5 Tips and Trends to Create Your Own Outdoor Oasis

5 Tips and Trends to Create Your Own Outdoor Oasis

You have heard the old saying “you can’t judge a book by its cover”. When it comes to real estate, that is exactly what many potential buyers do – they judge a home based on their first impression, be it curb appeal or an online listing. For sellers, it is important to realize the often under-tapped potential in a home’s exterior. One area that is gaining increasing attention is the front porch. No longer is the front porch merely an extension of the exterior of a home, but now it is a focal point for outdoor living.

Anyone living in the Southeastern United States knows how iconic the front porch is. The front porch is a place to entertain, greet neighbors, and relax in the shade while the kids play out front. In what has been called a “porch renaissance”, an increasing number of people are choosing to create personalized outdoor oasis from existing porch structures. Moving beyond the traditional rocking chairs and porch swings, the front porch is becoming a place to extend the living space of a home without breaking the budget to add new enclosed space.

Here are 5 Tips on how you can maximize your porch and transform it into your own outdoor oasis!

1. Assess the exterior construction of your home. Take note of any elements or materials that lend to a particular style. Consider features like gabled peaks, square or circular details, stone vs. brick, and color palette. As a general rule, it is best to make renovations to your porch that are in sync with your existing structure and will add to the overall curb appeal of the home. You may also find it necessary to consult with your home owner’s association (HOA) to ensure that your renovation or addition falls within acceptable guidelines.
2. Decide what materials you want to use in your renovation or addition. Because porches are more exposed to the elements, it is important to use materials that have a healthy lifespan and will reduce maintenance. Popular materials include PVC, fiberglass, fascia boards, and treated wood designed for outdoor use.
3. When choosing materials, look at trends on the rise in your area. Are people using brick or stone for porch flooring instead to traditional concrete? Are there specific colors or textures that seem to be increasing in your neighborhood? Is your neighborhood fairly traditional, or do you have freedom to express yourself?
4. Consider trends like “no rail” porches, which expose the front of your home and feature your outdoor space, rather than it being blocked by railing. No rail porches are easy to build, and are particularly attractive on porches less than 18-inches above the ground. No rail porches also provide you with unobstructed view of your front yard and neighborhood.
5. Remember the importance of lighting. Just like the inside of your home, lighting can have a tremendous effect on the overall appeal of a porch space. Popular trends include recessed lighting, rope fixtures, and vintage style lanterns.

Whether you are renovating your home, or are planning to sell one, these tips and trends can help you add curb appeal and functionality to any home. For more information about staging the interior or exterior of a home, contact Virtually Staging Properties by sending us an email, or by calling us at 877.949.9797.