Its virtually impossible to relax, knowing that a pair of eyeballs is on you.
Read on to find cheap ways to block neighbors' views and add design-forward outdoor elements without sacrificingalfresco style.
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Choose a fence that complements the style of the home and surrounding landscape, says Kiriakopoulos.
Before you install, however, check municipal laws to ensure the fence stays within any height requirements.
Also, keep in mind that a highfencein a dense residential setting can also hinder airflow.
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When in doubt, go for a fence with gapped slats at the top.
For a four-season climate, Hicks yew will give you dense, verdant year-round coverage.
Those in the eastern U.S. might consider thearrowwood viburnum(Viburnum dentatum), a deciduous shrub.
Design by Howdy Vintage / Photo byClay Imports
Kiriakopoulos recommends styling these on a pergola or canopy.
Alternatively, create a more laidback setup by placing gauzy drapes to keep out mosquitos and nosy neighbors.
It’s a more affordable option than putting up an entire fence.
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It also allows climbing plants likeclematis,star jasmine, andtrumpet vineto flourish.
Your separation will look like natures wallpaper.
Even if you have a fence, a tree adds overhead privacy and character.
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Build a Pergola
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Consider adding a pergola to your backyard.
It creates a room-within-a-room setup, and youll gain shade.
Hang bulb lights beneath for added charm during nighttime gatherings.
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Bring on the Bamboo
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Bamboo fencingis a natural way to make aprivacy screen.
This tree-like grass comes in two categoriesrunning and clumpingso you should go for the right option for you.
Use bottom-heavy planters made of concrete, metal, and hardwood to keep the bamboo in place.
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Curate a Container Garden
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Acontainer gardencan be more than colorful decor.
The large snowball clusters of hydrangea shrubs also make for a decadent background to any nook.
Tip
Choose plants with vertical height for your container garden to create a living wall.
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When deciding on what to put inside, remember this rule: thriller, filler,spiller.
Start with a thriller, the showpiece, such as abutterfly bush.
Fillers are textured, billowy plants likebegoniasorcaladium.
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Finally, find some spilling plants to anchor the container garden, likepetunias, that trail down.
To orchestrate variety, play with different textures and silhouettes.
Pampas grassgrows in clumps and has the tell-tale golden plumes.
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you’re able to find trendy slatted acacia wood partitions as well as weather-resistant screen dividers with planters.
Look to cabanas or day beds with a canopy.
Or invest in a large cantilevered sun umbrella that can cover an entire patio set.
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Think of this approach as one-and-done.
“Thebougainvillea vinegives the space a tropical vacation feel.”
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Trevor Tondro
