In the ever-growing short-term rental market of Kota Kinabalu, property owners are constantly searching for ways to stand out on Airbnb. One of the most powerful — yet often overlooked — factors that can significantly impact your booking rate and nightly price is interior design.
At Commune Design Studio, we’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful design can turn an average Bay Suites unit into a high-performing Airbnb listing. Here’s how interior design plays a major role in attracting guests, increasing rates, and maintaining consistent occupancy.
Your Airbnb photos are your first impression. With hundreds of listings in Kota Kinabalu, a well-designed unit instantly grabs attention in search results.
Guests often make decisions within seconds — and beautifully styled interiors with warm lighting, modern furniture, and local Sabah-inspired details make your unit feel premium.
At Bay Suites, where many units share similar layouts, unique interior design becomes your key differentiator. It’s what makes a guest choose your unit over another.
Airbnb guests are willing to pay more for comfort and aesthetics. A well-designed space doesn’t just look good — it feels good to stay in.
When your unit features:
• Cohesive color palettes
• Functional yet stylish furniture
• Instagram-worthy corners
… it automatically appeals to travelers looking for “that perfect stay in Kota Kinabalu.”
Design transforms your unit into an experience, not just a place to sleep. That emotional value translates into higher pricing potential and better reviews, leading to increased bookings over time.
Guests visiting Kota Kinabalu crave an authentic local experience. Incorporating subtle Sabahan culture and tropical coastal touches into your Bay Suites interior design makes your unit memorable.
Think of:
• Locally crafted rattan decor and bamboo textures
• Ocean-inspired color tones reflecting Likas Bay
• Artworks from local Sabah artists
At Commune Design Studio, our design approach blends modern comfort with local character, helping Airbnb listings stand out to both local and international guests.
Many Bay Suites units have limited floor area, so layout optimization is key. Interior design isn’t only about beauty — it’s also about functionality.
By maximizing natural light, improving flow, and selecting multipurpose furniture, we make spaces feel larger, cleaner, and more welcoming. Guests remember comfort, and comfort leads to repeat stays.
A well-designed layout also makes photography easier — and good visuals mean higher click-throughs on Airbnb.
Some owners hesitate to invest in interior design, but here’s the truth — design pays for itself.
With just one-time investment, you can see:
• Up to 20–40% higher nightly rates
• Faster booking turnaround
• Better guest satisfaction and reviews
At Commune Design Studio, we help Bay Suites owners create turnkey Airbnb-ready spaces — from design concept to full styling and photography.
We’ve helped Bay Suites owners transform plain, developer-standard units into high-performing Airbnb listings.
Our services include:
• Full Interior Design & Styling
• Furniture and Decor Curation
• Professional Photography for Airbnb listing
• Renovation Management for hassle-free setup
When design, comfort, and marketing come together, your property becomes more than just a listing — it becomes an experience travelers remember.
If you’re a Bay Suites owner looking to increase your Airbnb income, our team at Commune Design Studio can help you craft a space that guests fall in love with — and that delivers real financial returns.
📍 Based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
✨ Specializing in Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Interior Design
👉 Contact Commune Design Studio today to schedule a free consultation and discover how great design can turn your unit into a 5-star stay.
Discover how Commune Design Studio transforms everyday spaces into inspired living environments. Get in touch today for bespoke interior design solutions crafted around your lifestyle.
Commune Design Studio transforms spaces into timeless living experiences through thoughtful interior design and space planning, blending aesthetics, function, and comfort to enhance modern lifestyles across Sabah.
