The official start of summer is just around the corner, and as the temperatures rise, so does our interest in outdoor spaces. During the winter months, especially in colder regions, many home buyers overlook the sometimes-desolate look of landscaping, decks and patios. Outdoor furniture is often covered or in storage. Most outdoor plants are barren or even buried in snow. The winter ‘blahs’ leave us to only imagine the grandeur of our outdoor spaces.
But once warmer temperatures arrive, buyers’ expectations heighten. They want to envision themselves entertaining and relaxing on patios and enjoying their pools and decks as much as their indoor rooms. Staging outdoors can be a challenge, especially if spaces are large and undefined, or if the existing landscaping and vegetation are unkempt or sparse. Hiring a landscaper or bringing in live plants is certainly an option… but there is a more convenient and cost-efficient solution.
One of the easiest ways to transform outside areas into the living spaces home buyers desire is with artificial trees, shrubbery and topiaries. Regardless of the climate, artificial alternatives provide ease of installation, carefree maintenance (no pruning or watering needed!) and excellent return on investment due to the fact they can be used again and again.
When considering outdoor artificial elements:
- Seek high-quality, durable alternatives constructed from weather-resistant materials. Make sure the manufacturer backs its products with an anti-fading warranty.
- Look for items that are relatively easy to transport and move (of course, there’s not much a good dolly/hand truck can’t handle!).
- Select designs that are timeless and match your natural climate and surroundings. Artificial elements that mimic nature’s imperfections and contain authentic elements (real limbs, for instance) blend into a setting rather than detracting from it.
- Rely on larger screens and privacy hedges that defining living spaces while also obscuring or deflecting from an unsightly view.
- Be mindful of the season and provide flowers and trees to match (mums in fall, lilies in spring, etc.).
One of the greatest examples of versatility, the Boxwood Ball topiary brings a touch of greenery to any staging job . As classic and stylish as traditional, natural boxwood, the artificial version offers the convenience of sustainability and maintenance. Or add a bit of frivolity by including unique elements, like this boxwood ball screen in a rectangle planter which provides a perfect focal point, all while staying neatly trimmed and green.
Create relaxing conversation spaces with interesting designs like this star succulent or Cycas palms in maintenance-free and all-weather baskets.
Soften the hard lines of concrete and brick with life-like trees, such as these cedar varieties. Perfect for gated entrances or to define stairs and add emphasis to outdoor fireplaces.
Feature shrubbery in multiples, as pictured at left, to mimic the way they naturally grow.
Incorporate 4-foot to 6-foot artificial hedges in your staging to partition outdoor spaces and shield unsightly views. Multiple hedges can also create a wall for a dramatic and creative outdoor space.
It’s summer! Turn your attention to outside areas and incorporate artificial shrubs, greenery and flowers to ensure your staging projects are complete… from inside out.
Family-owned for more than 32 years, D&W Silks is located in Louisville, Ky., where the staff designs and manufactures quality interior foliage for the furniture, hospitality and decorating industries. Backed by exclusive buying relationships that create great economies of scale, the company is able to produce ever-changingdesigns of unique trees, florals, greenery and other decor from its inventory of more than 1,000,000 design elements. For RESA members, D&W Silks offers a 10% discount and a reduced minimum order of $250. For more information or to become a member of the company’s wholesale community, visit www.dwsilks.com.
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