By Casen Bria
Gardens have always been seen as an excellent and valuable addition to a property. However, in recent years, they have become an essential feature for many seeking a home on the housing market. This growing popularity is also leading to new changes in their design and, with many residents wanting to get a greater use out of their garden spaces, privacy has become a design priority.
This is because, while gardens are ideal settings for office outbuildings, dining areas, and even guest houses, they are typically lacking in privacy features. Neighbours and even passersby can potentially have a vantage point allowing them to peer onto a resident’s routine. With this in mind, we’re sharing five effective ways in which a garden can be designed to have greater privacy and, as a result, comfort.
Add Or Improve Fences
One of the most effective and certainly the quickest way to add a greater degree of privacy to a garden is to add fencing or improve the fences already established. Not do laws permit a generous potential height of fencing but designs can be customised to cover certain areas. This means that homeowners can choose to limit specific views or conceal various areas of their garden, those that might require a greater deal of privacy, without compromising the entire outdoor area.
This method, however, while cost- and time effective, can negatively impact a garden’s design by making outdoor spaces feel enclosed.
Natural Barriers
A more environmentally and aesthetically friendly method of privacy in garden spaces is with trees and hedges. These natural barriers not only conceal a garden but also offer protection from various weather and benefit local ecology. Both trees and hedges do require upkeep, however, and might not always grow in ways that homeowners intend.
Outbuildings
A new wave of popular garden design is being defined by the high-quality presence of log cabins and summer houses. These structures are being used to contain dining areas and professional office spaces, allowing residents to enjoy their garden spaces while also being protected from weather conditions and nosy neighbours.
Outbuildings can also be customised easily, meaning that their design can be used to maximise natural light while still embracing privacy.
Awnings & Umbrellas
While not an ideal permanent feature, these low-cost additions to a garden are modular. This means that they can be opened and closed depending on needs, allowing a garden to be entirely open when not in use and then concealed when residents are spending time outdoors. These features can enclose dining areas and sunbathing spots alike, stopping others from peering in while also offering shade and shelter.
Dividers & Screens
Some modern garden designs are making use of dividers, splitting their garden into various, smaller spaces. These dividers, or screens, allow residents to conceal portions of a garden space, which is ideal for activities that require privacy, such as sunbathing and yoga.
These stylish features also benefit certain garden design aesthetics too, especially for those who seek to recreate zen garden spaces or want to host climbing plants, such as roses or honeysuckles.
