Winter outdoor areas

If you're anything like me the backyard pergola gets neglected in the winter time. Buyers love the outdoor entertaining areas, so its important that they can imagine themselves entertaining under that pergola, cooking the BBQ and having fun with family and friends.

• Generally the pavers get a build up of moss and dirt. Get the hose and scrubbing brush out and give them a good clean with a cleaning solution
• Do the same with the outdoor furniture and the BBQ
• Discard the dead hanging plants and dreary potted ones and replace with some vibrant new colourful plants or flowers.
• For some 'WOW' pot some colourful flowers and put them on the table
•  Add some colourful cushions to the existing seating
• Now you're ready to bring your buyers through  

                                                 Click here for some great ideas

The property needs to be as neutral as possible

The property needs to be as neutral as possible when the potential buyers first see it. Property styling is all about setting up the property for sale so the buyers can visualise themselves in the space and imagine moving into your home. By making your property as neutral as possible they can more easily see themselves in the backyard having a BBQ for their family and friends. And by adding a few nice pillows to your outdoor setting you can create an invitation to let the buyers imaginations run wild.

Outdoors in the cooler weather

Generally we tend to neglect the exterior of our homes and the outdoors living spaces in the colder months.

• Make certain that the gardens and lawns are manicured and weed free. 
• Trim back all those dead branches.
• If your garden is lacking colour add some colourful plants.
• If you have a swimming pool keep it pristine, a dirty pool is very off putting to a potential buyer.
• Clean the windows and get rid of the cobwebs.
• For inspections add some bright cushions and throw rugs to the outdoor entertaining area. Instant Wow.
• Remember your buyer is judging your home from the outside. First impressions really do count

 Inviting

Suitable arrangements
Create a styled vignette on an otherwise empty sideboard or coffee table by grouping ceramics, glassware, geometric shapes or ornaments in threes or fives. Be sure each grouping of objects has similar or complementary colours and different heights and shapes for the most aesthetically pleasing result.

Photo by Park and Oak Design – Look for contemporary living room inspiration

Make an entrance
The first thing a person sees when they visit your home is the front door. Make a bold statement by attaching a wonderful door knocker to your front entrance. From lion’s heads and mermaids to gothic shapes and shackles, there are myriad options to choose from.

Photo by CM Glover – Look for entryway pictures

A few key pieces

When styling the poolside for sale, think outside the box. I love this yellow surfboard really adds a pop of colour. 

Along with a few key pieces  and accessories, greenery never fails to inject life, colour and texture into a poolside area. 

Ask your local nursery which plants work best near your swimming pool, but as a general rule of thumb, Banksias, Agaves, Native Fuschias and Palms are popular picks for Australian pool areas.

Decorative touches

  

Placing statues, sculptures and urns between trees or in the centre of the lawn adds a charming decorative touch to your outdoor area. For a formal garden, look for classical Greek or Roman figures, or for a Victorian feel, pretty statues of cherubs or angels should do the trick. In addition, wooden signs and wrought-iron artworks are right at home in an outdoor setting. Why not hang some wind chimes from tree branches to create a calming ambiance, or put a sundial among the flowers to conjure up the image of a traditional English garden?

A beautifully designed planter or small water feature can add an elegant look to an outdoor area and bring some colour and greenery to an empty corner. And, if you’re keen to attract native wildlife to your garden, include a bird bath or feeder – these come in a variety of styles ranging from traditional to modern and are often quite inexpensive.

Don’t forget that less is more – avoid crowding your yard too much. Add just a few attractive accessories for an easy and inexpensive way to turn your outdoor area into a warm and welcoming space that everyone can enjoy.

Source: Country Home ideas, click here for more information

New colour trend?

Co-leidoscope loves the spice of life, luxury of global travel and taste of the exotic. Complex patterns, ornate detailing, and fine materials captivate these customers. Embellished, eccentric mosaics, dazzling, laser-cut leathers, and colorful metallics and metals offer new, glamorous twists on classics. The color palette features our color of the year, Blue Paisley, paired with faded mid-tones inspired by the time-worn hues from once-brightly colored mosaics. Check out the The voice of color for more inspirational ideas.

Architectural and design trends 2015- 2016

Recent years have seen an integration of external space with internal space, especially here in South Africa with our fantastic climate says Dave Nemeth. Continuing in this direction, the bathroom will become a far more important space and in many cases, where possibly even open up onto private areas of the garden. Outdoor showers have already gained popularity and we will now see indoor baths and showers with large windows and doors that almost open up completely to the outside elements. In a similar fashion, bedrooms will have more open plan bathrooms where the bath or shower is an actual feature rather than a purely functional element that needs to be hidden away. The bedroom / bathroom becomes an integrated area with the focus on relaxation and well being, almost like a health spa. Check out the website for more great ideas.

Cosy Outdoors!

Now this is what I call a fantastic outdoor entertaining area, sure to please the potential buyer. Fireplaces are all the rage at the moment. For those who don't have a big budget, check out Bunnings they have some awesome fire pits.

                       

Outdoors this winter

If you're anything like me the backyard pergola gets neglected in the winter time. Buyers love the outdoor entertaining areas, so its important that they can imagine themselves entertaining under that pergola, cooking the BBQ and having fun with family and friends.

• Generally the pavers get a build up of moss and dirt. Get the hose and scrubbing brush out and give them a good clean with a cleaning solution
• Do the same with the outdoor furniture and the BBQ
• Discard the dead hanging plants and dreary potted ones and replace with some vibrant new colourful plants or flowers.
• For some 'WOW' pot some colourful flowers and put them on the table
•  Add some colourful cushions to the existing seating
• Now you're ready to bring your buyers through  

                                      For more great ideas check out Pinterest.

Garden = Paradise

Gardens can really transform a property into a magical place. Different styles of gardens can transport us to another time and another place.

 Mm mm palm trees, Buddhas, leafy foliage, water features, for a minute there I was thinking I was in Bali! Think about what sort of look you are trying to achieve.

The garden is the most intrinsic feature of a house in a way, making it a little piece of paradise. Your buyers will appreciate all of your hard work.