Which local decorative elements should I include in my Airbnb?
August 1, 2026 · 9 min read · by Walensky
This comment kept coming back in the five-star reviews of my first Airbnb in Porto: "We felt like we were staying with Portuguese friends, not in an impersonal rental." The secret? Azulejos found at the flea market, a cork lamp from the Alentejo, a few touches of local craftsmanship. Nothing expensive. Just that authenticity that turns a functional accommodation into a memorable experience.
Here is what local decorative elements bring to your Airbnb: a distinctive identity that justifies your rates, enthusiastic reviews that boost your search ranking, and above all, that emotional connection that turns your guests into spontaneous ambassadors.
Many hosts hesitate. They fear tourist kitsch, worn-out clichés, or simply don't know where to find these authentic gems without blowing their budget. Yet bringing local culture into your decor requires neither design training nor massive investment. Just curiosity and a few simple principles I refined while managing fifteen properties across Europe.
In this article, I will show you how to select, dose and present the local decorative elements that will make your Airbnb a place people recommend, hate to leave, and dream of booking again.
Local craftsmanship: the emotional signature of your accommodation
Authentic handcrafted objects tell a story that IKEA furniture can never match. In my Marseille apartment, three traditional soap makers arranged on a raw wooden shelf systematically spark conversations. Guests photograph them, ask where to buy the same ones, and share on Instagram with your hashtag.
Favor functional creations over purely decorative ones. A local pottery piece serving as a catchall tray, hand-woven tea towels from the region, wicker baskets for storing magazines. These elements blend naturally into your guests' daily life while asserting the local character of your Airbnb.
Where to find authentic craftsmanship without falling into the tourist trap
Absolutely avoid souvenir shops near monuments. Head instead to producer markets, artisan cooperatives, and workshops on the outskirts. I discovered my favorite ceramicist in Toulouse at a neighborhood Christmas market; her creations now decorate four of my rentals.
Build direct relationships with artisans. Not only will you get better prices for multiple orders, but you can tell their story in your welcome guide. "The lamp in your bedroom was turned by Marc, a potter in Saint-Paul-de-Vence for 30 years" creates a far stronger connection than an anonymous object.
Regional textiles: comfort and cultural identity
Traditional textiles radically transform the atmosphere of a space without construction work or major investment. A Basque throw on the sofa, toile de Jouy cushion covers, a Provençal boutis on the bed: these textile touches instantly define the territorial roots of your Airbnb.
In my Breton rental, I invested in raw linen curtains woven locally and two throws in wool from the Monts d'Arrée sheep. The extra cost compared to synthetic fabric? About 200 euros. The return on investment in terms of reviews and differentiation? Priceless. Guests systematically mention "the warm and authentic atmosphere."
The subtle dosage that avoids a folk museum effect
The golden rule: three to five textile elements maximum per main room. One throw, two matching cushions, perhaps a rug. Beyond that, you slide into visual overload that tires the eye and smells of forced decor.
Mix tradition and modernity. These local textiles gain by being paired with a neutral, contemporary base. My Catalan cushion with traditional geometric patterns stands out against an anthracite grey sofa; placed on a baroque set, it would disappear in visual confusion.
Favorite
Fluid blue tones and golden veined painting - Mystic Ocean - Abstract Marble edition
€233.90
Discover this paintingLocal art: emerging galleries and alternative circuits
Forget the vintage poster reproductions seen in a thousand other rentals. Works by contemporary local artists create a major differentiation for a budget often lower than people imagine. I furnished my Lyon studio with three prints by an artist from the Croix-Rousse slopes for 180 euros, less than framed prints from a mainstream retailer.
Community galleries, artists' studios and creative markets are full of talent seeking visibility. Many artists accept preferential rates in exchange for a small card mentioning their name and contact details near the artwork: a win-win marketing approach.
Local photography: capturing the soul of the territory
Local amateur photographers are a goldmine often overlooked. On photography platforms, search for pictures of your city or region taken by nearby creators. A high-quality gallery-grade large print costs between 40 and 80 euros.
In my Bordeaux Airbnb, three black-and-white photographs of 18th-century façades taken by a Gironde photographer create a sophisticated atmosphere deeply rooted in local heritage. Guests never fail to notice them and ask where to buy them.
Terroir materials: stone, wood, terracotta
Natural regional materials physically anchor your decor in its territory. Breton granite, Provençal limestone, Atlantic driftwood, Catalan terracotta: each region has signature materials that immediately speak to the senses.
A simple Ardèche slate board to present breakfast, Burgundy stone trivets, an Alsatian stoneware vase. These small functional pieces in local materials often cost less when bought directly from quarries, sawmills or potters than from an urban design boutique.
I equipped the kitchen of my Corsican rental with cutting boards in local olive wood and glazed ceramic bowls from Calvi. Total investment: 120 euros. Impact on the perceived quality of the accommodation: considerable. These tactile details create a memorable sensory experience.
— Our selection
Heritage objects: flea markets and smart salvaging
Flea markets and car boot sales hide heritage treasures at bargain prices. This old Provençal market scale turned into a decorative object, these blown-glass jars from a former local cannery, this enamelled sign from a vanished shop: all elements loaded with history for a few euros.
The key: select objects that tell the economic and cultural story of your region. In my Nantes apartment, an old LU biscuit tin and two vintage advertising posters from the shipyards evoke the city's industrial and maritime past without tipping into a museum.
Local upcycling: when recycling rhymes with identity
Creators specializing in upcycling regional materials offer unique pieces with strong personality. Lamps made from decommissioned boat wood, mirrors framed with salvaged antique tiles, coffee tables made from Bordeaux wine cask pallets.
These elements combine ecological awareness, originality and territorial roots: three powerful commercial arguments with an Airbnb clientele increasingly sensitive to authenticity and sustainability.
Turn your walls into a cultural showcase
Discover our exclusive collection of Airbnb paintings that celebrate regional identities with elegance and modernity.
Local flora: living greenery as identity decor
Endemic plants are an often underestimated local decorative element. Lavender and olive trees in Provence, hydrangeas in Brittany, cacti in Corsica: vegetation visually and olfactorily anchors your Airbnb in its environment.
Favor robust, low-maintenance plants. In my Mediterranean rental, three pots of local aromatic herbs (thyme, rosemary, savory) on the balcony serve as decor, natural fragrance and culinary resource for guests, mentioned in 70% of reviews.
Bouquets of dried flowers from the region are a zero-maintenance and highly photogenic alternative. Corsican everlastings, Provençal lavender, local wheat: these lasting arrangements subtly diffuse the scents of the terroir and last for several months.
— Also to discover
Lighting inspired by local traditions
Local artisanal lighting radically transforms the mood while asserting cultural identity. Moroccan lanterns in a riad, Catalan wrought-iron lamps, Mediterranean rattan pendants: each lighting tradition creates a distinctive atmosphere.
In my Provençal farmhouse, I installed two wrought-iron wall lights from local craftsmen reproducing 18th-century models. In the evening, their soft light against the stone walls creates exactly the atmosphere my guests seek, and they pay 20% more than standardized competition.
Don't forget local artisanal candles : beeswax from the Cévennes, garrigue scents, containers in regional ceramic. Placed strategically, they add a memorable sensory touch for a minimal investment.
The cultural library: local books and guides
A small themed library dedicated to your region considerably enriches the experience. Photographic coffee-table books, novels by local authors, hiking guides, works on history and heritage: these resources turn your Airbnb into a cultural gateway.
Second-hand booksellers and community libraries let you build a reading collection for 30 to 50 euros. In my Alpine rental, about fifteen books on mountains, flora, fauna and Savoyard history regularly generate enthusiastic comments about "attention to detail."
Also include local magazines, cultural agendas and postcards from regional artists. These consumable items are easy to renew and keep your documentation up to date.
In the same spirit
Colossus of Light Painting - Elephant Animal Edition
€233.90
Discover this painting →Picture your next guest
They push open the door of your Airbnb after a long journey. Their eyes discover these authentic azulejos, brush against this local wool throw, linger on this photograph by a neighborhood artist. Instantly, they know they are not in a standardized rental but in a thoughtfully designed place, inhabited by a soul.
That same evening, they share a photo on Instagram. The following month, their five-star review mentions "remarkable authenticity." And you notice your occupancy rate climbing while your impersonal competitors struggle to fill their calendars.
Local decorative elements are not a superfluous luxury; they are the most profitable investment for differentiating your Airbnb. Start modestly: three handcrafted objects, two regional textiles, one work by a local artist. Watch the impact in your reviews. Then gradually enrich this territorial identity that will turn your accommodation into an unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What budget should I plan to include local decorative elements in my Airbnb?
Contrary to popular belief, anchoring your Airbnb in its local culture does not require massive investment. For a 40-50 m² apartment, expect to spend between 200 and 500 euros to create a significant impact. Start with three to five strategic elements: two works by local artists (80-150 euros), a few functional handcrafted objects such as pottery or baskets (50-100 euros), and two or three regional textiles such as throws or cushions (70-150 euros). Flea markets and direct relationships with artisans often halve costs compared with design boutiques. The essential is to favor quality and authenticity over quantity: three remarkable pieces create more impact than ten mediocre objects.
How can I avoid kitsch or excessive folklore with local decor?
The golden rule is moderation and contemporaneity. Aim for no more than 20 to 30% local elements in your overall decor, integrated into a neutral, modern base. Absolutely avoid thematic accumulation: no "all lavender" bedroom or "total azulejos" living room. Favor creations by contemporary artisans who reinterpret traditions rather than tourist reproductions. Mix eras: a traditional handcrafted object gains elegance on a minimalist design shelf. Finally, apply the fresh-eyes test: if on entering your Airbnb your first reaction is "too busy," remove 30% of the decorative elements. Authenticity lies in subtle suggestion, not heavy-handed display.
Where can I find authentic local decorative elements without paying full price?
Alternative circuits often offer better value and authenticity than tourist boutiques. First explore producer and artisan markets where makers sell directly: prices halved with no middleman. Artists' studios during open-day events let you buy directly and negotiate for multiple orders. Regional artisan cooperatives guarantee local provenance and fair prices. For art, contact local fine arts schools whose graduates offer original works for 50-150 euros. Flea markets and car boot sales are full of authentic heritage objects for a few euros. Finally, local social media and Facebook groups connect you directly with creators and individuals selling vintage pieces. Invest time in initial prospecting: you will build a lasting network of reliable suppliers at advantageous prices.
