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Get the small art work off the wall!

By
Home Stager with Add Value Home Staging LLC, 281-704-6607

Get the small art work off the wall!

When we stage home for sale we normally use larger art work pieces for a couple of reasons. First it looks much better on MLS pictures and second it doesn't create too much clutter. What to do with small art that we collected over the years? Do sellers  have to pack it all when preparing their house for sale?

staging and using small art work large art vs smal one

I found what I think is a good use for the small art. I replace family photos with it. At the time of staging consultation we suggest to remove family pictures because they distract the buyer. At the same time we want to give the buyers an idea of where they can put their own family photos after they buy the house. What I suggest to my clients is to place small art work instead of family photos.

family pic before small art vs fam pic

or

samll art vs family pic small art vs fam pic

or 

small art vs fam pic

                  small art vs fam pic

Please, let me know what do you think.

 

Kristine Ginsberg
Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC - Short Hills, NJ
NJ Home Stager

Anna, I agree, small pictures have less impact and too many small items in small spaces looks cluttered.

Oct 20, 2010 02:54 PM
c m
Colorado Springs, CO

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for putting this out there!  We say it all the time, never thought to blog about it!  Small art is just a distraction, and shows so poorly on the MLS.  Secondly, may I note that you dropped the larger piece DOWN the wall a bit.  Art hanging too high is my SECOND most favorite complaint! =o) Nice post!

Oct 20, 2010 04:59 PM
Anna Dovger
Add Value Home Staging LLC, 281-704-6607 - The Woodlands, TX
Home Staging -The Woodlands, TX

Kristine, thanks for commenting.

Cheryl, I agree that art work should be hang ON THE EYE LEVEL. Thanks for stopping by.

Oct 21, 2010 01:54 AM
Debra Landy
StageTwoSell LLC - Horseheads, NY
PA and NY Home Stager

I think this is a wonderful suggestion because homeowners want to know what to do and this is almost like a paint by number solution that they can work from.  Your photos are proof positive.  Thank you!

Oct 21, 2010 02:59 PM
Mary Lou Teague
HOME STYLE AND STAGING LLC - Knoxville, TN
Home Style and Staging Knoxville. TN

Awesome job, and not only did you remove the small pictures but you lowered them...why do people hang pictures so high ????

Oct 22, 2010 12:56 AM
Anna Dovger
Add Value Home Staging LLC, 281-704-6607 - The Woodlands, TX
Home Staging -The Woodlands, TX

Debra, you right sellers need "show-and -tell" advice.

Oct 22, 2010 01:40 AM
Anna Dovger
Add Value Home Staging LLC, 281-704-6607 - The Woodlands, TX
Home Staging -The Woodlands, TX

Mary Lou, I have no idea why. But I didn't have even one consultation when I wouldn't mention lowering art work to the eye level. I even marked where the bottom of certain piece should be to make sure it will be done right;-)

Oct 22, 2010 01:51 AM
Anna Dovger
Add Value Home Staging LLC, 281-704-6607 - The Woodlands, TX
Home Staging -The Woodlands, TX

David, first I was thinking , that people  want to have the same impression as in the museum, but I checked with museums and all art work is on the eye level out there. At least at the last one I visited in Amsterdam, and that was the Van Gogh museum. I think all memories went back further and  it all comes from our childhood, that when we were first introduced to the fine art. We all went to the museums and were looking way up....remember? Funny isn't it?

thanks for stopping by

 

Oct 22, 2010 03:00 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Great idea, Anna!  What I also like about this idea is that the homeowner has to feel better seeing the artwork used rather than being told to prepack it, like it's somehow not worthy or good enough. 

Oct 23, 2010 10:50 AM
Anna Dovger
Add Value Home Staging LLC, 281-704-6607 - The Woodlands, TX
Home Staging -The Woodlands, TX

Sharon, I agree. They feel good that have some great pieces and we notice it.

Oct 23, 2010 11:37 AM
Sandi Gerrard
Toronto, ON

Very good idea.  Sometimes that might be just what you need to complete a small vignette - especially on low / no budget when you are forced to use what they have.

Oct 29, 2010 12:37 AM
Anna Dovger
Add Value Home Staging LLC, 281-704-6607 - The Woodlands, TX
Home Staging -The Woodlands, TX

Thanks, Sandi. You can find small art pieces in every house. Why not use them?

Oct 29, 2010 03:55 AM
Al Raymondi
Ocean View Realty Group in Ormond By The Sea Florida - Ormond Beach, FL
Ormond By The Sea Florida - Home and Condo Sales

Thanks for sharing that great tip Anna.  It does make a cleaner look for the buyers.

Nov 08, 2010 12:52 PM
Anna Dovger
Add Value Home Staging LLC, 281-704-6607 - The Woodlands, TX
Home Staging -The Woodlands, TX

Thanks Al for stopping by.

Nov 08, 2010 01:54 PM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

I agree one large piece of art is more dramatic than several small ones.

Nov 10, 2010 03:59 PM
Anna Dovger
Add Value Home Staging LLC, 281-704-6607 - The Woodlands, TX
Home Staging -The Woodlands, TX

Norma, you are right, bigger art bigger impact.

Nov 11, 2010 08:47 AM
Laura S. Baker
First Weber Inc - Lake Mills, WI
Realtor (920) 728-4118, First Weber Inc

Very good suggestion Anna!  I really really like the fact that you used their art, just in a more aesthetically pleasing way.  Very clever.

Nov 18, 2010 11:18 AM
Anna Dovger
Add Value Home Staging LLC, 281-704-6607 - The Woodlands, TX
Home Staging -The Woodlands, TX

Thank you Laura. Sometimes you find really good pieces of art and would hate to tell the owner to pack them away.

Nov 18, 2010 12:00 PM
Joshua Zargari
MJ Decorators Workshop LI staging and home decorating - Lynbrook, NY
MJ Decorators Workshop

Nice work Anna!

Nov 19, 2010 01:37 AM
Anna Dovger
Add Value Home Staging LLC, 281-704-6607 - The Woodlands, TX
Home Staging -The Woodlands, TX

Thnks, Joshua.

Nov 19, 2010 01:42 AM