Create an outdoor room in your garden
When it comes to garden design, the trend towards creating a link between inside and out is here to stay. An inviting alfresco area is a big plus when selling your Thornleigh or Northern Districts property. Many buyers will see it as an extra living space, particularly if it is sheltered and furnished appropriately.
As the weather warms up, it’s a great time to venture back into your garden and make it a place you’ll enjoy spending time in. We have beautiful bushland vistas and big blocks in the Northern Districts, and I love catching up on my phone calls or just relaxing outside after a day of meetings.
Even if you have a simple patio or balcony, it’s easy to increase its visual appeal and usefulness with a few simple upgrades. So if you are planning on putting your home on the market in the spring and summer months, consider creating an ‘outdoor room’. This will appeal to any buyers looking to make the most of Sydney’s summer climate.
Here are some tips for getting started:
Think about how you will use the space
Ideally, you want your outdoor space to be a flexible area you can enjoy in a variety of ways, depending on your lifestyle. You may want to use it for alfresco meals, as a kids’ play area, or for relaxing with a good book on the weekend.
An outdoor dining table is always handy for entertaining and easy summer barbecues. Or you may prefer low couches and a coffee table if you are after an additional living area.
Whatever the size of your outdoor area, choose furniture that fits the space and your lifestyle. A huge range of outdoor furniture is now available, so you should be able to find something that is comfortable and suits your needs.
Consider light and temperature
Outdoor rooms can be decked out with timber-lined ceilings, outdoor kitchens, downlights and ceiling fans. But as long as there is some shelter from the elements, they can also be very simple. Just as you would shield a window with curtains on a hot day, think about how you can protect your outdoor area from harsh sun and strong wind. This can be as simple as adding exterior blinds or a shade sail, or planting trees to provide extra shade.
Replacing a dated roof or rickety pergola is another way of instantly upgrading your outdoor space. Modern Vergolas are great if you want to use a space year-round, as they have adjustable open-and-close roof systems to allow in sun or provide protection from rain. If you are after something more classic, a timber structure covered with a deciduous climber such as a grapevine is simple yet effective. It will also provide warming winter sun as the leaves drop.
If you are adding hard landscaping or structural walls, bear in mind that stone paving or bricks will absorb heat throughout the day and radiate it at night, so can get hot. Choosing natural materials, such as timber decking, and using screens or balustrades rather than solid walls, will allow for air movement and result in a more comfortable outdoor space.
How about added extras?
The sky’s the limit when it comes to outdoor rooms in the Northern Districts. Wood-fired pizza ovens, built-in kitchens and bar fridges, fireplaces and spas. These are all nice-to-haves rather than essentials, though.
Ultimately, what you want is somewhere to sit outside comfortably, with shade, shelter, a cool breeze and a leafy green view. As with any renovation, think about how long you plan to stay in your house when deciding how much to spend.
Talk to me – your local Northern Districts real estate agent
If you are considering selling your home this summer and want some tips on making your outdoor spaces more appealing to buyers, I am always happy to help. Please feel free to give me a call to chat about what buyers are looking for in Thornleigh, Westleigh, Normanhurst and Pennant Hills, and how your home compares to others in the area.
