Summer’s longer days and warm weather make it the perfect season to roll up your sleeves and give your Airbnb a quick glow-up. Whether you’re staining a deck before sunset or letting fresh door paint dry in the afternoon sunshine, projects just move faster when the sun cooperates.
The best part? You don’t need a contractor or a massive budget to see real results.
Each of the 10 DIY Airbnb upgrades below costs around $150 or less, fits into a single weekend (often a single afternoon), and delivers instant wins in listing photos, guest experience, and reviews. Pick the projects that fit your calendar, knock them out while the weather’s on your side, and watch your refreshed space and new decor pay you back.
Why low-cost DIY upgrades pay off
- Lightning-fast ROI
- A $90 DIY project that earns one extra $200 weekend has already paid you dividends.
- Minimal downtime
- Quick projects mean zero calendar blackouts, unlike six-week bathroom remodels.
- Tax perks
- Many “repair-and-maintenance” updates can be deducted the same year (details below in the Budgeting section).
- Algorithm appeal
- Fresh images push your listing up the feed, boosting exposure without paid ads.
10 best DIY Airbnb renovations
These aren’t your typical “repaint the living room” tips.
Each of the 10 DIY Airbnb projects below:
- Can be knocked out in a weekend (often a single afternoon)
- Costs roughly $150 or less in materials
- Delivers outsized gains in listing photos, guest experience, and five-star reviews
Pick the upgrades that fit your budget and calendar, then watch your bookings and revenue heat up just in time for peak summer travel.
#1: Refresh curb appeal with a statement front door
A front door makeover is the fastest way to shout “fresh and modern!” without touching the rest of the façade. A bold summer color paired with crisp hardware grabs attention in photos and signals a well-kept property before guests even step inside.
How to do it:
- Sand the door and wipe off dust
- Brush or roll on one coat of exterior primer
- Roll on two light coats of paint in a bold summer hue — think Terracotta, Sage, or Midnight Blue
- Finish with a new doormat and a fresh set of house numbers
Why it works for vacation rentals:
A guest’s first impression happens at the curb — and on the listing thumbnail. A statement door boosts click-through rates and sets an upbeat tone that carries into reviews.
DIY stats:
- Cost: $45–$95 for exterior paint + hardware
- Materials: Basic brush/roller kit
- Time: 3 hours including dry time
#2: Add a wallpaper accent wall
Peel-and-stick wallpaper gives any bland room a boutique vibe in a single afternoon. Large-scale botanicals or terrazzo prints photograph beautifully and will inspire guests to snap photos for Instagram — free marketing!
How to do it:
- Clean the wall and strike a vertical laser line for reference.
- Peel 12–18 inches of backing, smooth with a squeegee, and continue downward.
- Butt seams (don’t overlap) and trim the baseboard edge with a sharp knife.
Why it works for vacation rentals:
One dramatic wall delivers “wow” in listing photos and helps your space stand out in crowded search results.
DIY stats:
- Cost: $70–$120 for peel-and-stick wallpaper
- Materials: Utility knife, squeegee, laser level, step stool
- Time: ~2-3 hours (depending on size of wall)
#3: Swap in breezy linen bedding
Casual-cool linen bedding is super breathable, stays cool in warm climates, and adds an unmistakable summer vibe that guests will appreciate. Choose bedding in a light palette to brighten room photos.
How to do it:
- Pre-wash linen duvet, shams, and sheets so they soften
- Layer quilt on bottom, duvet at one-third fold, throw blanket artfully draped
- Fluff pillows and shoot new listing photos while daylight is bright
Why it works for vacation rentals:
Temperature-regulating fabric plus high-end texture earns rave sleep reviews, justifies a higher nightly rate, and cuts replacement costs because linen grows softer over time.
DIY stats:
- Cost: $110–$150 for linen duvet, shams & quilt (get the best price through Minoan!)
- Materials: Fresh bedding only — no tools required
- Time: 15 minutes
#4: Start offering a memorable welcome gift basket
Sometimes it really is the little things that make the biggest impact. Thoughtful treats turn arrivals into experiences and spark glowing “above-and-beyond” reviews. Tailor each basket to your market or season for maximum impact.
How to do it:
- Pick a theme — some ideas to get you started:
- Movie Night (popcorn, M&Ms, sodas, fleece throw)
- S’mores Night (graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows, roasting sticks)
- Charcuterie Board (cured meats, cheeses, jams, nuts, dried fruit, bottle of wine)
- Buy goodies in bulk, divide into reusable tubs, and tie on a tag with a handwritten welcome note
- Restock during every turnover
Why it works for vacation rentals:
Small, shareable treats stick with travelers long after checkout, and guests love to rave about them in reviews.
DIY stats:
- Cost: $15 – $50 per basket
- Materials: Reusable tub or basket, themed goodies, kraft tag, twine
- Time: ~5 minutes to assemble during turnover
#5: Use peel-and-stick tile backsplash in the kitchen
Gel-tile sheets mimic real ceramic without saws or grout, giving your kitchen an updated look that guests notice in photos and in person.
How to do it:
- Degrease the wall with rubbing alcohol
- Dry-fit sheets from the center outward for symmetrical edges
- Peel, press, and roll each tile
- Seal perimeter with clear silicone
Why it works for vacation rentals:
Kitchens are the primary difference between short-term rentals and hotels, so they’re a big selling point for prospective guests. A glossy backsplash brightens prep areas, protects paint from splatter, and looks clean.
DIY stats:
- Cost: $80–$130 for 25 sq ft of gel-tile sheets
- Materials: Gel tiles, scissors or utility knife, straightedge, clear silicone
- Time: ~2-3 hours
#6: Add outdoor seating and shade on a shoestring
A shaded bistro nook effectively adds a new “room” to your listing, boosting perceived square footage and encouraging guests to linger outside.
How to do it:
- Secure a triangular sail shade to a house eve, fence post, and tree limb with pad eyes and rope
- Position a fold-flat metal bistro set or pallet bench beneath it
- Spray cushions with Scotchgard for weather resistance
Why it works for vacation rentals:
Guests crave vibey hangout zones. Sunset photos under a sail shade fuel social shares and differentiate your property from competitors.
DIY stats:
- Cost: $75–$200 for sail shade + seating
- Materials: Sail-shade kit, bistro set or pallet boards, drill, ladder, rope
- Time: ~2 hours
#7: Install a vertical garden
Living walls bring a splash of nature to balconies, patios, or even indoor spaces. Plus, they double as aromatic herb stations for guests to use in cooking and cocktails. For a low-maintenance version, opt for faux plants.
How to do it:
- Attach cedar planks or a premade felt pocket planter to a sturdy wall or railing
- Fill pockets with low-maintenance herbs (rosemary, mint) and trailing pothos
- Set solar uplights at the base for nighttime ambiance
Why it works for vacation rentals:
Greenery photographs well, fresh herbs add value to the kitchen experience, and the garden provides an eye-catching background for guest selfies.
DIY stats:
- Cost: $55–$95 for frame, soil, and plants
- Materials: Cedar planks or felt planter, drill, screws, potting soil, herbs/greenery
- Time: ~90 minutes
#8: Upgrade fixtures and hardware
Swapping outdated faucets, showerheads, and cabinet pulls for cohesive matte black or brushed brass instantly modernizes kitchens and baths.
How to do it:
- Shut off water, replace faucet and showerhead (use plumber’s tape on threads)
- Unscrew old pulls and install new ones with a cabinet hardware jig for perfect alignment
- Match switch plates and door hinges for a uniform look
Why it works for vacation rentals:
Shiny new hardware catches the camera’s eye, conveys cleanliness, and can justify a modest rate bump without major renovation costs. Even if subconsciously, guests are willing to pay more for perceived value or luxury.
DIY stats:
- Cost: $100–$150 per fixture
- Materials: Adjustable wrench, screwdriver, plumber’s tape, hardware jig (optional)
- Time: ~1 hour
#9: Give tired floors a weekend facelift
Flooring covers the largest visual surface in a room. Refreshing it yields an outsized impact on perceived cleanliness and style.
How to do it:
- Option A: Lay peel-and-stick luxury-vinyl planks — just score, snap, and press into place.
- Option B: Clean and prime old vinyl, then stencil a faux-tile pattern with porch paint and seal with water-based polyurethane.
Why it works for vacation rentals:
New-looking floors pop in photos, prevent your space from feeling dingy, and handle turnovers better than aging laminate.
DIY stats:
- Cost: $60–$140 per 100 sq ft (LVP planks or stencil + paint)
- Materials: Peel-and-stick vinyl planks or stencil kit & porch paint, utility knife, roller
- Time: ~4–6 hours
#10: Create an Instagram-ready selfie corner
A dedicated photo spot turns guests into brand ambassadors. Encourage guests to tag your property when they share pictures on social media.
Here’s how to do it:
- Mount a peel-and-stick mural or neon “Vacation Mode” sign on a well-lit wall.
- Add a USB-powered ring light with a phone holder.
- Install a floating shelf with small props and an acrylic frame featuring your hashtag.
Why it works for vacation rentals:
Every tagged post is free advertising. A selfie corner also adds personality, helping your listing stand out in a sea of cookie-cutter rentals.
DIY stats:
- Cost: $75–$150 for backdrop, ring light, and props
- Materials: Peel-and-stick mural or neon sign, USB ring light, drill, level, floating shelf
- Time: ≈ 1 hour
DIY Airbnb renovation budgeting & write-offs 101
A $90 paint job feels even impactful when Uncle Sam helps foot the bill. Under current U.S. tax rules, most cosmetic repairs – think paint, hardware swaps, basic landscaping – count as ordinary operating expenses and can be deducted in the year you incur the expense.
Larger “capital improvements” (new roof, structural walls) must be depreciated over decades, but a cost-segregation study can move certain items – like flooring, appliances, even some built-ins – into 5- or 7-year buckets instead of the standard 27.5.
Quick snapshot
Keep receipts, before-and-after photos, and project dates in one place. And always consult an STR tax pro before you assume something is tax deductible.
Before-you-start checklist
A little prep work keeps your weekend project from spilling into next week’s check-in.
- Timeline map
- Pencil projects between check-outs. Aim for two-night buffers for paint fumes or silicone cure time.
- Supply sprint
- Order wallpaper, hardware, and other materials at least a week out. Use Minoan to snag insider prices on everything from duvets to doorbells and check out from one place.
- Tool audit
- Confirm you own (or can borrow) a stud finder, level, utility knife, basic drill bits, or whichever tools your project requires.
- Safety first
- Kill power at the breaker before swapping fixtures. Ventilate when painting. Wear gloves when cutting vinyl planks.
- Photo refresh
- Schedule a quick reshoot once the project is done.
FAQs
How do I renovate my STR without overspending?
Focus on small, photo-friendly upgrades that deliver the biggest visual punch, like fresh paint on the front door, peel-and-stick backsplash, updated hardware, and cute outdoor seating.
Set a per-project cap (e.g., $150) and tackle one project per turnover weekend so you never block the calendar for long.
After each upgrade, reshoot the listing photos and watch for bumps in click-through rate or nightly rate. Log the added revenue against your receipts so you’ll know when the project has paid for itself.
Can you write off renovations for an Airbnb?
Yes – if you classify them correctly.
Cosmetic updates and routine maintenance are usually deductible in full the same year. Structural upgrades must be capitalized but can often be accelerated with cost-segregation or bonus depreciation.
What adds the most value to an Airbnb?
Data from our friends at AirDNA points to three clear winners:
- Hot tub (+14% ADR): Instant “book me” factor for guests craving rest and relaxation.
- Pool (+10% ADR):A private pool sells the stay before guests even read the description.
- Washer & dryer (+5% ADR): Practical, family-friendly convenience that nudges longer bookings.