Hello
Friends,
Not everyone dreams of a lush and
sprawling backyard. So playing down diminutive outdoor space in your listing
could be a missed opportunity to connect with a buyer who sees a postage-stamp
lawn or a compact front stoop as a plus, says Meridith Baer, owner of Meridith
Baer Home, a staging firm based in the Los Angeles area. “Actually, it’s
sometimes easier to make a small space charming. It might be as simple as
adding shutters in a pretty hue and painting the front door, or putting that
perfect set of chairs on the front porch,” she says. Whether you’re dealing
with a small backyard in a single--family home or simply a balcony or patio for
a townhouse or condo, these tips can help homeowners or stagers make a bigger
statement.
Watch
the Scale
Decluttering is just as crucial for outdoor spaces as it is the rest of
the house. “It’s important not to do too much and overcrowd a small space,”
says Dennis Hammett, sales associate with Ebby Halliday, REALTORS®, in Dallas.
Too many chairs around a table or even too large a tree can make a smaller yard
feel confined. “Placement and size of plants becomes very important with a
small front yard. You want to make sure that none are so big that they will
block any of the home’s architectural features,” says Jason Evans, marketing
manager for The Davey Tree Expert Co. in East Bay, Calif. Keep garden statues
and ornaments to a minimum, Evans adds.
Set a
Focal Point
Smaller spaces often benefit from an attention-grabbing feature, such as a
water fountain, outdoor fireplace, or a restful nook in a compact garden. “If
you have a small space, pick a focus to start with,” says Justin Hancock,
garden expert with Costa Farms in Miami. “You might want to rent or borrow a
small patio set or fire pit to get buyers thinking about how great the backyard
will be for entertaining or outdoor living.” You can also draw attention
verbally to a focal point. For example, call out the benefits to the home’s
outdoor plantings—if they, for example, attract butterflies or hummingbirds,
Hancock says. “A quick handout that highlights the upsides to areas of the yard
can be helpful to consumers who may not realize those benefits on their own.”
Outdoor
Reflections
“Try a trick borrowed from interior designers: Hang an outdoor-friendly
mirror on an exterior wall to reflect light and to make these yards feel more
open,” says Missy Henriksen, spokeswoman for the National Association of
Landscape Professionals. While there’s no wrong or right style of outdoor
mirror, Henriksen offers some suggestions: Hang the mirror no lower than eye
level, ensure it’s rustproof, and try a mirror that mimics shapes and styles of
real windows. Pay attention to what you’re reflecting, too. “You want to show
off the gorgeous greenery of your landscape, not a bare wall or barbecue,”
Henriksen says.
Go for
the Vertical
Taller plants can add height to a doorway that feels closed off, Henriksen
says. A spiral topiary in a container beside a front door can nicely accentuate
a space. Another tip: Prune plants so they’re more vertical, training them to
grow up rather than out. Also, consider a vertical wall of planters, like
containers of ornamental grasses. You can also raise plant height by several
feet using retaining walls, raised beds, or extra long, slender containers.
Accent
With Container Gardens
Container gardens are portable, which make them an easy way to enhance a
small space, particularly for a townhouse or condo where a homeowners
association or shared space may limit what you can install. Matching containers
placed on each side of a stairway or doorway can create a bookend look,
suggests Hancock. Or, group a small cluster of different sizes of containers.
Choose plants that complement or contrast with the color of your front door.
For example, with a red door, choose red geraniums, salvia, or petunias,
Hancock suggests. For a high-contrast look with a blue door, try planting
easy-care golds and yellows, such as zinnias, marigolds, or celosia. “If floor
space is at a premium, try a hanging basket or two,” says Hancock.
Layer
the Light
Turn a spotlight on what you do have, from above and below. “Outdoor
lighting is an easy way to showcase the entry and complement your landscaping,”
says Hammett. Solar lights can be added affordably and without extra wiring.
Point lights up at trees, and place them along the driveway and planting beds
to create a landscape with a soothing glow, Hammett says. Also, consider
wall-mounted task lighting, such as sconces, to spotlight outdoor cooking
areas. “Gas lanterns can add a touch of elegance, “ Hammett says.
Fuse
in More Greenery
Use the colors of nature to add lushness and texture to the space. You’ll
be in good company with designers on this one, as the Pantone Color Institute’s
color of the year is a verdant shade called “greenery.” NALP is also
highlighting simpler greenery for 2017. A formal hedge of green velvet boxwood,
a border of green lily turf, or dense Boston ivy-colored trellises can have
just as much impact as a garden full of colorful flowers, NALP notes. “Everyone
loves a pop of color, but don’t shy away from the striking simplicity of
outdoor neutrals, especially in smaller yards,” Henriksen says. Try ornamental
grasses and trees potted in a container. In drought-prone areas, consider a
small patch of low-water options like Kurapia, a ground cover with white
flowers that can work in various soils and requires little watering to
maintain.
Increase
Privacy
Small yards often lack privacy, and neighbors are usually in close
proximity. Taller plants, vines, bamboo, or an arbor with a large flowering
vine can help create a more intimate space. A trellis on a balcony of a condo
can also help. “Privacy doesn’t have to be expensive—even a lattice panel or
two can do the job,” Hancock says. A hedge is the easiest and most affordable
way to add privacy in a yard, Baer says. “If you want to save money, get a
younger specimen and have the broker point out that in a year’s time you won’t
see the neighbors,” Baer says.
Extend
the Indoors Out
Connect the indoor space to the outdoor space to make the living space
feel larger. Use the same colors you find inside the home in the exterior color
scheme, starting with cushioned furnishings and outdoor throw pillows for an
easy match. Add a waterproof rug to ground the space as an outdoor room.
Consider a pergola or gazebo to extend the interior feel. “Outdoor structures
can help define your space and do not have the confinement of four closed
walls, so they are typically good choices for smaller properties,” Henriksen
says.
https://goo.gl/YOxQW2
Thanks so much!
ERA Skyline Real Estate
3376 Harrison Blvd
Ogden, UT 84403
801-627-6500
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