Patio staging is a fantastic way to bridge the gap between the finished spaces inside your home and the exterior staging designs enacted outside. A patio is typically an open air space, which is uncovered to the sky, although some may have the benefit of an upper deck, awning or pergola for shelter from the sun and inclement weather. Improving the aesthetic desirability of your patio is a sure-fire way to add perceived value to your home, increasing the chances for a lucrative offer on your property.
This guide helps property owners to get their patio spaces in perfect form before listing their houses for sale.
Patio Staging Concerns and Solutions
Often, the true beauty of a patio space is lost due to easily rectified issues with the surrounding yard. Here are some of the common problems suffered by outdoor patios:
The patio is dirty from rain and needs to be cleaned. A pressure washer should be able to take care of this task and is available for rent from most local home improvement stores.
The patio space suffers from weed-growth between the pavers or in cracks in the concrete. An application of weed killer should handle this quickly. Lay down salt in the cracks once weeds are gone, in order to keep them away.
The patio is unsheltered and gets hot and overly sunny. Consider buying a large umbrella, or putting up an inexpensive pergola, to make the space more pleasing and functional.
The patio is cluttered and seems to be a junk collection location. Clean out the space and store away all yard tools, toys and assorted other items.
Patio Enhancement Ideas
Here are a few of my favorite fast fixes for staging a patio space to sell:
Use proportion to choose your furnishings carefully. Most patios feature tables and chairs which are too large for the space. Downsize tables and chairs to become a part of the overall design, not the entire design unto themselves.
Store away hoses and other garden tools, so they do not infringe on the space and ruin an idyllic atmosphere with the idea of yard work.
Keep landscaping around the patio in particularly good condition and be sure to highlight the space by planting fresh flowers in vibrant containers.
Always set an outdoor table with a full dinner setting appropriate for a garden party. Use nice utensils and plates; not paper or cheap plastic items. Stick items down using double sided tape or Velcro for lasting decoration. Always top off the table with fresh flowers and candles.
Don’t forget the lighting. Outdoor spaces can become dramatic assets to any home at night, if they are properly illuminated with mood lighting.
Beautiful Patio Staging Designs
I love to stage outdoor settings and have found that any patio can be enhanced for little cost and work. The main ingredient for staging a patio is common sense. Think about making the space festive and inviting, but not over the top. Allow lots of open space on the patio to allow visitors to appreciate the value of being outdoors.
Do not go overboard with decorations and by all means lose all the lawn ornaments and plastic décor sometimes seen haunting backyards. This includes those pink flamingos, plastic bird baths and garden gnomes which may be strewn about. You might enjoy these kitschy touches, but they are a horror to potential buyers. Pack them up and give them new life when you move to your next home.
