Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: outdoor design

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Harness the Power of Outdoor Seating

    Create an extension of your home in fresh air areas with advice from Dream Team member and outdoor pro, Carson Arthur. While landscaping and hardscaping may offer a balance between man’s world and nature, a great outdoor space will increase the value of your home. Get inspired now!

    Question: What’s the best backyard design to sell your home?

    – Manuel M.

    Buyers today want useable space in their backyards. Patios, decks, and even gazebos all have great returns for one specific reason: they give buyers more square footage that has purpose! (And who doesn’t want more living space?) I always ask homeowners, “What don’t you have in your house? Is your kitchen big enough? Do you have a dining room? What about a fireplace?” If you can offset the shortcomings from the inside of your home with something that you KNOW you are going to use outdoors, then you have an instant selling feature and also a way to meet the needs of any buyer who has specific things they are hunting for. Skip the plants and gardens in the backyard and focus on seating areas with great furniture!

    – Carson Arthur

  • Home Exterior Design Ideas for Transforming an Outdoor Space

    Curb appeal is important for many homeowners who want to feel good about where they live or attract a new buyer. Whether you want to freshen up a home you’ve owned for years or plan on selling, here are some exterior makeovers you can give without spending a fortune. Focus on designs that make a big impact.

    A fresh coat of paint

    Outdated brick and worn concrete rejuvenate with lighter paint selections. For shutters, window casings, eaves and the front door, consider khaki in a shade just a bit darker than the house.

     

     

     

     

     

    A makeover for focal points

    Thoughtful improvements like an updated roof, glass front door or new windows can make a vast difference. Consider also revamping your pathways and planters. Create a focal point with landscaping for one of the easiest and most effective ways to transform a house from blah to beautiful.

     

     

     

    Accentuate the positives

    If you have a charmer hidden under overgrown shrubs, bushes and trees, clear away the clutter to allow the home’s frame to speak volumes. Reveal a stunner simply by getting rid of anything in the way of the authentic style of your home. Doing a bit of research into your home’s beginnings may offer some ideas for enhancing its character.

     

     

     

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Choosing a Table Setting That Lasts Beyond The Holidays

    Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today we are talking to Dream Team member and interior design pro Jennifer Adams about creating a table setting that lasts beyond the holidays!

    Q: I have Noritake Platinum edged white dinnerware. What color placemats or tablecloth would be best to use with this china? I would like to be able to use the same setting for Christmas as well as afterward.

    -Sharon L.

    A: The beauty of classic dinnerware such as yours – and the challenge – is that it will go with really anything you want! For a stunning and timeless look perfect for any time of year, choose a charcoal gray tablecloth, in either a solid or subtle, low-contrast print. Other rich colors such as dark navy, deep burgundy or spicy pumpkin as well as neutral colors will mix things up a little for the seasons.

    For the holidays and dressy settings, think silver and sparkles! Silver mesh or fabrics woven with silver and white threads will play up the platinum edge and create a wintry feel. Accessorize with shiny or aged silver ornaments to finish the look!

    -Jennifer A.

  • Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal with Breathtaking Front Yard Landscaping Ideas

    Ready to give your front yard a makeover, yet don’t know where to start? It’s easy to get a little intimidated when it comes to yard design. Many of us are convinced that landscaping is something only professionals can do because it will be too time consuming to maintain. However, anyone can have a swoon worthy front yard without a ton of effort.

    Whether you’re looking to sell your house or simply want to try something different, there are countless ways to enhance your curb appeal. Read on for some front yard landscaping ideas and planning suggestions.

    Charming pots and beautiful boxes

    Flower pots provide an instant front yard upgrade that can be updated easily and often. Southern Living recommends choosing pots that complement the colors of your home and keeping it simple with regard to the planters.

    Similarly, carefully tended window boxes can elevate your front yard design from basic to beautiful, especially when they include varied sizes and colors.

     

    Stylish stones

    Does the thought of plant-heavy landscaping make you nervous? There are other ways to make your front yard stand out that don’t involve plants or flowers. Pros call the use of pebbles and stones hardscaping, which can vary your yard with texture and color.

    Whether you’re using them as an accent or making them more of a focus, stones add a sophisticated textural element to your yard, with minimal maintenance.

  • Ask A Pro Q&A: Painting A Deck

    Debating whether to paint a deck? It is easy to assume that a few coats of color will transform a space for the better. However, Dream Team member Carson Arthur shows you how to dress up a fresh air space for a look that will last well past summer.

    Question: I have a large deck that is looking a little boring. Should I paint the surface? What can you recommend to help warm up the space and make it more appealing?

    -Ken G.

    Don’t paint the deck! Never paint a deck. The paint will never adhere to the wood for a long period. If you want to add some zing, look for a semi or transparent penetrating wood stain. These can be tinted to any color you choose. Just make sure to properly prepare the wood according to the stain directions first.

    – Carson

  • Ask a Pro: Carson Arthur’s Outdoor Sweeps Edition Part 2

    Check out Part 2 of Carson Arthur’s best outdoor maintenance tips from our recent Facebook Q&A, here on Ask a Pro!

    Ask a Pro: Carson Arthur’s Outdoor Sweeps Edition - bhgrelife.com

     

    Q. Hey Carson. I have a rooftop patio. I want to buy artificial grass. What kind/brand do you suggest? Where should I buy it? How do I maintain it?

    –Lisa R.

    A. The tricky part about artificial grass is how it is used afterwards. A majority of the products on the market are made from recycled materials but cannot be recycled after they become turf. Either look for a biodegradable or recyclable option, or choose an outdoor rug made of natural sisal. Maintenance is easy, wash it with a hose!

    –Carson Arthur

    Q. How do I create height in my gardens without pulling all my plants out? Do I start over again?

    –Kristin D.

    A. No way! Save the plants! Consider adding a lattice panel with a nice vine on it. It’s an easy way to create the exact height even in the middle of a bed.

    –Carson Arthur

    13244156_1027017757352983_9205495374164677140_o

    Q. I have 3 agapanthus, aka lily of the Nile. Can I take the pods after the flowers are gone, dry them out, and plant them to make new ones?

    –Tisa J.

    A. You definitely can… but it’s a SLOW SLOW SLOW process to get them to a stage where they will bloom.

    –Carson A.

    Q. I have violets growing in my grass. What’s the best product to use to kill them once and for all without killing the grass?

    –Max W.

    A. Patience, sadly. I know there are a lot of chemicals, but if you want to go the natural route…it’s all about ripping them out one at a time. Sounds like fun?!?

    –Carson A.

    Q. Is it too late to start a small garden?

    –Robin C.

    A. Not at all! Go for it! Try some lettuce and radishes. They grow they fastest! Also spinach, kale, even some tomatoes and peppers will work for you now!

    –Carson A.

  • Ask A Pro Q&A: Carson Arthur’s Outdoor Sweeps Edition

    Missed our Facebook Q&A on the best outdoor design, advice, and gardening tips with outdoor design expert and Dream Team member Carson Arthur? Never fear! We’ve gathered up the answers from the expert himself in our latest Ask a Pro. 

    Ask a Pro: Carson Arthur’s Outdoor Sweeps Edition - bhgrelife.com

    Q: I am trying to eradicate spearmint from a very small garden, but it is covered. I’ve put most of my plants in pots so the roots don’t get mixed with the mint. I just keep pulling the mint. Is there a better strategy?

    –Tara P.

    A: Oh no. That’s evil stuff! Unfortunately, the mint sends roots under the ground making it tough to pull out. Instead, bury the entire area with 7 layers of newspaper (working around the plants you want to save). Cover the newspaper with mulch and voila! An effective mint barrier that will smother the noxious weed and safely biodegrade into the garden.

    –Carson Arthur

    Q: Hi Carson. I recently planted a jalapeno plant as well as some cilantro in my small garden. Do you have any tips on how to best grow these plants specifically? Thanks!

    —Victoria D.

    A: Hot! As in, they love it hot! The more heat the better. Consider doing a 6″ cardboard ring around the bottom of pepper plant to allow it as much exposure as possible without any competition from other plants.

    –Carson Arthur

    Q: I have a 12-foot square area that we have tilled that is literally sandy soil. Mostly sand and rocks. What will grow here? We can’t plant grass because there is just no way to get rid of the rocks. Help!

    —Pam M.

    A: Tricky problem. I would consider doing a mass planting of some decorative grasses. They will handle the soil and give you amazing fall colour. Look for Northern Rye as a great option.

    –Carson Arthur

     

    Check back for Part 2!

  • Landscaping Secrets From the Pros

    Proper landscaping has the ability to enhance put your property in the neighborhood’s limelight. Despite what many believe, you don’t have to break the bank, have a green thumb, or even have an interest in gardening to make a big impression with your landscape. All you need is a little elbow grease and these six landscaping secrets from the pros:

    Landscaping Secrets From the Pros - bhgrelife.com1. Bring attention to points of interest with a walkway

    You may have a stunning sitting area, garden, or fire pit in your yard, but if the only way to get to it is to trample on the lawn, you’re doing your layout a disservice. Deter the makeshift path of dead grass, and bring attention to all these points of interest on your property with an attractive walkway. Whether it’s made of stepping stones, crushed stone or mulch, this landscaping tip will connect the entire setup of your property fabulously, for greater appeal.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Starting an English Cottage Garden

    Garden season is here and we can’t wait to fill our backyards with flowers, sculptures, and so much more! Hope A. in South Carolina is a garden-lover and wants to style her yard after an English cottage garden. We loved the idea so we sent her question to Dream Team member and outdoor design expert Carson Arthur for his best advice, because the more you know, the more you grow!

    Ask a Pro Q&A: Starting an English Cottage Garden - bhgrelife.com

    Q: I would love to have a cottage garden in front of my home here in South Carolina! Unfortunately, my house is built on a slab and the garden area is mostly in the shade. Right now I’m growing dwarf gardenias, hosta, calla lilies, astilbe, Japanese painted ferns princess lily, and colocasia. The current plants are dispersed throughout the space and look sparse even though the space is small. What can I do to bring my garden together and create an English-inspired look? Thanks!

    -Hope A.

    A: Everyone always assumes that an English cottage garden is all about the cute plants. The truth is, this style of garden started in part because of the terrible rocky soil that they were grown on. It sounds like you have lots of plants, but now it’s time to start adding the rocks! You can create extra depth in the garden using large and small stones. Consider building tiers using the stones as well. Just make sure to go with moss-covered rocks or rocks that are clearly aged. There are two crucial things to remember when adding rocks to the landscaping. First, the bottoms of the rocks should be under the level of the soil so that they look like they have always been there. Next, plant in the pockets of the stones… just like you would see in nature! Happy gardening!

    -Carson A.

  • 10 Tips to Improve Your Landscaping in the Spring

    The curb appeal of your home is incredibly important when trying to sell. A beautiful landscape instantly welcomes potential buyers and emits a comforting appeal that people desire when looking to purchase a home. With spring finally here, you can now get to work in your yard. Here are 10 tips to create beautiful landscaping that will enhance your home’s curb appeal.

    10 Tips to Improve Your Landscaping in the Spring - bhgrelife.com1. Understand the climate of your region and yard

    Your geographic location plays a vital part in the landscaping options for your home, so choose plants accordingly. The climate of your yard is also crucial, as some plants need more sun than shade and vice versa. So monitor the areas on your property, and find the perfect location for each individual plant you choose.