An outdoor living space is the wrap-around veranda across the front of your house, the patio or deck in the back yard, a screened-in porch, a gazebo, or any designated space where the family and friends can hang out and enjoy a meal together.
When prepping the house for sale, sale preparation this space encourages buyers to imagine dreams of family gatherings and entertaining; even for smaller homes, this extra space expands the liveable square footage.
As you plan an outdoor space, consider the following:
• Think of the outdoor space as another room in the house.
• Plan to set the scene with simple furniture based on the function of the space.
• Decide on the function of the space. Is it for eating, cooking, sunning, entertaining, or relaxing?
• Determine whether you have a view you want buyers to notice.
Because your outdoor room is an extension of the house, select furniture that’s similar in style and relates to the function of the space. Sleek and modern aluminium in a graphite colour looks great in a contemporary home. A more traditional porch looks better with a wooden settee and some wicker chairs.
Punch up the look of a wooden bench with weather-resistant throw pillows; home improvement stores have great selections.
The outdoor space is connected to the indoor spaces through a window, so keep your inside colour theme going throughout the house and into your outdoor space. Here’s how: If your interior decorating colours are mocha and cream with turquoise accents, simply flip flop the colours outdoors by using mostly turquoise and mocha in the furniture with a cream accent.
Plants are your outdoor accessories, so plant some lush green plants and flowers to add colour and texture in cream coloured accent planters.
Showcasing outdoor spaces that flow from the inside out draws buyers through the house and into the yard. The longer they linger, the closer they are to an offer.
