You own a 15m² homestay and want to optimize the space to make it both visually appealing and a magnet for “Instagrammable” guests? This is the article you need. In the context where 72% of young travelers choose accommodation based on its photo potential..., decorating a homestay room is not only an aesthetic factor, but also an important business strategy that helps you increase occupancy rates and organic shares on social media.
For couples who love taking photos,,the vacation space is not just a place to sleep – it's also a place to tell a love story through every picture. A small room of just 15m², if designed properly, can absolutely become a “mini studio” and score big with your target customers. Optimizing every square meter is how you create multiple times more value from your initial limitations.
From experience implementing strategies for hundreds of small and medium homestay brands, DPS.MEDIA has found that: rooms decorated in bright tones, with dedicated photo corners and good natural lighting, often generate twice as many bookings as regular rooms.. This is not about sentiment – it's an insight formed from clear market behavior.
Decorating a small space is not about... cramming in furniture, but about making smart choices. Items that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing (pallet beds, rattan lamps, large round mirrors, sheer white curtains) are the storytelling language. They create a relaxing, cozy yet modern vibe – exactly the style favored by today's youth.
With AIs like Pinterest, Instagram Reels, or TikTok increasingly influencing the trend of searching for vacation spots, decorating a photogenic homestay room is an essential part of a digital marketing strategy. You are not just creating a beautiful product – you are creating a reason for customers to share your brand for free with thousands of others.
In the race to attract customers through every photo, victory will belong to those who understand their customers better, make better use of space, and know how to decorate a love story in 15m². And DPS.MEDIA is the partner to help you make that a reality.
Optimize small spaces with smart layouts and minimalist style
Conquer 15m² by cleverly dividing the space
According to research from small Space Living Journal 2023, users feel their living space is up to 40% larger when the layout is clearly divided by function. In a 15m² homestay room, instead of using drywall partitions or thick curtains that create a stuffy feeling, DPS.MEDIA suggests using:
- Multi-functional open shelves: both as a partition and a place to display gadgets or Instagrammable decor accessories.
- Loft bunk bed: maximizes space, creating an area underneath for a study desk, relaxing chair, or wardrobe.
- gradient rug: use different rugs to separate sleeping – lounge – working areas without taking up additional physical space.
Case study: A homestay in Da Lat designed by Studio HAA increased its booking rate by 23% by applying a mezzanine layout combined with monochrome wall painting, creating a “visual illusion” of spatial depth.
Minimalist style: few details but lots of personal touches
Minimalism is not just a trend, but also a strategy to create a “super cool virtual background” for couples passionate about virtual living. DPS.MEDIA encourages applying principles from the book “Less but Better” by Dieter Rams into small homestay design: each piece of furniture should have at least two functions and must look good in photos.
| Item | Function 1 | Function 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Large standing mirror | Makeup, full-body viewing | Reflects light, creates depth |
| Bean bag chair | Relaxing chair | Chill photo backdrop |
| Mini hanging cabinet | Storage | Wall decoration |
Visual & lighting effects: “double” your space for Instagram
According to the Airbnb Trends 2024 report, homestays with natural lighting setups + warm white lights create better visual effects, making photos up to 38% more sparkling. To optimize this, DPS.MEDIA recommends:
- Tall windows, white voile curtains: take advantage of natural light.
- LED strip lights mounted close to the ceiling: create a light border, helping selfies look great without filters.
- Paint in beige white or neutral cream: increase reflectivity, optimize the perceived spaciousness of the room.
This is not just a decorating tip, but also a strategy to increase the number of guests who tend to share photos of the room – a crucial factor in user-driven marketing for modern homestay owners..
Choose a romantic and trendy color palette to create a strong visual impression
Color palette suggestions for 2024 trends to add emotion to your space
According to research from the Pantone Institute and the WGSN color report (2023), romantic and modern color palettes such as “Dusty Rose”, “Sage Green”, and “Terracotta” are leading the interior design trends for young couples. These tones are both gentle and highly applicable. At DPS.MEDIA, when developing the concept for the Da Lat homestay “Mây Trong” in 2022, we experimented with combining minimalist white walls with Oxblood (deep red) and Pigeon Blue accent decor, creating an extremely captivating visual effect for social media images.
- Dusty Rose – Creates a gentle, soft feeling, suitable as a base tone for pillows and bed sheets.
- Sage Green – The color of pure nature, easy to pair with wood or bamboo and rattan materials.
- Terracotta – Brings a cozy, artistic touch, ideal for decorating the chill corner on the balcony.
Quick comparison of visual effects from popular color palettes
| Color palette | Visual impact | Trend-catching ability |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional pastel | Gentle, safe | 🟡 Average |
| Earth Tones (Brick - Earth – Leaf) | Warm, close to nature | 🟢 high |
| Neo-Chromatic color palette | Modern, technology-inspired | 🔵 Very high |
Design perspective from DPS.MEDIA: Not every color palette is suitable
With a space of only 15m2, optimizing the color palette to create a sense of spaciousness is crucial. We often advise SME clients to choose neutral tones as a base (beige, light gray) to help diffuse light better, then add highlights with 1-2 bold tones that are highly photogenic, making decor images more likely to go viral on Instagram and TikTok.
Citing the digital campaign of the homestay client “Mộng Mơ Stay” (Hoi An, 2023), using a terracotta – cream white color scheme increased the click-through rate on product images on Google Ads by 38%, while also improving landing page dwell time by 26%, according to Google Analytics data. This is concrete evidence of the connection between color – emotion – conversion performance in online experiences.
Use light and reflective materials to expand visual space
Increase visual depth with smart reflective surfaces
In a homestay space of just 15m², using reflective materials such as mirrors, frosted glass, silver metal, or clear acrylic can make the room feel twice as spacious. According to a research report by the Interior Design Institute (2021), light reflection is a key factor that helps the human eye “read” a space as if it is more seamless and deeper than it actually is.
From the experience of implementing more than 30 homestay concepts for DPS.MEDIA's clients, we have found that placing large mirrors opposite natural light sources — for example, east-facing windows — not only creates a visual effect of expanded space but also provides an eye-catching selfie backdrop. Some local brands like KoiStay in Da Lat have succeeded with this strategy, increasing the number of guests taking photos and using the brand hashtag by 43% in the first three months.
| Material | Recommended position | Created effect |
|---|---|---|
| Artistic round mirror | Next to the window or at the head of the bed | Doubles the depth, creates a selfie highlight |
| Frosted glass | Bathroom-bedroom partition | Increase light while maintaining privacy |
| Polished metal (brass, stainless steel) | Table legs, lamp frames, door handles | Soft light reflection, creating luxury |
Layered lighting helps control the mood of the space
Not just simply for illumination, lighting in homestays for couples needs to create an emotional, inspiring, and refreshing atmosphere. DPS.MEDIA recommends applying layered lighting techniques, as mentioned in the book Designing With Light (DiLouie, 2020), including:
- Ambient lighting: recessed ceiling lights or wall-edge LED lights, providing even illumination.
- Accent lighting: picture lights, mirror lights, pillow-directed spotlights – create more defined shapes for better photos.
- Task lighting: table lamps, wall-mounted reading lights – maximum convenience for the accommodation experience.
A real case study from DPS.MEDIA’s client – the “Chạm Mây” homestay in Hội An – shows that using dual-color lights (white & yellow) adjustable via mobile app not only increases personalization but also encourages users to take photos with various lighting concepts. As a result, the number of impressive photo saves and story shares was 58% higher compared to rooms with monochromatic lighting. In summary, visually enlarging a small space is entirely feasible if you master lighting and smart material selection. DPS.MEDIA believes this is the key factor that makes a 15m² homestay “stylish,” optimized for trendy couples who love virtual living.
Invest in decor highlights to enhance photo opportunities
Create high-contrast visual focal points in small spaces
According to research from Journal of Interior Design (2021), in spaces under 20m², the use of focal point (visual highlight) contributes to increasing positive emotions by more than 48% for those who interact – this is especially important when customers evaluate a homestay room based on… Instagram photos.
DPS.MEDIA has previously implemented content design for the Da Lat MiniNest homestay promotion campaign, and found that: just by adding pastel gradient walls, vintage mirrors, and handwritten neon signs,the rate of photo sharing by guests doubled. Even a small highlight like large canvas paintings or rustic wooden pallet beds can make the setting much more valuable.
Must-have “Instagrammable” decor items
We encourage SMEs in the accommodation industry to use the following items not only to create a cozy feeling, but also to turn a corner of the room into a mini studio:
- Unique wooden frame standing mirror: creates depth and reflects natural light well.
- LED mood lighting: warm brown-yellow tone, helps skin look better in photos.
- Minimalist art wall painting: encourages interaction from guests taking photos and tagging the homestay location.
- Knitted fiber or faux fur rug: softens the photo background and brings a cozy feeling.
Below is a proposed table for accent decor construction in a 15m² room, using a limited budget but achieving high efficiency – based on observations from a homestay case study in Hoi An:
| Decor item | Estimated cost | Visual effect |
|---|---|---|
| Pastel washed wall paint (cream pink tone) | 400,000 – 600,000 VND | Creates a friendly impression, easily stands out on social media |
| Vintage-style wall-hanging mirror | 300,000 VND | Expand space, enhance lighting |
| Handwritten neon LED sign | 500,000 VND | Create a “brand identity” element |
From the perspective of DPS.MEDIA, investing in small but visually impactful details not only helps the homestay stand out, but also contributes to building a visual brand for the space – an essential factor in the era of visualized travel experiences.
Choose multifunctional furniture suitable for couples' resort needs
Prioritize convertible furniture: A smart space solution
In a limited 15m2 space, choosing multifunctional furniture not only saves space but also helps spark creative vacation inspiration. According to research from the journal Journal of Interior Design (2021), using flexible furniture helps enhance the space experience by up to 32%, especially important for couples on short trips. A lounge chair that can be pulled out into a mini bed, or folding balcony used as a breakfast table brings both aesthetic and functional value, creating a constantly “transforming” space – perfect for an active lifestyle and the “virtual living” preferences of young people.
From a project implemented for a homestay in Da Lat that DPS.MEDIA once provided communication strategy consulting for (2022), we realized that using custom-designed furniture tailored to small room sizes and optimized with lightweight materials (composite wood, powder-coated steel, etc.) not only increases guest satisfaction but also helps homeowners boost revenue on OTAs thanks to quality feedback.
Mini multifunctional interior suggestion board for 15m2 homestay room
| Category | Furniture sample | Outstanding feature |
|---|---|---|
| Bed | Lift bed with integrated drawers | Luggage storage, neat and quiet |
| Table | Foldable wall-mounted table | Space-saving, can be opened when needed |
| Shelf | Box-shaped wall shelf | Decorate, store items, and serve as a check-in spot |
| Seat | Inflatable chair can be folded | Lightweight, portable, many trendy colors“ |
DPS.MEDIA encourages homestay owners to pay attention to emotional factors in interior layout – each item should tell a story or create a sense of “soul and form.” When guests feel they can “customize even the smallest details,” they will stay longer and share more – that is the value of brand diffusion from seemingly smallest details.
Suggestions for accessories and miniatures to enhance aesthetics and social media interaction
Lighting accessories to create depth and emotion in photos
One of the indispensable elements that creates a “virtual living vibe” is lighting — especially accessories like LED string lights, fairy lights, or lightbox lamps. According to research from the University of California, warm yellow light helps improve visual emotions, creating a dreamy blurred space in photos.
- LED string lights: easy to create a winding layout around the bed headboard or dressing mirror.
- Small ring light: suitable for placing on the table to increase lighting when taking selfies while still maintaining coziness.
- Vintage lamp: creates depth for flatlay photos, making the background more stylish.
Multi-functional miniature corner: check-in, relaxation, and story-driven content
A small space like a 15m² room requires optimization but must still ensure the experience factor. DPS.MEDIA recommends integrating “miniature corners” that are both beautiful and tell a story on social media. Inspiration from the “Instagrammable Corner” model at Korean boutique hotels shows: just an open shelf, a canvas quote board, and a few vintage decor items are enough to create hundreds of diverse photos.
| Miniature scene | Visual purpose | User interaction |
|---|---|---|
| Full-length mirror corner | Reflects space, creates a depth effect | Check-in outfit, story selfie |
| Mini bookshelf + desk lamp | Creates an intellectual and relaxing setting | Increases photo retention time |
| Nude fabric backdrop with printed quote | Creates an artistic visual anchor | Encourage users to share photos with branded hashtags |
Case Study: Lua Mong homestay – setting check-in trends through DIY elements
In the branding campaign for Lua Mong Homestay in Da Lat, DPS.MEDIA implemented the concept of “touching dreams with your own hands.” We encouraged hosts to handmake items such as dreamcatchers, silk wall hangings, pallet wood mats, etc. And the result? In the first two quarters of the year, the homestay increased UGC content by over 300% on Instagram & TikTok.
The story is not about the cost (total decor under 5 million VND) but about how each detail tells a brand perspective—a space that guests want to introduce to others. This approach is not only effective but also cost-saving for SMEs looking to build a consistent visual story for their homestay.
Creating a consistent concept between living space and homestay visual communication
Turning design concepts into visual brand stories
At DPS.MEDIA, we always emphasize the consistency between real-life experience and media imagery of the homestay. Especially with the 15m² room for couples, every decor corner not only needs to be beautiful—but must “tell a story.” We call this “visual Narrative of Living Space” – a concept derived from research on image psychology by the European Institute of Architecture & Communication (2020). When guests see the homestay images on Instagram and then visit in person, they should not feel a difference but instead experience a seamless connection between online and offline.
To create that consistency, we suggest:
- Choose a main color tone suitable for real life and easy to edit in post-production (such as neutral pastels or earth tones).
- Interior materials with distinctive identity: rattan, natural wood, linen fabric help photos have depth and emotion.
- Use props with symbolic meaning: vintage-style books, film cameras, Korean desk lamps… to encourage viewer interaction.
- Create a “signature corner” for selfie check-ins, thereby leading the narrative on social media.
Case Study: Goc Nho Homestay – Combining design with visual marketing
A clear example is Goc Nho Homestay (Da Lat) – where DPS.MEDIA once consulted on the “visual Content Alignment” package”. With an area of only 14.5m², the team set up everything in sync from the bed sheet color to the smoky stone wall background. Photo sets taken by guests are pre-branded with camera angles and lighting, helping Goc Nho achieve 80K user-generated photo shares on Tiktok after 3 months.
| Decor element | Application in communication |
|---|---|
| Terracotta brown-red color | Create consistent visual identity on feed photos |
| Vintage yellow string lights | Build a close, authentic nighttime photo mood |
| Wooden window with hill view | A photogenic highlight that's easy to go viral on Reels |
According to DPS.MEDIA, investing in a unified concept helps save a lot of advertising costs in the long run, because users themselves become a free content distribution channel when they naturally share their personal experiences on social media.
Sincere feedback
With an area of only 15m2, decorating a homestay room for couples who love “virtual living” is not an impossible task. Just a bit of sophistication in choosing colors, multifunctional furniture, and reasonable lighting accents, and you can create a space that is both romantic and unique, full of Instagram vibes.
Start from the guest experience – the core factor that makes a homestay not only beautiful but also memorable. The connection between your decor style and brand story will open up natural, effective marketing opportunities through images shared by guests on social media.
At DPS.MEDIA, we understand that every small detail in space design can become a link in the strategy overall communication, especially for SMEs seeking differentiation in the market. A beautiful space is not simply a “photo magnet”, but also a powerful brand storytelling tool if you know how to leverage it.
If you are taking the first steps in building a homestay brand, don’t hesitate to learn more about design trends combined with content strategy, or how to optimize images to reach the right target audience. DPS.MEDIA is always ready to accompany you on the journey of creating a highly personalized and marketing-driven virtual living experience.
Do you have any interesting decor ideas or stories you’ve applied to small spaces? Leave a comment below and let’s discuss more together!
