6 minute read
SMALL YARD? BIG STATEMENT
Small Yard? Big Statement: How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces
When house-hunters compile their lists of musthave home items, a dreamy backyard space is often near the top. After all, who doesn’t want an outdoor oasis of their very own? From summer barbecues to open space for your dog to frolic— everyone has their own aspirations when it comes to creating the perfect backyard paradise. But as homebuyers seek properties deeper within city limits, and Millennials opt for properties with urban amenities and access, home-connected outdoor spaces are becoming a bit smaller in stature. Of course, size isn’t everything when it comes to outdoor space. Even balconies, rear patios, and ultra-tiny yards can provide homebuyers with the outdoor reprieve they crave—even on a smaller scale. For a few ideas that can help you envision all the possibilities of a micro outdoor space, read on for inspiration.
Think vertically.
When space is at a premium, think up instead of out. In other words, make the most of small spaces by capitalizing on your backyard, balcony, or patio’s overhead height. Mood-setting string lights, hanging pocket or wall gardens, floating shelves, and modern overhead hangings can create a sense of privacy and luxury without cluttering the square footage on the ground. retailers make a variety of punchy or luxe outdoor rugs that can disguise stained or lackluster outdoor flooring. Power-washing is another great solution for old grime and dirt that’s an eyesore. Don’t have a great view? Planting ivy on bare walls, installing adjustable mood lighting, or hanging planters can create a more inviting ambiance.
Upgrade the look of structural components.
Not in love with your patio pavers? Don’t have the sweetest view off your balcony? Whatever your small backyard living space gripe may be, there’s always a solution if you go back to the basics. Consider the structural components of your outdoor space that you aren’t in love with and there’s likely an affordable, eye-pleasing solution. For instance, plenty of home goods
Soothing sounds set the mood.
While there may not be room for a swimming pool or pond in a micro yard or balcony, you can still bring the calming presence of water to your outdoor oasis. Fountains run the gamut in sizing and price, making this amenity an easy acquisition. What’s more, a running fountain not only adds a soothing sound to your space, but it also helps drown out noise from the street or the neighbors—making your space entirely your own and stress-free.
Don’t compromise on your culinary dreams.
If you love to entertain in outdoor spaces or relish the chance to man the grill—small outdoor spaces don’t have to trip you up. Grill options (both propane and charcoal) come in a range of sizes, many of which can be outfitted securely to balcony posts or be tucked away and out of sight when out of use. Consider nesting tables or those with a removable leaf to adjust your seating and dining options depending on company. Another trick? A small, oscillating fan can keep air flow moving in a small space during grill season—and can be easily affixed to walls or posts, as well.
Don’t let yourself or clients be discouraged by spaces with more limited square footage in outdoor areas. Furniture and design trends have already begun shifting toward providing better small-space options, and at the end of the day, a backyard space is all about providing an area for relaxation. With a few well-placed, strategic choices, you can still have it all.
Top Agent Magazine 9 CINDY AMBUEHL
Cindy Ambuehl doesn’t worry about the commission, she worries about the client. “When agents start worrying about money, they’re losing sight of the process,” she
says. “My process is all about getting them to escrow and into the home of their dreams. I have a ton of energy and I put it all towards my clients and my family.”
That energy has rocketed Cindy from a successful career as an actress and a model to an even more successful career as one of Los Angeles’ most sought-after real estate agents, serving LA’s most luxurious communities including Brentwood, Pacific Palisades and Malibu. In 2019 she did $180 million in volume, and after just twelve years in the real estate business she’s approaching the one billion mark.
The journey to that billion began with comedy, and Cindy worked on classics like Seinfeld and Frasier. While many of her colleagues spent their bonuses on cars and jet skis, Cindy would take her money and invest it in real estate. Eventually this hobby blossomed into a full career. “I was on a series called JAG,” Cindy recalls. “And I had my twins, and I really did not want to go back to the all-nighters, and real estate had always been my real passion.”
This year, after many years of solo success, Cindy has assembled a support team, including her son as a senior buyer’s agent with a focus on digital marketing. In fact while digital marketing is vital to Cindy’s
business, the personal touch is equally important. “I still believe in handwritten letters to clients,” Cindy says. “I still believe in picking up the phone and calling them.”
That personal touch is a big part of why 98% of Cindy’s clients repeat with her. “My integrity and my character are everything to me,” she says. “My clients get to
Cindy is there for her clients and she’s there for her community. With her background in the arts, arts education is a cause near to her heart. “I’m very involved with PS
Arts, which is a phenomenal foundation that puts arts education back in schools,” she says. “We do events with them and have raised enough money to put art education back into schools for an entire year for 30,000 students.”
In her free time Cindy loves to spend time with her husband and their six sons, especially playing golf or traveling together. That said, working hard remains her absolute passion. “I work seven days a week,” she says. “I always
tell people, if you want something done, give it to a busy person!”
Cindy’s looking to a very bright future where she stays the course. “If it’s not broken, don’t
fix it,” she says. “We might add one or two people to our team at The Cindy Ambuehl Group, but we’re going to keep running the business the same way: we do a lot, and we do it with smiles on our faces.”
To find out more about Cindy Ambuehl,
visit her website at
www.cindyambuehlgroup.com,
call 310.321.9148 or email her at Cindy@cindyambuehlgroup.com
