Ask anyone: great outdoor spaces don’t just happen, they are curated and crafted. If you think back to what first drew you to the home you bought, or what makes a neighbor’s house stand out, the answer usually comes down to curb appeal. The visual appeal of the most memorable homes begins long before you step foot in the front door.
Who hasn’t been to a party at a fabulous pad where afterward all you can think about is that dreamy outdoor kitchen? And with weather like ours, outdoor living is a year-round affair. Taking this into consideration, here are six tips for upgrading your outdoor living space in Los Angeles.
- Show Some Love
Sometimes all your home needs to go from shabby to chic is a fresh coat of paint. Even if the entire house doesn’t need a paint job, consider repainting the front door, window frames, shutters, and trim. Blast your hardscapes with a power washer and watch how they reveal their glistening, new look. Get your garage doors clean and working smoothly.
- Landscape With a Purpose
Before you think about landscape upgrades, tap into your home’s vibe and play to its strengths. Keep your existing plants well-groomed using a hedge trimmer and clear out any debris in your flowerbeds. Work with what you’ve got by removing overgrown, dead, and unhealthy-looking plants and trees. Replace them only where it adds to the overall look. Know your planting zone and plan accordingly. For the long-haul, properly maintain your lawn and re-sod or seed any bare areas of turf to keep your yard looking its best.
- Coordinate Colors
Some simple pops of color can turn an otherwise unremarkable yard into a spot that gets noticed. Consider a bold accent color for a door or trim that coordinates with a design element in your yard. A decorative planter or a brightly colored plant works wonders. Whatever you do, make sure you’re consistent with the style of your home. Bold choices can add character, but going overboard runs the risk of looking tacky. Less is usually more: There is a sweet spot where minimalism and vibrant design meet.
- Make Details Elegant
Adding some hip, oversized address numbers or a stylish mailbox can make a huge difference to your home’s outward appearance. Upgrading your gate is another way to make every entrance grand. If your walkway to the front door is a little dark, consider installing solar-powered lights to give it a glow.
- Add a Human Touch
The most memorable outdoor spaces are ones that stoke the imagination. While indoor areas serve multiples purposes, outdoors is usually reserved for leisure. Add touches that support relaxation in the open air. Put comfortable chairs and a small table on the patio or deck. If you already have a grill, make sure it’s clean in good repair.
- Remove Clutter
While a well-curated bit of “human touch” adds to the character of a space, too much takes away focus and looks busy or messy. Store pool toys, seasonal decor and other objects out of sight. As you’re clearing out clutter, remove nonfunctional outdoor lights and furniture.
By doing any number of these small but meaningful things, you can transform your outdoor space from a ‘meh’ to a ‘magnificent!’ without breaking the bank.
By Sam Lambert
Sam Lambert is an outdoor living expert. Sam loves cultivating his own fruit and vegetables in his backyard. You might have seen Sam riding past you on a local dirt biking trail or climbing a nearby rock wall.
Los Angeles CA Real Estate & Homes for Sale