STR Cribs is the only provider of design, furnishing and renovation for Airbnb and short-term rentals in all 50 states.
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Professional Airbnb design and renovation services in Cambridge maximize your rental income by creating spaces that command premium rates and attract more bookings. Cambridge's competitive short-term rental market demands properties that stand out with modern amenities, optimal layouts, and Instagram-worthy aesthetics that guests expect near Harvard and MIT. Expert designers understand local regulations, guest preferences, and how to balance style with durability for high-turnover rentals. The investment typically pays for itself through higher occupancy rates and increased nightly rates.
Airbnb renovations in Cambridge typically cost $15,000-$40,000 for a full unit makeover, with high-impact improvements like modern kitchens and bathrooms yielding the strongest returns. Properties can see 20-40% increases in nightly rates after strategic renovations, with Cambridge's premium market supporting rates of $150-$300+ per night for well-designed spaces. Key value drivers include professional photography-ready aesthetics, smart home features, and luxury touches that differentiate from standard rentals. Most hosts recover renovation costs within 12-24 months through increased bookings and premium pricing.
For Cambridge Airbnbs, focus on modern minimalist design with neutral colors, multifunctional furniture, and local academic touches like vintage maps or book-themed decor. Include high-quality bedding, fast WiFi setup areas, and efficient storage solutions for business travelers and students. Add warmth with local artwork, plants, and cozy lighting while maintaining clean, uncluttered spaces. Prioritize durability and easy maintenance with materials like hardwood floors and washable fabrics.
For Cambridge Airbnb outdoor renovations, focus on creating year-round usable spaces with heated patios, fire pits, and weatherproof seating that appeal to visiting academics and professionals. Install string lights, privacy screens, and compact outdoor dining areas that maximize small urban yards typical of the area. Add bike storage and charging stations for electric bikes since Cambridge is very bike-friendly. Consider low-maintenance native New England landscaping with seasonal planters that provide visual appeal without requiring constant upkeep.
STRCribs is a leading Airbnb design and renovation provider serving Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in short-term rental property optimization. They offer comprehensive services including interior design, furniture sourcing, and property staging specifically tailored for Airbnb hosts. The company focuses on maximizing rental income through strategic design choices that appeal to travelers while maintaining functionality. STRCribs handles everything from initial consultation to full property transformation for Cambridge area hosts.
You’re not asking for a lot. You just want the best property, without pulling your hair out.
Delightful and simple
We’ve reimagined the design and renovation process from the ground up, leveraging industry leading data to ensure you have what you need to dominate in your market.
Results that speak for themselves
40% higher ADRs, 64% more occupancy and on average, $50,000+ more per year by working with our data driven design and renovation teams. Not to mention, not a single stressful moment.

200+ Projects
Planned, designed and created by our team for clients coast to coast
8,000+ Five Star Reviews
from Guests across our clients properties we’ve renovated and designed
25+ Years of Experience
“Do you know how to do ____?” Yes, we do.
Used by the Best
Funds, PropTech, Property Management companies and every day investors trust us day in and day out to pull off magic
Our clients see up to 64% more occupancy, 40% higher ADRs and drive $50,000+ more per year than their competitors.

Develop Plan
Every situation is unique – we take the time to understand your property, goals, budget and the competitive market.

Elite Design & Renovation
Generic listings blend in, often competing on price. We craft experiences that tell a story, in harmony with the home and its environment.

Seamless Installation
Our team manages purchasing, delivery and installation — handling any and all obstacles that present themselves along the way.
Short-term Rental Design
Schedule a call and see how STR Cribs can elevate the desgin of your short-term rental today!
FAQ
Cambridge Airbnb properties favor modern minimalist designs with clean lines, neutral color palettes, and functional furniture that maximizes small spaces typical of the area's historic buildings. Industrial touches like exposed brick walls and metal fixtures are popular, reflecting the city's academic and tech culture. Smart home features including keyless entry, high-speed WiFi, and charging stations cater to business travelers and students. Local artwork and vintage academic-themed decor create authentic Cambridge character while maintaining broad appeal.
Cambridge building codes significantly impact Airbnb renovations by requiring permits for most structural, electrical, and plumbing changes, with stricter fire safety requirements for short-term rentals including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and emergency egress windows. The city mandates compliance with zoning regulations that limit short-term rentals in certain residential areas and requires special permits for properties hosting guests for less than 30 days. All renovations must meet current building standards even if upgrading older properties, potentially requiring costly updates to electrical, HVAC, and accessibility features.
When designing your Cambridge Airbnb, prioritize functionality and comfort for short-term guests with durable, easy-to-clean furnishings and neutral colors that appeal to diverse travelers. Include local touches like Harvard or MIT-themed artwork, maps of Cambridge, or books about local history to create a sense of place. Focus on essential amenities like fast WiFi, quality bedding, and well-equipped kitchen basics since many guests are visiting for business or academic purposes. Keep the design simple and uncluttered to facilitate easy cleaning between guests while ensuring the space feels welcoming and Instagram-worthy for positive reviews.
Incorporate Cambridge's academic atmosphere by displaying vintage maps of Harvard and MIT, using rich burgundy and forest green color schemes reminiscent of ivy league aesthetics, and adding built-in bookshelves filled with classic literature and academic texts. Include exposed brick walls, antique wooden furniture, and brass accents to reflect the city's historic colonial architecture. Add local artwork from Cambridge artists and vintage photographs of the city's landmarks like Harvard Yard or the Charles River. Create cozy reading nooks with leather chairs and warm lighting to capture the scholarly, intellectual vibe that defines this university town.
A full Airbnb design and renovation project in Cambridge typically takes 3-6 months from start to finish. The timeline includes 2-4 weeks for design and permitting, 6-12 weeks for construction and renovation work, and 1-2 weeks for final staging and furnishing. Projects can extend longer if major structural changes are needed or if permit approvals are delayed by the city. Smaller cosmetic updates may be completed in 4-8 weeks.
