Interior Design in Dubai: Expert Guide to Boost Your Dubai Airbnb ROI

Interior Design in Dubai - Monica Gounaropoulos - Dubai Airbnb

Introduction: Why Interior Design Matters for Dubai Airbnb Success

The rental market in Dubai is booming thanks to all the expats, tourists, and Airbnb guests. But with everyone competing for the same tenants, you need more than just a great location – you need smart interior design in Dubai that makes guests want to pay more and stay longer.

To uncover insider strategies, we sat down with Monica Gounaropoulos, a Dubai-based interior designer experienced with styling high-ROI rental and Airbnb properties. She shares her best tips for investors looking to stand out in Dubai’s competitive market.

1. What Do Dubai Renters and Airbnb Guests Value Most?

Tenants and short-term guests want bright, well-maintained spaces with modern finishes. Natural light, open-plan layouts, and a freshly painted neutral palette make it easier for renters to picture themselves living there.

Looking more closely at guest preferences, balconies with city or coastal views are major draws, while inside the property, bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and generous closet space are highly sought after.

2. Which Top 3 Renovations Can Give Investors the Best ROI?

The three biggest wins are:

Kitchen and bathroom upgrades – Even simple cabinet wraps or countertop refreshes create that coveted Dubai luxury look.
Integrated appliances – These are still rare in many rentals, but when included, they make properties stand out instantly.
Outdoor living spaces – Expat tenants love the indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Adding greenery and creating a welcoming balcony or patio can set your property apart.

3. Dubai has a Unique Year-Round Sunny Climate. How does this Impact Your Design Choices?

Climate is huge. Heat management and energy efficiency should be considered early. Think reflective glass, concrete walls that keep interiors cool, and low-flow bathroom fixtures. Outdoors, drip irrigation helps maintain greenery without wasting water. It’s all about sustainable and cost-efficient design.

4. What Common Interior Design Mistakes Should Investors Avoid?

Two major ones:

Using dark wood everywhere – It makes spaces feel smaller and uninviting. Renters prefer bright, airy homes.
Ignoring storage – Families, especially, need built-in storage. Without it, even a beautiful property feels impractical.

5. Airbnb Properties have High Guest Turnover. How do You Design for Style and Durability?

Never skimp on foundational quality.

Floors, windows, walls, and ceilings should be solid. Then layer in stylish, functional furniture.

Invest in high-durability items like contract-grade sofas and beds with high fabric ratings. For a high ROI, splurge where wear and tear happens most.

6. What Design Style Appeals to the Widest Range of Renters?

1. Start with a neutral base: creams, sand, and light hues that feel fresh and open.

2. Add natural accents: blues, greens, and warm oranges, inspired by Dubai’s coastline and desert.

This aligns with the trend of biophilic design, bringing nature indoors for a calming effect.

7. What are Your Go-To for Furniture Stores in Dubai?

I love mixing high and mid-range pieces. Some of my favourites:

CB2 for cutting-edge pieces
Urban Nest for colorful modern designs
West Elm for trendy essentials
Klekktic for unique statement items
DesignItch & Zoya Stones for luxury finishes & accessories
Haute Boheme & SOL III Home for Boho-Balinese chic & artisanal treasures

👉 For more Furniture Stores & Used Furniture Stores in Dubai.

8. For Investors with Limited Budgets, Which Areas should They Prioritize First?

Focus on communal spaces first – the kitchen, dining, and living areas.

That’s where the tenants and guest will spend the bulk of their time, socialise in, and it’s also pretty much the first impression they’ll have when they view the property.

9. What are some Cost-Effective Ways to Modernize Older Dubai Rentals?

A few affordable tricks:

1. Wrapping! – It’s mess-free, budget-friendly and very quick to achieve a transformation.

👉 Here’s more about Wrapping Companies in Dubai.

2. Hardware Upgrades – Change door handles and light switches for sleek finishes to modernise a space

3. Better Lighting – Swap outdated fixtures for modern pendants and use warm bulbs (instead of stark bright white lights) for a cozy feel

4. Wall Light Upgrades – Wall scones and spot lights give a more contemporary feel

5. Fresh Paint in Neutral Tones – Brings new life to older properties. For rented properties, I‘d stick to off-the-shelf shades not colour-matched options, for easy touch-ups later.

10. How Do You Ensure a Property Stays Attractive Over Time?

Stick to clean, modern, neutral aesthetics that won’t go out of style. If you follow trends, make sure they’re easy to swap out. Above all, invest in quality foundational materials for longevity.

Key Takeaways: Interior Design is the ROI Game-Changer

Monica’s insights show that smart interior design in Dubai is one of the quickest ways to boost rental income, keep units occupied, and attract great tenants. Whether you’re fixing up a long-term rental or setting up a successful Dubai Airbnb, the right design choices really pay off.