Prying Eyes? Try These Backyard Designs with Privacy in Mind

It's a sunny Saturday--a perfect time to stretch out on a lawn chair in the backyard and get some sun. That is, until you realize the neighbor's teenage son has a clear view of your chair from his bedroom. You need a backyard design with your privacy in mind.

Most master-planned communities offer great looking, affordable homes. But they also might put you a little too close to your neighbors for comfort. If your backyard's a stage, follow these backyard design ideas, and create a sanctuary.

Go Green

There's nothing more relaxing at the end of a hot summer day than enjoying a cool drink in a shady spot. A backyard design that incorporates natural "walls" with trees and shrubs builds in privacy that isn't obtrusive, while providing natural shade, as well as a home and food for native birds. Plant small trees or shrubs close to your designated private area. Consider small, slow-growing evergreens or rose bushes. A nice mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs makes for a great natural barrier, while providing year-round color.

Give Me Structure

Why not build backyard walls? A backyard design that incorporates gazebos, trellises, arbors, pergolas, or other structures creates visual appeal, makes your backyard appear bigger than it is, and offers lots of privacy. A bench in the middle of your garden is okay, but with a few pieces of lattice covered in vines, like clematis or bougainvillea…voila! Instant sanctuary.

Porch It

A screened in porch is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, keep the bugs away, and shield you from prying eyes. Also, grouping a few patio umbrellas together does wonders for blocking second-story views. And a low stone wall provides extra seating while defining your personal space.

If worse comes to worst, remember the old adage: Good fences make good neighbors. Check out the fence codes in your neighborhood, and make a fence part of your backyard design. Reclaim your backyard, and your privacy - you deserve it!

Sources:
"Privacy matters in the Backyard" by Nancy Seppala, Ottawa Sun
"Seven Keys to Privacy" - Better Homes & Gardens