Every Realtor knows that kitchens sell houses, but since COVID-19 burst upon the scene, homebuyers are favoring outdoor spaces like yards, patios, and decks even more than granite countertops and luxury appliances.
In April, Realtor.com – a consumer web site of the National Association of Realtors – asked a sample of 1,300 house hunters how sheltering in place had changed their preferences in what they wanted in their next home.
At the top of consumers’ pandemic wishlist was a peaceful neighborhood, attractive outdoor space, and proximity to grocery stores and shopping.
Even those who are not ready to purchase a new home are living differently in their spaces and moving things outdoors.
Homeowners this summer have given their backyards, decks, and gardens an update so they have a comfortable space to soak up the sun – and more importantly these days, space to just breathe freely.
Devin Frizado of Fall River savors her morning coffee on her wraparound porch where she can watch the neighborhood goings-on and marvel at her own handiwork in transforming the space into a colorful – and useful – retreat.
She said sprucing up her porch was her “favorite” project during two months of making improvements inside her circa-1925 home.
“I refreshed the space and now I am there throughout the day,” Frizado said.
A dark brown bench with a floral pattern was painted teal and the green and beige rattan chairs were given a coat of crisp white. She added a couple of vibrant throw pillows in red and navy, and a wooden block that reads “sun seeker” to finish her space.
Now, it’s a spot to read and relax alone or grill with the family. She also admitted to the joys of watching a good rainstorm from her new perch.
“During the pandemic, it’s like we lost a sense of control in our own lives,” Frizado said. “Being able to redo this space and have that control brings a little normal back into our lives. My kids and husband enjoy sitting out there too; it’s nice having us all out here together.”
While some like to garden and dine outdoors, Patti Linhares of Fall River enjoys open-air crafting in her new hideaway on the back deck.
She wanted to be able to sit outside and work on her projects, but the area was exposed to nearby neighbors. It was time for a “honey-do” project for her husband Ron.
Fencing, lattice, a covered swing, and an umbrella gave her a new private retreat that lets her focus on her crafts.
“It’s quiet and it gives me that feeling of my own little escape space,” Linhares said. “Everyone should have a sanctuary of some kind.”
Elsewhere in the city, Karen Galib, owner of KG Krafts, needed a spot to unwind after switching her usual crafting and retail duties to sewing up hundreds of face masks for healthcare workers and the public when the pandemic hit.
Galib turned to her garden and found solace in the seeds and soil just outside her door.
Galib built raised beds in her backyard and filled them with flowers, vegetables, herbs, and greenery. She added some decorations, solar lights, and a birdbath.
“What I love most about it is watching the birds soar, the flowers and veggies grow, and the squirrels play during the pandemic,” Galib said.
While digging holes, she said it was a way to “de-stress” from the day and she enjoyed watching her garden “come together.”
There are fruits of her labor, as well. Her most recent harvest: parsley, lettuce, mint, scallions, and chives.
Growth Prospect
Gardening as a pastime can mean even more during the new pandemic normal. So, why not give the garden a bit of elegance?
Anne Bernier of Fall River used vintage finds for a fancy makeover.
She repurposed an antique wrought iron chandelier and gold lights laying around from the 1980s. A little black spray paint and her at-home finds were hung from the trees in her backyard and enhanced with modern solar lights.
“I especially love how my yard looks at dusk,” Bernier said.
Plants were added to the garden and a birdbath was placed beneath the chandelier.
“It’s comforting to be able to work in my garden and not let the worries of COVID-19 be constantly on my mind,” Bernier said.
It’s no wonder that people are finding solace in their refurbished fresh-air spaces.
The same survey on Realtor.com found that the number-one difficulty encountered by consumers was “feeling trapped and unable to leave” their home. Other challenges included being separated from family and friends, finding it difficult to relax and de-stress, plus facing a lack of fresh air, being out of work, and the constant reminder of existing home-improvement projects.
Nancy Thomas of Swansea, owner of Fluid Professional Bartending, was anxious to get outdoors, so she created a space to relax and also to honor her dad.
“He loved his garden and it was neglected after we lost him two years ago,” Thomas said. “Now, we hope he’s looking down and smiling every day seeing that we have found a little sanctuary in his beloved backyard to get us through these tough times.”
Nestled by the river, Thomas’ sanctuary involved some construction including a new patio floor plus outdoor furniture for dining and relaxing. Now, the seaside spot is a welcome place to plan for a brighter future while remembering her dad and days gone by.
“We know he’d love it,” Thomas said.
