How to Decorate a Studio for Short-Term Rental in Nice

Nice welcomes millions of visitors every year. Renting out a studio for short stays can be a highly profitable opportunity — if the space is well designed. Among the top criteria guests look for are cleanliness, comfort... and especially attractive interior design.

A well-decorated studio not only looks good, but it also adds value, builds trust, and encourages bookings. As an interior architect based in Nice, I’m sharing my best advice to help you transform your studio into a warm, functional, and guest-ready space.

1. Create a “wow” effect from the first photo

The first image in your listing is everything. It determines whether a potential guest clicks… or keeps scrolling. To stand out instantly, focus on warmth, clarity, and visual impact.

Add a strong decorative element: a round mirror above the bed, a colorful painting, a textured rug, or a designer light fixture. The space should feel bright, clean, and inviting. Keep it simple — a minimalist and well-balanced design always beats a cluttered look.

📸 Tip: Take your photos in natural light, with good image quality, and stage the space carefully.

2. Choose smart, comfortable furniture

Furniture is at the heart of the guest experience. Whether your guests stay one night or one week, they need to feel comfortable:

• A quality mattress

• A comfortable chair for working or dining

• Furniture that fits the space

Opt for shallow, multi-functional, and durable furniture. For example:

• A good quality sofa bed with a real mattress (avoid cheap click-clacks)

• An extendable table that can serve both for dining and remote work

• Low storage units that don't overwhelm the space

💡 Pro tip: Choose beds or benches with built-in drawers for extra storage.

3. Define clear zones within the studio

Even without walls, it’s important to clearly define functional areas: a sleeping area, a dining corner, and a place to relax. This makes the studio feel more structured and spacious.

How?

• Use a rug to anchor the living area

• Hang a pendant light over the dining table

• Place an open shelf or light curtain to separate the bed

🧩 Result: a better-organized space that feels bigger than it is.

4. Add decorative touches that create atmosphere

It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact. A few well-chosen accessories can turn a cold, impersonal space into a cozy, Instagram-worthy rental.

Include:

• A green plant (real or high-quality faux)

• Colorful cushions and a soft throw blanket

• One or two framed prints featuring Nice or coastal scenery

• A textured rug to warm up the floor

  
  

🎨 Tip: Use a neutral base with one or two accent colors — like white + light wood + Mediterranean blue.

5. Use lighting and mirrors to expand the space

In a small studio, light and space perception are essential. Use multiple light sources to create a warm and inviting atmosphere:

• A main ceiling light (pendant or flush mount)

• A bedside lamp or wall sconce

• A floor lamp for the living area

Add a large mirror opposite a window or in the entrance — this reflects light and gives a sense of depth.

💡 Tip: Avoid overly cold white light. Choose warm-toned bulbs for a cozy feel.

6. Provide smart, discreet storage solutions

Even short-term guests like to unpack and feel at home. Make sure there are a few simple storage options:

• A wardrobe or hanging rail with hangers

• A shoe cabinet

• Empty drawers available

• A foldable luggage rack or a storage bench

  
  

🧳 Advice: Avoid clutter. Guests don’t want to see your personal items; they want space for their own.

7. Make cleaning and turnovers easy

Every new booking means a full cleaning. Good decoration should also be easy to maintain:

• Washable fabrics and stain-resistant colors

• Smooth, easy-to-dust surfaces

• Fewer fragile or fiddly decorative items

• Bedding that’s quick to change

  
  

✅ Tip: Always keep a spare set of linens, towels, and breakables on hand for fast turnaround.

What guests expect in a Nice rental

✔️ Modern, clean décor. ✔️ Air conditioning (a must-have in summer!). ✔️ A dedicated work corner (table + chair). ✔️ A well-equipped kitchen, even if small. ✔️ Reliable Wi-Fi and a cozy, welcoming feel

In summary

To make your studio stand out on short-term rental platforms:

• Focus on light, function, and comfort

• Choose a clean, harmonious style

• Add small, thoughtful details that make the space unique

With the right design, your Nice studio can become a top-rated, highly profitable property.

Need help setting up your rental studio?

At Atelier de Line, I offer tailored interior design solutions for short-term rentals:

• Space optimization

• Custom design adapted to Airbnb/Booking

• Furniture and accessory selection

• Contractor coordination (if needed)

• Moodboards and 3D visuals for presentation photos

📩 Contact me for a free initial consultation:✉️ leenomasri@gmail.com📱 +33 7 61 99 52 75🌐 www.atelier-de-line.com