5 Tips to Spruce Up Your Small Outdoor Space
Even the smallest of outdoor spaces can be transformed into welcoming, functional outdoor retreats with these easy spruce ups.
1. Clean and Declutter
Start by giving everything some TLC. Sweep away debris. Wipe down all surfaces and furniture. If you have a wood deck, check if it’s due for resealing. For patios, a power wash can remove built-up dirt and make it look like new. And be sure to remove any clutter like broken furniture or that pot of wilted annuals from last year.
2. Make It Multi-Functional
Whether you’re kicking back with a book or hosting some friends, plot out what you’ll need for your cozy space to serve multiple purposes. Maybe it’s an ottoman or bench that doubles as a side table and storage. Choose space-saving furniture, like a foldable table and chair set, that can be tucked away and then pulled out for entertaining. A small rolling cart can be easily moved around the space and also serve as a bar cart for serving drinks.
3. Add Ambiance With Lighting
As a low-cost investment, the right lighting can transform your space. Make your outdoor area extra inviting with solar-powered LED fixtures or some easy-to-hang string lights. Try battery-operated lanterns or candles for a flickering effect. Layers of soft lighting will extend your outdoor enjoyment into the wee hours.
4. Create a Private, Green Oasis
Go vertical and add layers of greenery to make your space feel more intimate! Some easy fixes include self-standing bamboo screens, hanging planters, a ladder-style plant holder, rail-mounted flower boxes or a vine-covered trellis. For a fragrant touch, incorporate herbal plants like basil, rosemary and lavender.
5. Get Personal
Finally, make it your own! Mix in cozy textiles, weather-resistant pillows and other luxurious touches. Opt for washable fabrics that you can easily clean. Consider adding a rug for texture and comfort. Other ways to personalize: Include a piece of artwork, a decorative sculpture or even a small wall-mounted water feature for a soothing vibe.
With a little creativity, you can turn your small outdoor space into the perfect spot to soak up the sunshine, relax with a refreshing drink or entertain friends. Start prepping now – so your retreat is ready to go!
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Investing with Intention: Women Prioritizing Price Over Location and Design
As we approach International Women’s Day, it’s a great time to reflect on the impact women are making across industries, and the housing market is no exception. A joint survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate and the Women’s Choice Award found that when selecting a home to purchase, women are prioritizing price over other factors like location, design and size.
A Financially Driven Approach
By focusing on affordability and future financial gains, women are increasingly viewing homeownership as a strategic way to build wealth, rather than just a place to live. This shift reflects a growing emphasis on financial independence and making smart, long-term investments.
While price remains the top priority among all surveyed women across age groups, location consistently ranks second, with other priorities depending on life stage. For example:
- 27% of women aged 18-29 and 33% of women aged 60 and older rank style and design as the top priority in their home purchase.
- 37% of women aged 30-44 focus on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms in a home.
- 14% of women aged 45-60 prioritize proximity to family when selecting a home.
This strategic mindset also extends to the luxury market. According to the latest Trend Report by Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, “she-elites” are becoming an increasingly powerful force in both purchasing and selling luxury properties. In fact, 95% of affluent buyers report that women either share decision-making power or take the lead in these transactions, highlighting their growing role as financial decision-makers and strategic investors in today’s housing market.
From Fixer-Upper to Dream Home
In addition to prioritizing price, many women are also open to homes that require minor renovations, showing a preference for smart spending over turnkey homes.
This trend holds true across all surveyed respondents across all age groups, with a combined 61% of women saying they’d be willing to take on minor renovations. Common updates include:
- Applying a fresh coat of paint: Updating walls, cabinetry or trim with paint to enhance curb appeal and add a personalized touch, making it a simple yet impactful home refresh.
- Adding new fixtures: Changing light fixtures, faucets and hardware to elevate the overall aesthetic of the home.
- Upgrading flooring or wall tiles: Replacing old flooring or tiles with a more modern option to transform any space, improving both its appearance and functionality.
These changes can significantly enhance a home’s look and feel without breaking the bank. A fresh paint job typically costs between $350 to $850 per room, or $1,200 to $3,900 for an entire interior. The price of installing new fixtures can vary depending on the type of fixture, ceiling height and the complexity of the installation. For example, installing basic light fixtures can range from $100 to $700 while chandeliers or pendant lights can range from $220 to $1,750. While these updates come at a cost, they bring a personal and unique touch to any home.
Empowering Women’s Purchasing Decisions
It’s clear that women are making thoughtful, intentional decisions when it comes to investing in their future home. With price topping their list of priorities, women are increasingly viewing homeownership as an avenue to build wealth and an opportunity to make their house a home though personal touches and minor renovations.
You can explore the full survey results highlighting trends among women in the housing market here.
Subscribe to Blue Matter and get the latest updates
Leave a Reply
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Investing with Intention: Women Prioritizing Price Over Location and Design
As we approach International Women’s Day, it’s a great time to reflect on the impact women are making across industries, and the housing market is no exception. A joint survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate and the Women’s Choice Award found that when selecting a home to purchase, women are prioritizing price over other factors like location, design and size.
A Financially Driven Approach
By focusing on affordability and future financial gains, women are increasingly viewing homeownership as a strategic way to build wealth, rather than just a place to live. This shift reflects a growing emphasis on financial independence and making smart, long-term investments.
While price remains the top priority among all surveyed women across age groups, location consistently ranks second, with other priorities depending on life stage. For example:
- 27% of women aged 18-29 and 33% of women aged 60 and older rank style and design as the top priority in their home purchase.
- 37% of women aged 30-44 focus on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms in a home.
- 14% of women aged 45-60 prioritize proximity to family when selecting a home.
This strategic mindset also extends to the luxury market. According to the latest Trend Report by Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, “she-elites” are becoming an increasingly powerful force in both purchasing and selling luxury properties. In fact, 95% of affluent buyers report that women either share decision-making power or take the lead in these transactions, highlighting their growing role as financial decision-makers and strategic investors in today’s housing market.
From Fixer-Upper to Dream Home
In addition to prioritizing price, many women are also open to homes that require minor renovations, showing a preference for smart spending over turnkey homes.
This trend holds true across all surveyed respondents across all age groups, with a combined 61% of women saying they’d be willing to take on minor renovations. Common updates include:
- Applying a fresh coat of paint: Updating walls, cabinetry or trim with paint to enhance curb appeal and add a personalized touch, making it a simple yet impactful home refresh.
- Adding new fixtures: Changing light fixtures, faucets and hardware to elevate the overall aesthetic of the home.
- Upgrading flooring or wall tiles: Replacing old flooring or tiles with a more modern option to transform any space, improving both its appearance and functionality.
These changes can significantly enhance a home’s look and feel without breaking the bank. A fresh paint job typically costs between $350 to $850 per room, or $1,200 to $3,900 for an entire interior. The price of installing new fixtures can vary depending on the type of fixture, ceiling height and the complexity of the installation. For example, installing basic light fixtures can range from $100 to $700 while chandeliers or pendant lights can range from $220 to $1,750. While these updates come at a cost, they bring a personal and unique touch to any home.
Empowering Women’s Purchasing Decisions
It’s clear that women are making thoughtful, intentional decisions when it comes to investing in their future home. With price topping their list of priorities, women are increasingly viewing homeownership as an avenue to build wealth and an opportunity to make their house a home though personal touches and minor renovations.
You can explore the full survey results highlighting trends among women in the housing market here.
Subscribe to Blue Matter and get the latest updates
Leave a Reply
Related Posts
Machine Learning Made Me Money
Coldwell Banker Around the World: January 2021
Simple Steps for a Greener Home Lifestyle
<!– Performance optimized by W3 Total Cache. Learn more: https://www.boldgrid.com/w3-total-cache/ Page Caching using APC (SSL caching disabled) Served from: blog.coldwellbanker.com @ 2025-03-11 13:41:19 by W3 Total Cache
