Early Spring Open House? Don't Forget The Outside Decor | Martha Stanton-Smith | April 12, 2006
As the weather improves here in Kingston, the Sunday Open House signs are popping up like daffodils. I've had a chance to stop by quite a few.
At most of them it looks like the weather wasn't quite nice enough yet for the owners to get out on their decks. The furniture is either still piled against the railing covered with dust or stored away. The stain that should have been redone last summer is giving up its hold on the decking. All in all, these outdoor spaces which could be a big selling feature are looking pretty neglected.
Of course, it's still too cool to do the staining job. But, if you are trying to market your house, at least give those decks and patios a good sweeping. Then get a really smashing outdoor area rug and maybe a doormat. Just pass up the ones with the cute slogans. When the viewer looks down, as they will do first thing, their eye will have something nice to land upon.
And maybe we'll get a day warm enough to drag out the lawn furniture and wipe it off. Set it up in a nice conversational arrangement. Or at least get one nice recliner positioned to take in the view. If your cushions look a bit shabby, the stores have new ones in stock already. Or if you like to sew, there are some fabulous new choices in outdoor fabrics nowadays -- way beyond stripes. Why not spend a couple of bucks? You can take them with you when you move and if you are moving long distance (charged by weight) they aren't even that heavy.
Likely it's still going to be a bit windy. So maybe putting up the umbrella is not such a great idea. And it's not hot enough to put out the lemonade pitcher. But you could set out a centerpiece on your table made from early spring bulbs (find ones just in bud) in a heavy big bowl or small planter.
And while you're at the garden centre (yes, they are opening already) you can get a few more of those little spring blooms, daffodils, hyacinth, crocus and plant a variety of them in some big planters at your front door. Remember yellow shows up really well from the street so daffodils would be perfect.
Even if you haven't been able to rake up the lawn yet, maybe you can get a minute to pick up the dead branches. While you're at it, pick the winter accummulation of flyers and garbage out of your bushes. Give the front step a sweep and maybe put out a new doormat at the front as well. The colourful touches will be a pleasant welcome for your open house guests this weekend.
While you're buying plants, don't forget you can bring the outside in with a few of these little bulbs in pots inside. Hyacinths are especially great because they have such a wonderful smell. The bulbs don't bloom forever but your house could be sold by the time they fade.
Enjoy the Spring weather and best of luck on your home sale.