BEFORE: Reverse view, main patio on the right.
Design ideas for a small traditional partial sun backyard landscaping in Santa Barbara.

Spring is the perfect time to give your home a little extra attention before hitting the market. In a growing area like Magnolia, buyers are looking for homes that feel updated, functional, and ready to enjoy right away. You don’t have to do everything—but focusing on the upgrades that matter most can help your home stand out and potentially sell faster (and for more). If you’re not sure where to start, a local expert like Carswell Real Estate can help you prioritize the improvements that will give you the best return in today’s market.

AFTER: An entry trellis (no vine) and reconfigured path lead to a new flagstone portable fire pit space, awaiting new furnishing. Black Mexican pebbles add highlights and allow rain water to soak into the soil.

David Papazian
Example of a mid-century modern one-story exterior home design in Portland

Bathroom - craftsman bathroom idea in Salt Lake City

Richard Leo Johnson Wall Color: Super White - Regal Aqua Satin, Latex Flat (Benjamin Moore) Trim Color: Super White - Oil, Semi Gloss (Benjamin Moore) Floor Color: Super White - Oil, Semi Gloss (Benjamin Moore) Wallpaper: Orissa Silk TT62702 - Seabrook Window Treatment: Custom White Linen Roman Shade (Maureen Eason Designs) Chandelier: Hidden Galleries Curtain System: Covoc Curtain Fabric: Mazane Saraille - Designer's Guild

The new steps are placed further from the tree to prevent root encroachment and serves to draw the eye to the front door. The Sydney Peak stone wall ties into the steps and reappears as the risers.

Lianna Taratin
Inspiration for a large modern master light wood floor bedroom remodel in New York with blue walls

Rectified, unglazed porcelain tiles in a range of neutral stone-inspired tones—offering subtle movement and a natural aesthetic for floors and walls. Ideal for contemporary residential or commercial interiors seeking a refined stone effect.

Regan Baker Design Photo: Janet Paik © 2014 Houzz
Inspiration for a contemporary kids' room remodel in San Francisco

BEFORE: An out-of-the-way space connects the main dining/entertaining patio to the hot tub just around the bend. Another lost cause lawn, but the flagstones were definite keepers. The bright foliage of variegated mock orange was a benefit, helping to brighten this shady space.

A dry-stack Sydney Peak stone wall built up the soil to provide extra root depth without compromising the crown elevation of the tree. Plant were selected for their ability to find pockets of soil between roots. The existing flagstone slabs were leveled to create safe, comfortable steps. Two shade tolerant, low water ground covers add a simple, grey street-side texture.

AFTER: Views to the older part of the garden are benefit from the framing of the trellis.
Inspiration for a small traditional drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard garden path in Santa Barbara.

Inspiration for a large rustic medium tone wood floor and brown floor sunroom remodel with no fireplace and a standard ceiling

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary light wood floor and beige floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in Dallas with white walls and no fireplace

Beach style bathroom photo in Boston

This Palm Springs backyard pool overlooks the San Jacinto Mountains to the west. Photography by Greg Hoppe.
Example of a mid-sized 1950s backyard custom-shaped and concrete pool design in Los Angeles

Photo: Corynne Pless © 2013 Houzz
Example of a cottage chic patio design in New York with a fire pit