Home stagers reveal the one decor item that will increase the value of your property

Dressing a home to put on the market for sale can feel like an overwhelming task. But with the right furnishing and a small investment, you could increase the value of offers it attracts by up to 15 per cent says a home stager. 

A crucial home staging tip is bringing in well-chosen paintings, photographs, murals and other artworks to show off a home at its best. 'If you’re looking for an instant way to improve the saleability of your home, then invest in artwork,' says Elaine Penahaul, founder of home staging company Lemon and Lime Interiors. 

'It helps to offer home buyers an immediate sense of homeliness, and will help your home stand out.” 

Stephen Keighery, CEO and Founder of Home Buyer Louisiana says he advises clients to add artworks from up-and-coming local artists to help bump up their home’s value.

However, avoid art that’s too intimidating or niche, warns Martin Orefice, CEO of Rent to Own Labs, an online resource guide to find the ideal rent-to-own-home. 'It needs to be broadly aesthetically appealing. Art that focuses too heavily on a niche interest or style is going to be much more of a hindrance than a help for most homes.'

So how to choose the best artwork to make the most of every room? 

Here’s Penhaul’s advice.

Living room and entrance

Living rooms and entranceways lend themselves better to gallery walls, adding to the architectural shape of a property. This collaged effect can extend the room’s dimensions. Whether situated above a stylish sofa, or defining a structural staircase, using art to shape a space is a great move.

Bedroom

Select something soulful and serene to create a feeling of calm. Soft washy abstracts in blues or greens and tranquil landscapes work well against white or natural-coloured bed linen. 

Luxury ‘hotel-style’ touches always impress buyers, but avoid ‘aggressive’ colours such as reds and oranges here as they exude too much energy.

Dining room

In a dining room you have permission to feel confident to go bigger and bolder. And the more interesting the better. Interesting art can be a conversation starter – you want to help viewers imagine entertaining their guests. 

Experiential and multimedia works could really stand out in such a space. Sculptural centrepieces could also be used to dress the table.

Home office

Don’t forget to bring workspaces and shelving units to life with miniature studies, prints and intriguing photographs. This can really make small living spaces such as home offices seem more fascinating to potential buyers.