Tag Archives: backyard privacy

Private Deck and Patio Ideas

Have you started thinking about your outdoor living plans for the spring yet? By planning now, you can ensure that the features you want can and will be ready to enjoy by the time the warm weather finally sets in for good. Private decks and patios have always been a hot topic on this blog… but what are some more creative ways to block off your outdoor space from the general public and nosy neighbors?

  • Add a pergola – It helps to create a cozy outdoor space with shade and tons of visual interest.
  • Use your home – If there’s a section of your home that protrudes, that might be the perfect opportunity to hide your deck or patio from plain view.
  • Columns – You can have the best of both worlds with the right columns in place. They close off your outdoor space, but you still get to enjoy the elements.
  • Take advantage of height – If space permits, an upper level deck is a creative way to get the outdoor space you want without having it open to everyone at the ground level.

Check out some examples from our very own portfolio of projects around the Kansas City area:

To learn more about our outdoor design services around Kansas City, Overland Park and beyond, call us at 913-897-2706.

Protect the Walkway with a Pergola, Shade Arbor or Overhead

On this blog, we have always discussed ways in which your outdoor space can add value, beauty and functionality to your home. If you’re in need of a new idea before spring arrives, then we’ve got another one for you!

Have you considered protecting your walkway(s) with outdoor structures such as pergolas, shade arbors or overheads?

When protecting your walkway, it literally creates a tunnel that leads up to the entrance of your home. It draws visitors in, forcing them not only to admire the unique outdoor structure, but to anticipate what’s to come once they get inside. As an added benefit, these structures also help to provide an added layer of privacy around your home.

Are you confused about what a protected, tunnel-like walkway looks like? Here are some examples from Houzz.com:

To see examples of our completed pergolas, overheads and other outdoor structures, visit the Outdoor Environments Facebook photo gallery.

Experts Dish on Increasing Backyard Privacy

One of the disadvantages to living in some of today’s modern subdivisions is the loss of privacy. Even if you have a beautiful and fully functional outdoor living space, you won’t enjoy its full potential if the space is open to wandering eyes and nosy neighbors. Backyard privacy is a must. A recent Philadelphia Times article explains it best by saying,

It’s a particular problem for homeowners in close-in suburbs, where backyards abut and you may as well invite the neighbors to everything you do outside since they’re pretty much right there with you anyway. But even spacious yards can feel exposed, with neighboring lots impinging on personal space.

In the article, a handful of landscape designers provided tips and tricks to creating more privacy in the backyard. Here’s what they had to say!

Privatizing your backyard is key to enjoying your outdoor living space.

Santa Barbara-based landscape designer Margie Grace:

“Think ‘screening’ before throwing up a barrier. One of my favorite choices is a screen made of steel-wire reinforcing mesh mounted on wood posts. Let the wire rust for a great look, and add lacy vines. You’ve got a show-stopping art piece, plus the privacy you need. Add architectural details such as screen panels or an iron grill; artistic details like tile mosaic, shutters, shadow box or a mural; or a beautiful gate even if it doesn’t go anywhere. These help make the wall welcoming.”

If a neighbor’s house looms over you, Grace suggests creating an outdoor “ceiling” with canopy trees and overhead structures such as pergolas, shade sails and arbors.

England-based landscape designer Julia Fogg says,

“I prefer the softer look that the Japanese do so well — interwoven bamboo and willow with tightly bound knotted twigs. You can solve concerns about fence-height restrictions or neighbor sightlines with double screens, ornamental grasses and slim, tall trees. Place the deck or patio so you have your back to the problem. Foliage also saps up and absorbs noise.”

Click here to learn more tips mentioned in the article. If you need privacy features in your Kansas backyard, contact Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

Image from Houzz