A Regional Guide to Staging Your Outdoor Space

Indoor-outdoor living is a concept that’s becoming ever more important to home buyers. And no matter where in the US you live or when you want to sell, you can stage your outdoor space to show buyers how they can make the most of it year-round.

Southwest

With so many gorgeous days on the calendar, a great outdoor space is a must on most home buyers’ wish lists in this part of the country. But the region – which ranges from Arizona to parts of Louisiana – is challenged by extreme heat. To help buyers imagine how to beat that heat, be sure your outdoor space includes umbrellas, sail shades or another form of cover from the blazing sun. Use outdoor rugs to soften the effect of foot-searing stone surfaces underfoot, and add pops of bright color–from chair cushions to blooming flowers – to cheer up a space where the plantings or lawn have fallen victim to the heat. If your outdoor space includes a fan, turn it on to get the air moving and break up the humidity. Finally, consider adding a small water feature for pleasant background noise and to create the impression that all is not hot and dry.

Southeast

Hot summers and mild winters make this region – roughly from Virginia on down – a great place for outdoor living almost year-round. Capitalize on this by creating different settings to show how the home’s space can be used in a variety of ways. Almost every room inside your home can have an outdoor twin. To help buyers envision al fresco family meals, set up a “dining room” on the patio or porch complete with a table, chairs, and even simple place settings with melamine dinnerware and vases of fresh flowers. In another area, arrange a few lounge chairs around a low table or fire pit to bring to mind leisurely conversations over cocktails. Pull up a chaise or two in a sunny spot, and include a side table stocked with a couple of books from the current bestseller list. If your home has a porch, turn it into a cozy nook: There’s nothing more inviting than a porch swing.

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