Re-finding home

Re-finding home By Deborah Allard Dion 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 “I refreshed the space and now I am there throughout the day,” Association of Realtors – asked a sample of 1,300 house Frizado said. hunters how sheltering in place had changed their prefer A dark brown bench with a floral pattern was painted teal and ences in what they wanted in their next home. the green and beige rattan chairs were given a coat of crisp

At the top of consumers’ pandemic wishlist was a white. She added a couple of vibrant throw pillows in red and peaceful neighborhood, attractive outdoor space, and proximity navy, and a wooden block that reads “sun seeker” to finish her to grocery stores and shopping. space.

Even those who are not ready to purchase a new home are liv Now, it’s a spot to read and relax alone or grill with the family. ing differently in their spaces and moving things outdoors. She also admitted to the joys of watching a good rainstorm from

Homeowners this summer have given their backyards, decks, her new perch. and gardens an update so they have a comfortable space to “During the pandemic, it’s like we lost a sense of control in our soak up the sun – and more importantly these days, space to own lives,” Frizado said. “Being able to redo this space and have just breathe freely. that control brings a little normal back into our lives. My kids and

Devin Frizado of Fall River savors her morning coffee on her husband enjoy sitting out there too; it’s nice having us all out wraparound porch where she can watch the neighborhood go here together.” ings-on and marvel at her own handiwork in transforming the While some like to garden and dine outdoors, Patti Linhares space into a colorful – and useful – retreat. of Fall River enjoys open-air crafting in her new hideaway on the

She said sprucing up her porch was her “favorite” project back deck. during two months of making improvements inside her cir She wanted to be able to sit outside and work on her projects, ca-1925 home. 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 du ties 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 dec orations, solar lights, and a birdbath.

“What I love most about it is watching the birds soar, the flow ers 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 ofFall 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 be neath 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 refur bished 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 con struction 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.

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