Design
Staging Patios, Balconies and Backyards in Southern California
In Southern California, outdoor space is living space. Stage patios and balconies with a dining set or lounge seating, an outdoor rug, planters and lanterns so buyers can picture evenings outside. It's often one of the first photos in the listing.
Why outdoor staging pays
Mild weather means Orange County buyers use their outdoor space most of the year. A well-staged patio adds a whole room to how buyers think about the home, and it makes for a strong photo.
Patios and backyards
- A dining table with chairs near the kitchen door.
- A conversation area with lounge chairs and a low table, around a fire pit if there is one.
- An outdoor rug to define each zone.
- Planters with olive trees, grasses or citrus.
- Lanterns or string lights for twilight photos.
Balconies and condo patios
Even a small balcony can hold a bistro set and a plant. For condos in Huntington Beach, Laguna Niguel and Laguna Woods, this is often the space that sets one unit apart from another.
View decks
In view homes, keep outdoor furniture low and facing the view, and leave the railing line clear.
Before we stage
Pressure-wash hardscape, trim plants, refresh mulch and fix any broken lights. Then we bring the furniture.
Questions
Is it worth staging a patio?
Yes. In Southern California outdoor areas are used year-round, and a staged patio often becomes a top listing photo.
Can you stage a small balcony?
Yes. A bistro set and a plant are often enough to show the space can be used.
