“Give us something bold, playful, and impossible to scroll past.”
A Scroll-Stopping Airbnb in Downtown Indianapolis
When a US-based investor couple approached me to furnish a newly acquired 4-bedroom home near downtown Indianapolis, their brief was refreshingly open:
“Give us something bold, playful, and impossible to scroll past.”
That was the brief and the beginning of one of my most creatively free projects to date.
With the short-term rental market growing ever more competitive, it’s no longer enough to be functional or stylish. Today’s guests want experience: a mood, a memory, a moment worth sharing. And that’s exactly what I set out to create.
Design Concept
This home was designed with one intention: to surprise and delight. Every room was an opportunity to play with color, with form, with nostalgia and joy.
I pulled from mid-century curves, vintage hotel glamour, and the punchy playfulness of modern graphic design. The result is a house full of conversation starters: layered with texture, vibrant palettes, and unexpected juxtapositions that still feel liveable and comforting.
Signature Move:
The Game Room
Perhaps the boldest transformation lies in the garage. Originally a cold, utilitarian 50+ sqm shell, I saw it as a blank canvas for something unforgettable.
Through a mix of visual storytelling and color theory, we turned it into a fully immersive entertainment hub:
Escape-Inspired: Designed to transport guests to a different world: cozy, immersive, and slightly surreal.
Mid-Century Influence: Rounded furniture, vintage cues, and layered lighting give the space a grounded sophistication.
Color-Drenching: Navy on the ceiling, orange on two walls, 2 complementary colors used to create depth and excitement.
Before
Before
The Results: A Visual Tour
When I first stepped into the house, it was clear the structure was good but the interiors felt dated, impersonal, and uninspired. My goal was to inject it with new life, youthful energy, and cohesive storytelling. Every space needed to feel like it belonged to the same house, yet offered a distinct visual surprise.
Living Room & Lounge
This space sets the tone for the entire house: playful, modern, and full of contrast.
Blush tones and cane textures meet bold pops of cobalt, creating a vibrant yet grounded palette. The built-ins become a focal point, styled with sculptural objects and color-blocked books. A blue velvet bench adds dimension, while a custom mural nods to Matisse and vintage hotel lobbies.
A mix of velvet, cane, and powder-coated metal gives the room depth and personality that makes a place made for lounging, conversation, and visual delight.
Bedrooms
Each bedroom offers a distinct visual identity, tied together by a shared language of color and comfort.
Attic Room
Features floating twin beds under a striking graphic wallpaper in navy and orange. A lilac ceiling, globe lights, and mid-century silhouettes give the space an elevated, playful tone.Yellow Room
Wrapped in golden yellow, including the ceiling, this space is designed as a mood-lifting retreat. A custom barn door, striped chairs, and cheerful artwork complete the look.Sunset Room
A circular mural in warm peach and terracotta frames a burnt orange velvet bed, with round nightstands and globe lights adding softness and rhythm.
Kitchen & Dining Area
The kitchen combines function with personality. A star-patterned backsplash anchors the space, paired with floating shelves and pastel accents.
A pink “Good Vibes” neon sign marks the coffee station, a small, joyful moment designed to surprise. Playful touches and intentional styling make this corner feel fresh, welcoming, and photo-ready.
Designer’s Note
“This project reminded me why I fell in love with interior design, especially within the world of short-term stays. It’s never just about furniture or finishes. It’s about weaving stories into spaces. Turning empty rooms into memories waiting to happen.
Design, at its best, is a kind of alchemy: transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, the practical into the playful, the temporary into something timeless.
If just one guest walks in, pauses, smiles at the wallpaper, and whispers, “This place feels like joy”, then I know the space has done its magic.
Stay Here
Experience this one-of-a-kind urban retreat blending bold colors, playful design, and modern comfort. Whether you're here for a fun weekend, a business trip, or a getaway with friends, this bright and vibrant home delivers an unforgettable stay.