This two-bedroom flat in Chelsea was commissioned by a property investor who specialises in Airbnb and short-let properties across central London. He found House Designer through a Google search, booked an initial consultation, and came in with a clear brief: a clean, neutral, minimalist design that felt quietly luxurious and would appeal to the broadest possible range of guests.
The budget was £15,000 across the entire property, covering two bedrooms, an open-plan living area, and the kitchen. The Japandi aesthetic was chosen specifically because it combines the calm restraint of Japanese design with the warmth of Scandinavian interiors, producing spaces that feel inviting and considered without requiring decorative complexity. For a short-let property, that quality is particularly valuable.
The Living Area
Image credit: House Designer
The open-plan living area is anchored by a curved cream sofa chosen as much for its comfort as its appearance. The sculptural form works well in the space without demanding attention, and the neutral upholstery holds its quality across the high turnover of a short-let property.
Image credit: House Designer
Vertical timber wall panelling on the main wall adds texture and warmth without introducing colour or pattern that could divide opinion among guests. Paired with bold black and white abstract artwork, the space reads as calm and modern without feeling anonymous or generic. The panelling in particular gives the room a sense of permanence and quality that short-let guests consistently respond well to.
The dining area features a round table with ribbed timber detailing and plush beige upholstered chairs. The round format was a deliberate choice: it makes the space feel more social and less corporate, and it functions equally well for a working breakfast or an evening meal. The open-plan layout connects the dining zone to the kitchen naturally, reinforcing the sense of flow throughout the property.
The Kitchen
Image credit: House Designer
The kitchen is compact and handled accordingly. Clean lines, flush cabinetry, and a monochrome palette keep the space visually settled without sacrificing any of the practical function guests need. Sleek black accents provide definition without making the kitchen feel heavy. Storage is sufficient for short-term use without the kitchen appearing cluttered, which is one of the harder balances to achieve in a small urban flat.
The Bedrooms
Image credit: House Designer
Both bedrooms follow the same principles as the rest of the flat: neutral tones, natural textures, and considered simplicity. The beds are dressed in soft, quality bedding. Minimalist bedside tables keep the surfaces uncluttered. Warm ambient lighting creates the right atmosphere for rest without the room feeling bare or cold.
Image credit: House Designer
Subtle texture is introduced through bedding, cushions, and accessories without overpowering the serene quality of the rooms. The Japandi approach works particularly well in bedrooms for short-let properties: it is universally calm, broadly appealing, and far less likely to feel dated or divisive than a more trend-specific scheme.
The Design Process
The client was closely involved throughout. We handled the sourcing and purchasing of every piece, from furniture to soft furnishings, within the agreed £15,000 budget. Every item was selected against the Japandi brief and the practical requirements of a short-let property: durability, ease of cleaning, and visual consistency across all spaces.
Image credit: House Designer
The project was completed on time and within budget. The client was sufficiently pleased with the result that he went on to commission us to design three further properties in Chelsea and Fulham, each following the same principles of clarity, functionality, and considered style.
Client Review
“I found House Designer through a quick Google search and after a consultation, I knew they were the right choice. Their attention to detail, ability to stay on budget, and understanding of my vision made the process smooth and enjoyable. The results speak for themselves: the flat looks incredible, and my Airbnb guests have given nothing but positive feedback. I have already worked with them on several more properties, and I could not be happier.”
Why Japandi Works for Short-Let Properties
Image credit: House Designer
The Japandi approach draws on Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian warmth to produce spaces that feel calm, balanced, and considered. For short-let properties, this combination has specific practical advantages beyond the aesthetic ones.
Neutral colours and natural materials appeal to the widest possible audience. A guest arriving from Tokyo, New York, or Sydney will find the visual language of a Japandi interior familiar and restful rather than confrontational or characterful in a way that divides opinion. For an Airbnb host whose income depends on consistently positive reviews, that broad appeal is a genuine commercial asset.
Japandi interiors also age well. The aesthetic is not tied to a particular moment in trend cycles, which means a property designed to these principles will remain relevant and appealing for years without requiring significant reinvestment. For a short-let property, that longevity matters significantly more than for a private home where personal taste is the only consideration.
Image credit: House Designer
The minimalist approach also reduces maintenance. Fewer decorative elements, simpler surfaces, and neutral colours that show wear less readily all contribute to a property that holds its standard between guest stays with less effort from the host or their management company.
Image credit: House Designer
If you are a property investor looking to design or redesign a short-let property, or a homeowner wanting to bring a similar approach to your own space, our interior design packages cover everything from initial concept and layout planning through to sourcing and a complete shopping list. You can also book a free consultation to discuss your project before committing to anything.
About the author
House Designer Team
Interior, Garden & Exterior Design Studio
House Designer is an award-winning studio bringing together a team of qualified interior designers, garden designers, exterior designers and horticulturists, each holding a degree and relevant professional qualifications with years of industry experience.