As homeowners, we choose art for our homes for thousands of different reasons. Perhaps we find a particular piece inspirational; perhaps it reminds us of a trip we took, or a place we visited; maybe a child or family member made it, and it consequently evokes sentimental value. But did you know that the art you choose for your personal taste can adversely impact your home sale?
In a 2015 survey of home staging by the National Realtor Association, forty-five percent of realtors on the buying side said a home decorated to a buyer’s tastes positively impacts its value, and 10 percent of said a home decorated against a buyer’s tastes could negatively impact the home’s value.
What does this mean for you, the seller? It means that the art you choose when staging your home must necessarily be different from the art you choose when designing your home. As one stager notes, staging art should complement the overall color and style of the room. For example, if your living room is modern and minimalist, go for art that reflects this. Similarly, if you have a very large bedroom, smaller pieces might get lost—go big and bold here. Choose colors and frames that won’t clash, and don’t overdo it.
Most importantly, use art to your advantage. A beautiful piece of artwork can minimize a room’s flaws and maximize its future living potential. So don’t hesitate to remodel your home’s artwork accordingly. It could mean thousands of dollars in savings—enough to buy more art you personally enjoy for your new home!
An example of using art to your advantage from our “Transformations” tab.