• Buyers focus on large walls first, so find a sizable art piece for the wall above the sofa.
  • Select abstract works; avoid images of people.
  • Hang small works of art in the bedroom.

It’s that time of year when clients wish to determine the worth of their summer homes with an eye on that next purchase.

When staging properties, especially vacation homes, consider bringing the summer inside by freshening walls with vibrant contemporary art. Spruce up rooms with a fresh coat of warm-hued paint, and add framed images that remind potential buyers of tropical getaways.

A little change is a big help for a space that hasn’t been updated in decades, and all it takes is the right art to make that happen. Here are three tips to get you started in “summerizing” your clients’ homes with art.

1. Start in the living room

Buyers focus on large walls first, so find a large art piece for the wall above the sofa. This piece is a reminder of your client’s favorite summer scenes like the ocean, the beach or nature.

Select abstract works, and avoid images of people. When buyers are looking at homes, they are attracted to neutral images with subconscious reminders of their favorite things, so always remember to remove family photos before you start showing the property.

2. Bring in small works of art to the bedroom

Smaller works can be placed anywhere in the home, so I suggest works that remind you of sailing or nautical images of summer. Hang them over the bed (or on one wall beside the bed).

Select two or three pieces that work well together as a theme (sailboat image with two images of the deck and anchor). The smaller works can be hung horizontally or vertically and rotated as seasons change.

3. Create a sensory experience in the kitchen

Perhaps the most important room is the kitchen, where lively entertaining meets the warmth of a home-cooked meal.

Buyers want to feel cozy and relaxed, so art with images of summer cooking: barbecues, clam bakes, watermelon, berries, cupcakes — anything that reminds you of your favorite summer foods.

I hope these suggestions give you ideas for staging your next listing. The key to “summerizing” spaces is energizing a home with the spirit of summer.

Kipton Cronkite is the founder of ArtStager and an agent with Douglas Elliman. Follow him on Instagram or Twitter.

Email Kipton Cronkite.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×