It is widely understood that staging a home, particularly in the luxury market, can give your home an edge when you are ready to rent or sell. But what about that weekend house? While the basic concepts of decluttering and creating broad appeal still apply, staging a weekend or vacation property is more than just highlighting a space, it’s selling potential buyers an experience. To find out more, we called on a couple of the area’s top staging experts who know a thing or two about the vacation market.
Focus on Fantasy
The No. 1 difference between staging for a year-round home and staging for a weekend or vacation property, says Interior Designer Francesca Grace is that, “you’re not just selling a space, you’re selling a fantasy.” With an ever-expanding clientele in Los Angeles, CA, and experience designing and staging for the luxury market and celebrity clients like Hilary Duff, Sabrina Carpenter, Shaboozey and Justin Bieber, she now brings her expertise to the Hamptons market.
To draw potential buyers or renters, vacation homes need more elements that play up lifestyle and experience, agrees Kate DeCarlo, creative director at GSD Home Staging. The Greenwich, CT-based firm just launched a new location in Palm Beach, FL. “Primary home staging is an interior marketing effort to show the buyer functionality, layout and spaciousness while vacation property staging focuses on how it feels to be in the space. Is it relaxing, fun, luxurious or cozy?”
“A vacation property should feel transportive,” adds Grace. “It’s about romance, ease, and creating moments that feel like memories waiting to happen.” She recommends putting the focus on plush textiles, outdoor entertaining spaces, vintage board games and curated mini libraries.
Get an Early Start
If you are looking to stage a property for sale, be sure to hire an expert early enough that they have two weeks to prepare by decluttering, cleaning, sourcing décor and scheduling photography. If you are designing a rental property, get started six to eight weeks before going live, advises DeCarlo.
Tell a Story
While general notions of decluttering and depersonalizing are important, editing is only the beginning, advises Grace. “It’s really about adding the right layers: texture, character, charm,” she says. “It’s about telling a story that helps someone imagine their own life unfolding there.”
She has been pleasantly surprised as the East Coast reception for her maximalist approach to design. “There’s a perception that East Coast design is all restraint and minimalism, but there’s a real hunger out here for warmth and storytelling, especially in historic homes.” She advises those staging their second home to meet buyers’ needs for personality and create spaces that feel lived in and loved. A sculptural lamp, a vintage rug or portrait, can invite people in and make people feel connected to a space.
Create a Mood
If the home you are staging is completely empty, think about who the home is designed for, how they mean to live in it and what those potential buyers or renters might want to experience during their time there. “That’s where storytelling becomes everything,” says Grace. “You’re setting the stage so a buyer can step in and instantly see themselves living their dream life.”
In cases where the location of your weekend or vacation property isn’t prime real estate, this technique becomes even more essential. “You can make any property shine by leaning into its unique charm,” says Grace. “Focus on warmth, functionality and delight. Create cozy vignettes, show how a smaller footprint can still feel luxurious and highlight what is special, whether that’s a sunlit breakfast nook, a charming bar or a romantic backyard. Great staging elevates any space.”
DeCarlo is taking that same approach as she implements new design techniques for her Palm Beach clients and embraces the area’s style and beachside mood. It’s important to “tailor the staging to fit the space, the market and what buyers are looking for,” she adds.
Think Like a Guest
While it might seem excessive, adding special details that are aspirational rather than functional, can make your vacation property feel elevated. DeCarlo loves using natural textiles, indoor greenery and cozy layers like throw blankets and statement pillows. Coffee table books, art or prints can elevate the look and set the mood, she says.
Experts agree, vacation homes are meant to feel like an escape from reality.
“Ask yourself, “What would make me never want to leave?’” advises Grace, suggesting an outdoor shower or a canopy bed as examples of special details to consider. “That’s when staging turns a listing into a destination.”
