrics
For hosts looking to make a bold but tasteful statement, custom printed fabrics offer a smart way to bring individuality into the space—especially when you're aiming to reflect your property’s unique character or surroundings.
Think of custom fabric as your design wildcard: it can be used for curtains, table runners, reupholstered chairs, or even DIY headboards. These elements allow you to tie your theme together in subtle but impactful ways. Whether you want to highlight coastal calm, safari chic, or botanical elegance, this level of customization ensures your decor doesn't feel like a template.
And that’s what guests remember.
Visit Lily Grace Design
www.lilygracedesign.co.za
For custom design queries, WhatsApp: 073 710 5224
