Instagram-worthy touches: Styling tips to elevate your summer rental photos

1. Embrace seasonal styling with summer in mind

When potential guests scroll through listings, they're looking to feel their holiday before they even book. Lean into summer themes by incorporating lightweight textures, coastal colours, and airy layouts. Think white linens, woven baskets, fresh flowers, and pops of blue or coral.

Even small updates like swapping heavy throws for light cottons or adding a beach bag and sunhat by the door instantly convey seasonal relevance - and give guests a visual narrative of their stay.

Travelnest Tip: Our Property Experts can advise you on staging best practices and even review your listing images to ensure they align with seasonal demand.

2. Create Instagrammable moments

Guests love sharing their experiences - and the more photo-worthy your space is, the more free marketing you’ll get via social media. Create "moments" that are made to be captured:

• A hanging hammock or feature
  
  

• A styled breakfast tray on the terrace
  
  

• A boho swing chair with a view
  
  

• A colourful cocktail setup by the pool or hot tub if you have one, or if not, a windowsill or outside table
  
  

These little touches can turn ordinary corners into standout images - and spark social shares that lead to more exposure and bookings.

Bonus: Listings that feature unique design elements tend to perform better across platforms. Travelnest automatically distributes your listing to top sites like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo, helping you make the most of these visually powerful touches.

3. Keep it clutter-free and camera-ready

A clean, well-composed space doesn’t just feel more luxurious - it also photographs better. Before you shoot, take time to:

• Declutter surfaces and remove personal items
  
  

• Adjust cushions and straighten bed linens
  
  

• Open curtains to maximise natural light
  
  

• Use symmetry and clean lines in framing shots
  
  

Professional photos consistently outperform amateur images, and Travelnest’s Property Experts can guide you on how to get the best from your photographer - or help you improve your existing visuals.

4. Highlight outdoor living spaces

Summer travellers are drawn to alfresco dining, lounging in the sun, and evening cocktails under the stars. Make sure your outdoor spaces are just as polished as your interiors:

• Set the table for a meal
  
  

• Add string lights or lanterns
  
  

• Include cushions, throws, or even citronella candles
  
  

If your property features outdoor amenities - like a BBQ, firepit, or hot tub, ensure these are front and centre in your listing gallery.

With Travelnest, our multi-platform strategy means your best features are showcased to the right guests, everywhere from niche travel sites to global booking sites.

5. Use Travelnest's expertise to refine your visual story

Styling is only part of the picture. How those images are used - and where they appear - matters just as much. That’s where Travelnest comes in.

We not only help you optimise your imagery for each platform, but our Property Experts work one-on-one with you to tailor your listing, improve your photography, and ensure your home stands out in a crowded market. Whether it’s advising on composition or helping craft the ideal image sequence for maximum engagement, we're here to elevate your listing from good to irresistible.

Final thoughts

In the world of holiday rentals, aesthetics matter. A beautifully styled, summer-ready property not only attracts attention but can also boost occupancy, increase your nightly rate, and enhance your brand. With Travelnest’s platform and the hands-on support of our Property Experts, you’ll have all the tools you need to turn your property into a scrolling-stopper this summer.

Ready to create your own Instagram-worthy listing? Speak to our Property Experts today and let us help you make the most of the summer season.