Looking good on the outside
As we make our way towards the warmer seasons, Steve and Belinda Ellis from Bayleys Fendalton share their thoughts on how to get your home ready for outdoor living.
You may have some outdoor entertaining on the horizon or even be considering selling in spring, so the following tips could be helpful to add value and appeal to your property.
After constant winter jobs which involve dealing with leaves, pruning and general garden maintenance, thinking about the hard landscaping around your home can be the first area to tackle.
Driveways and paths offer the first impression. You may need to water blast, add extra gravel, stones or fresh bark to edges before new growth comes through.
The surfaces of your terraces and decks always need yearly maintenance; this could involve a good washing down or staining to refresh and bring back to life.
Outdoor furniture could also require cleaning, or even a new set may be on the wish list. Think about how a new suite may complement your home, its comfort factor for guests and how it will endure the elements. If you have ample space, choose ‘big’ or divide the area into a lounging space and a dining zone, just like an open plan interior living area.
Stylish outdoor cushions are great to add colour and don’t forget to ask your spider proofer to treat your furniture at the same time as your house, so those messy webs don’t appear.
Pots and planters are the ornaments that make an outdoor living area pop. Feature pots can beautifully frame an entrance or steps down to a garden. Well-positioned stylish pots can enhance the features of your home and with smart lighting can add the wow factor at night when hosting family and friends.
The choice of the plants you select to add to these pots is key – research what looks great and can handle the heat of a sunny or sheltered location. Succulent bowls can be fun to create and not only look fabulous on a table centre but will withstand dry, hot conditions.
Lastly, think about essential shelter from the elements: wind and baking sun. Many homeowners are investing in automatic louvre systems, screens, outdoor heaters, umbrellas, sunshades and fire pits to add a cosy mood.
Extending the months, you can enjoy the outdoors in a welcoming alfresco living environment, which adds to the Kiwi lifestyle we all love.
For more advice on how to make the most of your property in the busy spring market, give us a call.
0800 30 30 33 | steveandbelindaellis.co.nz
