Backyard Privacy

Hurd & Honey

We're finally having a fence installed around our backyard this week, and I am beyond excited to be able to visualize our space for landscaping. I know Ester is excited too, well, she will be when we can let her roam as much as she pleases. We have a long way to go before our backyard will feel like a private retreat, but over time the trees will grow and so will the neighbor's trees; one day it will become our little outdoor sanctuary.

Nothing is worse than feeling like all of the neighbors are watching while you're trying to relax outdoors. There are a few simple ways to make your backyard feel private thus adding to the privacy of your home. 

HGTV

Create A Cozy Hideaway

Many people choose to install a small summer house or a shed to improve their backyard. A shed can easily be transformed into a cozy garden hideaway. During rainy seasons you can still escape outside without getting soaked. A summer house is perfect for evening meals, private conversations with an old friend, or a simple place for your children to play outside of the home with shelter.

Last weekend we were up in Estes Park and saw the most elaborate child-sized dollhouse. Ester was eager to go inside, but it was only for display. A summer house can also be transformed into a space for your young children to create their endless imaginary world. 

Apartment Therapy

Add a Deck or Patio

Decks and patios have multiple benefits, and one is the added layer of privacy between your neighbors and your home. The installation of lifestyle patios or decks can add an elegant element to your garden, and will shield your home from direct view. If you choose to add a shelter, like a pergola over your patio, you can grow climbing plants in pots that will add more privacy and shade to this gathering space. Hanging lights above your patio will create a beautiful ambiance, and the light will draw eyes to the patio as opposed to the inside of your home. 

Yard Surfer

Install a Fence

Adding a fence creates a layer of privacy and also frames in your landscape. It's important to have a fence when you have young children, and will provide peace of mind while they play. Growing an evergreen hedge adds a natural depth to your garden, an creates a child-friendly environment. An evergreen fence along a wooden or vinyl fence is also wonderful, and over time the growth of the trees and shrubs will help create added privacy and help with noise, like a nearby highway. 

Buzzfeed

Install a Fountain

Noise is an issue in our backyard, and a fountain is a popular feature for drowning out noise. Fountains also add an element of refreshing movement, they encourage relaxation. Young children would love a fountain that is safe to play in (like the one pictured above). Fountains, wind chimes, bird feeders, ponds, and twinkle lights are my favorite garden elements.

Adding privacy to your outdoor space does take time, maybe five to ten years. If you're just getting started like we are (and thankfully we like all of our neighbors), try to visualize your goals for the long term, and start where you can. 

Hurd & Honey

*This is a collaborative post.