How Monica Gounaropoulos Designed a Family-Friendly Dubai Airbnb That Drives ROI

Dubai Airbnb | Interior Design | Monica Gounaropoulos

In Dubai’s competitive short-term rental market, smart interior design can make or break your Airbnb’s success. When local interior designer Monica Gounaropoulos from Spiti Interior Design took on a two-bedroom Dubai Airbnb in Marina, her goal was clear: transform it into a family-friendly rental that would stand out among hundreds of listings.

Understanding Dubai’s Family Airbnb Market

Monica started with a clear focus: expat families visiting Dubai. Based on her experience providing interior design in Dubai, she knew what families want most in a rental property:

Ample smart storage for strollers, toys, and luggage
Durable and easy-to-clean furniture that doesn’t sacrifice style

By addressing these priorities, she created a warm, practical space that families could easily move into and personalize as their own.

Design Upgrades That Maximize ROI

If you’re an Airbnb host aiming to boost bookings, consider Monica’s top three design upgrades for Dubai Airbnb properties:

A Fully Equipped Kitchen – Families love convenience. Including a built-in cooker, fridge/freezer, and dishwasher reduces guests’ costs and increases stay appeal.
Inviting Outdoor Space – Dubai’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle is a big draw. Add greenery, cozy seating, and ambient lighting to the balcony.
Built-In Storage – Integrated wardrobes and cabinets make long-term stays easier for families.

Designing for Dubai’s Climate

Dubai’s sunny climate inspired Monica’s color palette and material choices:

Neutral sand and cream tones for an airy, open feel
Accents of azure blue, earthy greens, and terracotta, reflecting Dubai’s desert-meets-sea landscape
Natural materials like travertine and marble to complement the abundant sunlight

👉 Tip: Maximize natural light by choosing sheer curtains over heavy drapes – you’ll create brighter, more appealing spaces while keeping things private.

Common Mistakes Dubai Airbnb Owners Make

Many Dubai landlords fail to maximize their rental potential due to:

Lack of storage – a dealbreaker for family renters
Generic “hotel-style” or ‘all-cream’ décor, making properties blend into the crowd

Monica’s approach: Layered textures, mixed finishes, and unique design details to create a homey and distinctive look.

Design Upgrades That Maximize Space

One of Monica’s biggest design priorities was adding storage and maximizing usable space, which is a common challenge in Dubai apartments.

Entrance Space Optimization:
Instead of a console table, Monica installed a unit that doubles up as shoe-storage that also left enough space to store a pram. This makes the entryway functional for families traveling with young kids.

Dining Area Space-Saving:
She selected a circular dining table to maintain a fluid feel and ensure better flow in the open-plan space. The chairs slide neatly underneath when not in use, leaving more room for movement.

These upgrades not only saved space but also made the apartment more family-friendly and versatile, improving guest comfort and overall booking appeal.

👉 Tips: Space-Saving Furniture for Airbnbs

Sofa beds with built-in duvet and pillow storage
Murphy (pull-down) beds that free up floor space when folded
Beds with ottoman storage or high clearance for suitcase storage underneath
Wall-mounted fold-down desks that tuck away when not needed

Where Monica Shops for Family Friendly Furniture in Dubai?

For this Dubai Marina project, Monica added thoughtful touches that make families feel at home:

Twin beds – Bed & Pillows in Sharjah (custom made-to-order)
Cot bed & High chair – a mix of CentrePoint, IKEA, and Amazon
Rounded furniture edges – Pan Home
Safety locks & corner protectors – ACE Hardware and Amazon
Handles and light switch replacements – ACE Hardware and Danube Home
Outdoor furniture for balcony lounging – Home Centre

These details help families feel safe and comfortable for longer stays, boosting overall occupancy.

Results: A Dubai Airbnb That Stands Out

Her advice to landlords:

“Know your audience. Families value functionality, comfort, and safety. The right design creates emotional connection, and helps your Dubai Airbnb stand out.”