gnome be gone sculpture

Gnome Be Gone and Flamingo Be Gone

Love it or hate it, yard art is definitely a case of beauty being in the eye of the beholder. Many homeowner associations have regulations about the use of decorative accessories in the front yard including the type of mailbox that is acceptable. Few regulate the backyard and that gives the homeowner the freedom of expression that may or may not delight their neighbors.

What separates classy from pretentious? What is corny and what is cute? What is classic and what is dated? Sometimes the lines are blurred by the objects and the materials they are made of, where they are placed, how they are used, the type of home, the neighborhood, and the occupants of the home.

Years ago, I would occasionally drive by a house that had a concrete goose on the front stoop. During the rainy season it had a yellow slicker, hat and umbrella. Then I noticed it had a costume for nearly any holiday. (The cupid costume was particularly inventive.)

I never saw the homeowners or knew if they had children or grandchildren or if they just had a sense of humor. I don't know if their neighbors enjoyed the show or if they thought it was an eyesore. (The costumes seemed well made and were always placed just so.) The people moved and the goose went with them. I miss it and the humor and effort that went in to the display.

I mention this because it could have been an eyesore if the costumes had become ragged or tacky looking. If they had added a lot of accessories or "friends" it would have changed the entire display. The homeowner's association, if there was one, apparently allowed it and it was the only decorative element in the front yard. The restraint, timing and subtle humor made it work, in my opinion.

That's the key to using yard art successfully. You may be restricted to having something only in your back yard but even there, use restraint. Just as too much jewelry will ruin an outfit, using too many decorative accessories outdoors will overwhelm the landscape and your home. You want to limit and coordinate your accessories, though everything needn't match. Continuity in a theme or look will result in a more seamless landscape. Placement is important. Does the piece complete the plantings or compete with them? Does it look like an after thought or stick out awkwardly? Does it make sense where it is or in relationship to the architecture of the home? If it doesn't add anything of value to the landscape then it's clutter.

As with most things in decorating, less is more in using yard art. You may be attracted to decorative dragonfly collectibles or maybe elves but you don't want to create the effect of a swarm of insects or Keeblerville in your backyard-or do you?

I guess it all depends on your sense of humor!

When trying to sell a home, there are no hard and fast rules.  When staging a home, many hold to the saying that when in doubt, leave it out.  If the yard art is controversial, cutsey, dated or worn it is not likely to help with the sale of the home.   

 
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48 Comments on The Jury is Out on Yard Art

JUN
26
2008
156,365 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Oh, that Venus Fly Trap one is just too cool!  Too funny with the gnome being carried away!

8:26pm • #1
2 Featured Posts

Lisa I think these are hilarious. Can you imagine the reactions of potential buyers if they would encounter these?  You never know how some people would take it.

8:37pm • #2
144,486 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Pam, I always have buyers stopping and looking at the yard art.  Sometimes they ask me to find out where the seller obtained a certain yard art item.  They weren't even interested in the house - just in the stuff. 

8:54pm • #3

People's opinion of the art will be subjective.  Whether they like it or not, it distracts from what you're selling - a house.

9:07pm • #4
586,946 Points 63 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Pam, I like yard art but it probably has to be changed up so it is not boring over time. Tacky or not tacky? That is the problem with "art." It is so subjective. This was a terrific topic for a post with your specialty. Very thoughtful.

9:19pm • #5
1 Featured Post

99.9% of the time I vote against yard art when selling; it just seems too taste specific.

9:49pm • #6
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Yard art is just like house art.   It may be arty and better left in the closet until they move.

10:45pm • #7
JUN
27
2008
2 Featured Posts

Leolinda, talk about a twist on curb appeal. Does that drive you crazy or are you just resigned to it?

Michael, yes it could distract from the house but on the other hand, if done well it could make the house memorable in a sea of similar homes.

Gary, thanks, I thought it would be interesting to get feedback on this since I run into it a lot.  You are right-it is so subjective.

Tori Lynn, I try to be objective about it but in general unless it is something that anchors a planting or is very neutral in feel I suggest it be removed.

Virginia, as I mentioned above, it is usually the "when in doubt" route for me.  I tell them that another good rule of thumb is, "If it doesn't convey, pack it away."

7:14am • #8

Pam, I like the picture with the yard art "gizmos" attacking the flamingo and gnome.  Too funny! 

I am not usually a fan of yard art (at least not in the front yard) but I used to live in Fort Worth and there was a house in my neighborhood that had a metal sculpture in the yard that was a 7' tall dragon.  Each year the homeowners would decorate it with a big red heart for Valentine's Day and decorate with lights at Christmas.  One year at Mardi Gras, it was wearing a handful of Mardi Gras beads.  I think most of us in the neighborhood enjoyed the humor. 

For staging purposes, I would definitely suggest removing cutesy yard art.  It is too personal and most of the time it is overdone (in my opinion). 

 

 

10:33am • #9
655,895 Points 108 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I guess I haven't dealt with much yard art here in the Austin area, but I would definitely recommend removing it, unless it was something incredibly tasteful.  There is a cool sculpture in a neighbor's yard around the corner that looks really nice, but most yard art is not really art at all...

11:01am • #10

While I don't personally indulge in kitcsh, I find it very entertaining in someone else's yard!!!  But yard art is very, very difficult to do well.  And even if done well,  it may distract a buyer with different tastes.  So I classify it with personal collections and memorabilia:  Something to enjoy while you are living in a home.  But when time to sell, off to storage, and hopefully a new home, you go!!!!

When selling, I think one or two small pieces of yard art is fine but anything more than that, I would encourage the Seller to "declutter" the yard, too.

11:07am • #11
443,568 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hey, Pam. I agree; get rid of the plastic and let the plants and landscape speak for itself. All my best, Jim

12:19pm • #12
586,946 Points 63 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Congratulations Pam. Woo hoo. A featured post!! The Active Rain gods are smiling on you. I thought this topic of yours was highly original and I loved the graphic you found for the heading. The carrying of the gnome across the grass I thought was hilarious. Are those pink flamingos on the stick yard art? There are probably way too many of those, but if they are in Florida I guess they go with the tropical environment.

12:21pm • #13
2 Featured Posts

Nancy, as a former Texan (do you ever stop being a Texan?), I know that "bigger is better" can be a mantra for some but a 7' dragon has to win some sort of prize.  Kind of like the concrete goose but in a larger scale (no pun intended)  Love the Mardi Gras beads.  I appreciate that kind of whimsy.

Jason, I know what you mean.  Like Nancy's example there are some cool things out there that we can appreciate in someone else's yard.  But when a house goes on the market the rules of the game change.

Margaret, you are so right.  It is so easy for homeowners to go one toad over the line in the cute creature category or get too Victorian in their love for garden architecture.  I find the animal and bug sculptures made from garden implements and hardware fascinating for their inventiveness but a little goes a long way.  Since they aren't conveying with the house it is often best to remove "outdoor accessories".

Jim, what, no flamingos?  Then you definitely need the Flamingo Be Gone shown above!  Maybe everyone of us in the business needs these little creatures...

Gary, I didn't know this was featured.  Where did you see that?  Thanks for letting me know.  I have been inspired by your great graphics on your posts.  Don't you just love the humor in these things?  They are so homely but there is something so comical about the way they are posed.  I'd love to have a few to take along with me on my consultations.  It might be a good way to bring up the yard art subject.

1:13pm • #15
345,907 Points Outside Blog

Your photos are wonderful and cute. Here in Arizona there are not many neighborhoods where that sort of yard art would be allowed.

1:15pm • #16
2 Featured Posts

Renee, hmm, not exactly sure what you mean by transferring.  Have a missed some technique?  Do tell..

1:18pm • #17
2 Featured Posts

Bob and Carolin, thank you so much, glad you enjoyed the humor.  Would they not be allowed even in the more private backyard?  Pity.  Even though it's not my thing I would find them amusing in someone else's yard.

1:21pm • #18
1 Featured Post

I don't know why but I keep humming the theme song from Sanford and Son in my head.  Maybe a gazing ball or one decorative piece of artwork would be ok, but any more than that would constitute a junk yard! 

2:23pm • #19
2 Featured Posts

Jon, that is so funny.  I don't know if I know that one but I can see the connection.  Keep in mind that not all yard art is junky, I don't want to imply that.  It is just such a fine line to walk when presenting a home that the less is more, or the one or none philosphy applies.  Thank goodness I don't know the tune or it would be stuck in my mind, too.

2:30pm • #20
Localism Sponsor

These are really cute! How did you do that? Photoshop? Very clever

3:12pm • #21
121,373 Points 1 Featured Post

This has to be the funniest thing that I have ever read! Funny but true.

Summer '07 I took a listing from a couple with a beautiful custom home on 5+ acres here in Vancouver Washington. They were retired and spent a great deal of time in the garden. Their displays were beyond over the top, yet they were so proud of their accomplishments! An antique headboard became a "Flower Bed." Eyes noses, and mouths carved by Mr. Seller were attached to trees to bring them to life. A bird house collection covered most of the 5 acres. Some hand made. Some purchased.

As you can probably guess, my suggestion to possibly cut back on some of the "excitement" was not met with a favorable reaction. They felt that these things would enhance the buyer experience and sell the home faster.

AND HOW!

Can you guess where this is going? After a few months of intense marketing and few showing (we are in the middle of a pretty solid buyers market) we recieved an offer. It was resonable, but expectedly low. What wasn't expected was that they wrote all of the garden art into the contract. Yes, they wanted it to stay with the house!

My sellers were now in a pickle. They were certainly flattered that someone liked what they had done but they had no intention of ever parting with the stuff! Reluctantly, they signed the offer. I thought Mrs. Seller was going to burst into tears as she signed that contract. I have told this story to 5 other sellers in the past year. Each time it has come down to this: If these garden objects are so wonderful, then they surely wouldn't want to risk losing them in negotiations. If they don't mind if they are part of the deal, then maybe they are not of the quality that should be on display during showings. Works like a charm.

4:02pm • #22
2 Featured Posts

Judy, oh I wish I had Photoshop!  These are available from Uncommon Goods.  Click on the link under the picture for more on the creatures.  It's a perfect name for a supplier of things like this because uncommon is something they definitely are.  So far everyone seems to appreciate the humor!  So glad you enjoyed them.

Mark, I love this story.  Will you post it on my contest blog The SHH! Awards ?  It isn't horrific or bizarre but amazing, and I think people would love to read it.  Do you have any pictures of the garden you could post?  I'd love to see them.  I think the flower bed idea is so funny. I can imagine how hard it must have been for them to leave their labor of love behind.  So nice that someone else enjoyed it too.

Just checked on tree faces since I have seen them at Halloween but not all year and there are a lot of them out there.  I try to remain objective about these things but some are a little creepy frankly and some are just plain ugly.  I would definitely suggest removing them.

singing tree face This is one of the better ones.  The eyelids look like helmets or turtle shells.  It's available from Online Discount Mart if you are interested in seeing more...

 

5:28pm • #23
290,564 Points 52 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Some yard art is OK but most of it just looks cheesy and does not add to curb appeal

5:46pm • #24
102,097 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Pam- Cute post! I am guilty myself of a little yard art, but only in the privacy of my backyard. I have a gnome who is painting on an easel (named Bob after Bob Ross) but once the wildflower garden gets going, he is hidden. The other is my metal frog, pictured here:

frog

My daughter stuck a pinecone in his mouth for a cigar. Do I think he's cute? Yes! Do I think he's tacky? Yes! Would I remove both him and Bob if my home was for sale? YES!!!

5:57pm • #25
442,523 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Yards are an extension of self. Enjoy it and what ever you like out there.  I don't think it matters when it comes to selling.  So long as it is not out front.

6:26pm • #26
2 Featured Posts

Jim, sounds like you've seen some beauties.  Care to share some of your favorites?

Elaine, Bob Ross?  Now that takes me back.  My brother was enthalled with his TV show as a kid.  The pinecone cigar is pretty funny. Whimsey has it's place when it makes you happy.  Thanks for the photo!

Russ, guess you haven't had the same experiences as Jim and some others.  Some yard art might be dreadful and would put off nearly any buyer, even knowing that it would be removed.  They just can't get past it, almost literally. Some buyers might turn up their nose at any yard accessory, good or bad.  How motivated are sellers?  Would they be willing to pack these things away?  Why not and why take a chance if the things are truly bad or on the borderline? 

Here's a test: If your clients had the figures shown above in the front or back yard, what would you do?

8:15pm • #27
121,298 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I have seen some crazy stuff in yards. I need to go out with my camera for you all. I think in the category of yard art, less is more!

11:51pm • #28
JUN
28
2008
2 Featured Posts

Christy, oh, I would love to see some of your examples.  I have one of my own that I'm thinking of photographing. Are there rules somewhere that say you can't take a picture of something that's in plain view from the street?  Is that a privacy issue?

2:16pm • #29
2 Featured Posts

OOPs, I should clarify a question I posed.  If your clients had figures like the ones pictured at the top of this post, the Gnome Be Gone and the Flamingo Be Gone, what woud you do?  Would you leave it or would you advise that they be put away?  Would it make a difference if they were in the front or back yards or if they were sort of hidden away in plantings or out in plain sight?  So far most people have thought they were funny but would that matter if you were faced with them in real life?

Hmmmm....?

6:09pm • #30
JUN
30
2008
2 Featured Posts

Now this is different, an animated Gnome.  This one waves and says 11 different things.  According to the description, it says things like, "The key's under the doormat", "Steal me away" and "You can't borrow the mower!"   It says he is cheeky-wonder why?

Talking Gnome

Do you suppose it could be reprogramed to give a description of the house and its features?  It's availble from Amazon.com if you are interested.

6:14pm • #31
JUL
01
2008

Pam,

Luv the photo, I think it describes yard art very well.  I also loved Mark's story.  Thanks for sharing!

9:20pm • #32
4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

The best one that I saw was years ago.

you know how people place large rocks on their lawn. The ones they dig up when they are building the home?

This one as these lines painted on the front of the rock.

If it's wet, it's raining.

If it's white it's snowing.

If it's gone, get moving there's a tornado here!

9:26pm • #33
JUL
02
2008

love the yard art you have pictured. I could get carried away too.

 

actually when I lived in Austin I loved how they would create outdoor scenes - a flock of plastic flamingoes gathered-  or some other humorous play on plastic

 

I think tacky is fabulous if cleverly done.  but art is subjective.

I think a few staged homes could actually use some outdoor art to bring humor or dimension. but thats my tacky opinion!

12:51am • #34
2 Featured Posts

Patty, thanks, I'm beginning to notice it more and more now that I've written this.  Maybe it's because it's summer but there seems to be more out there now in the stores and in homes.  Mark's story was great, wasn't it? 

8:58am • #35
2 Featured Posts

Michelle, I have seen that too-they're called weather rocks.  There is also a weather rope that you can actually buy.  The rope is glued to a sign with similar writing.  The last one says something like "if the rope is moving, you need to get moving too-TORNADO!"  I saw it a couple of times at roadside vegetable stands when I lived in Texas.  People were buying them for the novelty I guess.  There's a certain kind of humor in that at several levels.  I had forgotten about them until you metioned it.  Thanks for bring it up!

9:05am • #36
2 Featured Posts

Jennifer, I know that in some neighborhoods there is something of a competition to create themes with yard art and keeping up with the Joneses is alive and well.  You drive down the street and it is a bit like a miniature Disneyland with woodland creatures, elves, and more.  Sometimes it is cute and sweet and other times it is just sad and tacky.   It's a fine line but you know it when you see it if it is good or bad.  You have a good point.  Sometimes a vanilla backyard could benefit from the right accent.  Emphasis on RIGHT. 

A flock of flamingos is the signal that someone has reached a milestone birthday in our neighborhood.  No one remembers how this got started.  They arrive late at night and all face the front door in a kind of semicircle.  Around Christmas they have Santa Hats.

12:08pm • #37
JUL
17
2008
863,293 Points 68 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I did a post on a little pink house and that yard had everything you could think of in it. Now, it wasn't for sale, but if it was, there would have to be a certain type of buyer for it, that was for sure.

Curb appeal is a big thing and if you are laughing at the gnomes or flamingos as you walk in, it could be distracting you from the actual house and that certainly isn't something you want or maybe it is!

Todd Clark, Helping Families Home - www.IFoundYourNewHome.com

12:11am • #38
JUL
19
2008
2 Featured Posts

Todd, I'll have to go look for your post.  I was just in Texas and saw some amazing examples of good/bad yard art.  I thought about taking photos but your really need to see these in person to appreciate the amazing displays.

Yes, humor is great but you really can't take the chance, especially in this market.  Thanks for commenting!

6:24pm • #39
JUL
20
2008

Hi Pam, I don't mind the yard art as long as it blends in and isn't screaming "Look at me!". Here's one of a ceramic mushroom.

                                    ceramic mushroom w/ hanging basket

8:08am • #40
2 Featured Posts

Cynthia, this is an interesting piece. From the picture you sent it took me a minute to realize that it was a mushroom and then I read your post.  Photos don't always give you the true context of a piece.  The hanging basket is pretty and the bed is nice and neat.  I think for a showing I would remove the mushroom and either add another flowering annual or leave it plain.  Another splash of color would be eye catching from th street.  Just my take.  Thanks for sharing.

1:51pm • #41

Oh so sorry Pam, I didn't explain....the mushroom is mine. I guess it does look kinda funny without the rest of the assorted shaped shrooms.

I don't have a picture but I did a consult on a really unique home that had similar mushrooms and glass orbs in the garden. I wasn't sure about keeping them in the garden, but the ‘yard art' did lend itself to the rest of the home. It really worked because the new owner had wanted them included in the sale. She had said they caught her eye while driving by and made her want to see the rest of the home.

So you are correct in this being another example of beauty being in the eye of the beholder!

3:25pm • #42
JUL
21
2008
2 Featured Posts

Cynthia, oh, well that's different!  I usually group things in threes or odd numbers so maybe your mushroom needs a friend?  LOL! 

8:22am • #43
6 Featured Posts

I am not a huge fan of kitchy yard art, but some wonderful sculptures, ponds, and proper lighting is great for selling houses and just living. Kym

9:19am • #44

Hi again Pam,

Ok now I'm going to keep this PG rated, if I group the rest of my ceramic shrooms w/ the really big one it might cause a small scene if you get my drift  ;) So for now I'm keeping his 'friends' away!

small shroom                           small shroom

I totally agree w/ you about color placement, I use the ol' triangle rule. A lesson I learned a long time ago from working in the florist business.

And Pam, I love how you said 'interesting piece', spoken like a true professional. Thanks for the email!

7:11pm • #45
2 Featured Posts

Cynthia, oh yes,  I TOTALLY understand your placment issues.  LOL Was this sold as a set?  Thanks for having a sense of humor!  Your garden must be beautiful considering your background in the florist business.  It must come in handy when advising on curb appeal!  Thanks for the photos-worth 1,000 words each.

Kym, you're right, outdoor lighting can make a huge diffrence when it is done well- it makes a property more attractive and can be great for security. Ponds that don't require much maintenance can be a plus though one Realtor I know told me that they can be a lot like swimming pools-buyers either love them or hate them.

9:35pm • #46
JUL
24
2008
371,173 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I cringe when I see most yard art.  Some if done tastefully, like huge pottery, and urns look great if they go with the landscape.

11:44pm • #47
JUL
25
2008
2 Featured Posts

Cindy, do you mean that you wouldn't like creative pieces like this "Tweety Bird:ugly tweety bird or it's friend, the Flying Pig?  Flying pig 

Just think of the scrap metal that has been saved from the landfill by recycling!!!!!!   LOL!

Top these!

If you're interested, these are actually for sale on eBay where you can see all sides of these rare sculptures.

3:01pm • #48

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Pam Faulkner-Faulkner House Redesign Stager-Northern VA-Fairfax & Loudoun Co

Herndon, VA

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Faulkner House Interior Redesign

Address: Oak Hill, VA , 20171

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