Where's the Green? Added Value to Real Estate

Outdoor Room designed By Swiss company Pinocchio Design - providing tremendous added value to a property with green space.

Personal Insight

The greatest reward in my outdoor design business was witnessing clients' reactions when they first saw their transformed outdoor space. It wasn't about simple adjectives like "pretty" or "nice" – more often, their response would be "it feels so different." Over the years, I learned that creating this change involves more than just plants. It requires thoughtful integration of hardscape, architecture, accessories, and site orientation – what old-time gardeners refer to as "the bones."

Today, I'm sharing insights on how this "magic" occurs and how it creates that unforgettable added value in real estate. I'll also highlight photos from a company that is bringing its custom design style to the United States, for both interiors and exteriors, and creating unified furniture pieces (reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright and other visionary designers).

The Benefits of Green Spaces

The advantages of incorporating green spaces are numerous and well-documented:

Health and Environmental Benefits

• Air quality improvement – Natural filtration of pollutants

• Physical activity encouragement – Walking and exercise opportunities

• Emotional well-being – Calming effects on mental health

• Acoustic benefits – Natural sound absorption

• Temperature regulation – Heat reduction through natural cooling

• Environmental protection – Erosion control and natural water resource recharging

Green space view of Pinocchio Design blending natural tones.

Types of Green Spaces in Communities

Green spaces extend far beyond individual properties. Here are common community green features:

Public Green Infrastructure

1. Community woodlands

2. Green roofs on commercial buildings

3. Landscaping around buildings

4. Street trees and urban forestry

5. Urban parks and gardens

6. Wetlands and natural preserves

7. Community gardens

8. Hiking, biking, and walking trails

9. "Pocket" parks in urban areas

10. Commercial rooftop spaces

Residential Green Space Features

When designing residential homes with green spaces, even incorporating one of these features can become a strong selling point:

Interior Green Features

• Living walls (inside or outside)

• Moss walls (low-maintenance interior option)

• Atriums (bringing nature indoors)

• Window gardens (maximizing natural light)

• Interior garden views (strategic landscaping for visual appeal)

Exterior Green Features

• Food gardens (functional and beautiful)

• Patioscapes (integrated outdoor living)

• Private gardens (personal retreat spaces)

• Themed outdoor rooms (for sports, entertaining, meditation)

• Rooftop gardens (maximizing space utilization)

• Conservatories and greenhouses (year-round garden enjoyment)

• Porches, and lanais (covered outdoor living)

Market Positioning

The standard chef's kitchen and spa bathroom are now sharing the top desirability list with green spaces in real estate. Despite these spaces often costing significantly less to install than luxury kitchen or bathroom renovations, there's a common roadblock: understanding plant care and maintenance.

Plants grow and change shape like any living thing, so understanding maintenance requirements is key. This is often the primary concern potential homeowners have.

Overcoming "Green Phobia": Professional Tips

Here are some trade secrets to help overcome plant maintenance fears and make any property exceptional:

1. Living Walls

Design Considerations:

• Multiple construction methods are available

• For interior installations, water damage prevention is crucial

• Use a self-contained system with shelves that gravity-drain into lower pans

• Install 4-inch pots with an easy rotation system for plant replacement

Recommended Low-Maintenance Plants:

• Pothos varieties

• Spider plants

• Anthurium

• Other hardy varieties that require only a litle watering every 10 days

2. Moss Walls

• Preserved moss varieties offer beautiful green wall effects

• Zero maintenance required once installed

• Perfect for clients wanting green aesthetics without plant care responsibilities

3. Privacy Gardens

• Exterior placement with interior viewing

• Bathroom applications – maintaining window light while ensuring privacy

• View blocking – screening undesirable exterior views from inside

4. Structural Green Features

Professional Design Required:

• Atriums

• Conservatories

• Rooftop gardens

These features require involvement from design professionals to properly consider home structural requirements.

The Complete Design Approach

Working with green spaces involves more than plants alone. Plants serve as the finishing touch, working in harmony with:

Supporting Elements

• Structural components – Built-in planters, walls, pergolas

• Hardscape features – Pathways, patios, water features

• Human comfort elements – Seating areas, lighting, accessories

Summary

Key Takeaways for Real Estate Professionals

Learn and Educate:

• Familiarize yourself with all available green space options 

• If you have a listing with green features and need help explaining benefits to potential buyers, reach out for professional consultation

Value Proposition:

• Green spaces provide excellent design elements at a fraction of the cost of chef's kitchens or luxury spa bathrooms

• These features are emerging as increasingly desirable in real estate markets

• Proper implementation can transform a property's salability and provide tremendous return on investment (ROI)

Market Opportunity: Green spaces represent an excellent opportunity to add significant value to properties while meeting growing consumer demand for sustainable, health-conscious living environments.

Photo credits: https://pinocchiodesignusa.com/

International Projects include:

The Penthouse in the Burj Khalifa, Dubai

The Ritz Carlton Hotel (Suites) in London

Established in the United States at One World Trade Center, New York