Skip to main content

6 HOT OUTDOOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR SUMMER 2015

As summer approaches, the outdoors beckon with images of casual entertaining in the open air and afternoons spent by the pool or gathered around the grill. 

At this time of year, buyers shopping for a new home will shift their attention to outdoor living spaces. 



If you are hoping to sell your home this summer, consider the following popular design trends in order to boost the allure of your backyard oasis:

  1. Low-maintenance, drought-resistant landscaping: with several Western states facing a serious drought, homeowners across the country are trending towards sustainable plants that are native to the region. Many are even replacing grass with artificial turf, the pinnacle of low-maintenance landscaping. These options are a win-win situation for the environment as well as your budget.

  1. In keeping with the sustainability trend, homegrown edibles, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs, are increasing in popularity. If your yard is tight on space, consider planting some microgreens: they are packed with nutrients and may be grown in very small containers, making them a favorite choice of apartment or condo dwellers.

  1. Bring the indoors out. Homeowners have long sought to bring the outdoors in by incorporating elements of nature into their interior designs, but recent trends have focused on carrying the comforts of the home to the backyard. Outdoor living spaces on the more luxurious end of the spectrum may include full kitchens and alfresco dining rooms, while a humbler makeover may be achieved by adding durable, weather resistant furniture. Homeowners are increasingly viewing their yards as ideal spots for year-round entertaining, and patio heaters and cooling systems are easy ways to extend the outdoor living season. Large windows and glass doors leading from the home to the yard are also popular to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

  1. Fire pits and fireplaces are hot. Available in a vast range of styles and at price points to suit every budget, fire pits or fireplaces provide warmth in cooler months and a cozy centerpiece around which family and friends may gather.

  1. Celebrate a contrasting element with the addition of water features. Ranging from simple, inexpensive fountains that may be purchased at most hardware stores to more elaborate waterfalls and ponds, water features create a sense of tranquility, instantly transforming the yard into a Zen oasis.

  1. Add a splash of color. Pantone color of the year for 2015 is Marsala, a red brown shade that serves as an attractive complement to other earth tones. Incorporating Marsala via accessories like pillows or cushions adds a rich, warm hue to outdoor spaces. Black backdrops are also popular this year. Consider painting one wall or fence black to create an appealing contrast to colorful landscaping or wooden furniture.
Summer is the ideal season to entice potential buyers with a backyard retreat that effectively blends beauty and functionality. Fortunately, you do not need an expansive yard or budget: adding some touches of the latest trends can help you create a stylish outdoor space to enjoy with friends and family.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SPRING ROOF INSPECTION

The roof is the one thing between your home and the elements... doesn’t it deserve a little respect?  Here are some roof maintenance tips to preserve your home’s value. Ah, the humble roof. We forget that the single most important structural element in our home is the roof. It provides shelter for those we love and the things we value. It’s easy to let maintenance slide on something we take for granted. With better weather days upon us, now is a good time to inspect the roof and make sure it’s up to the task of protecting your home’s value. Here are some crucial elements you’ll want to look for during a roof inspection: Are the gutters clean and in good shape? Organic debris building up in your gutters can cause water to pool and foster an environment for roof rot. Do you see any curling around the bottom edges? Are there any gaps or holes in the soffit? Are there surface cracks in shingles? Cracks warn you of impending disintegration or separati
Post a Comment
Read more

BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME: SEVEN TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

Now that you've made the decision to purchase your first home, a hearty congratulations is in order!  Becoming a homeowner, especially for the first time, can stir up some feelings of anxiety and excitement.  With the knowledge that you gain through individual research and the help of your REALTOR®, you will soon begin to feel like a seasoned house hunter. Tip # 1: Do Your Homework Did you know that there are a number of incentives available to first-time home buyers? In Canada, there is the First-Time Homebuyers' (FTHB) Tax Credit. The Government of Canada introduced a FTHB Tax Credit in 2009 — a $5,000 non-refundable income tax credit amount on a qualifying home acquired after January 27, 2009. For an eligible individual, the credit will provide up to $750 in federal tax relief starting in 2009. Another incentive is the Expansion of the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP). To provide first-time homebuyers with greater access to their RRSP savings to purchase or build a
Post a Comment
Read more

A SPRING SPREAD ANY BUNNY CAN CREATE

  (Culinary.net) With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to invite guests over for a hopping party. It’s also a great opportunity to tackle that dreadful spring cleaning and spruce up your living spaces with vibrant decor for visitors to enjoy alongside a delicious recipe. With this sweet, colorful table arrangement, your whole family can get into the spring spirit. From festive utensils, a bright centerpiece and cute snacks, your spring setup can be fresh and fabulous. It’s simple to put together and easy on the budget. Pair it with appetizers or even a main dish for a full spring party spread that’s sure to impress. Find more springtime recipes at Culinary.net . Watch video to see how to create this Spring Table Spread! Chick Cheese Balls Recipe adapted from Hallmark.com Yield: 10 chicks 1  package cream cheese 1/4  tablespoon garlic powder 1  tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2  lemon, juice only salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1 cup fine
Post a Comment
Read more