Design 101 - Designing for Outdoor Privacy with Eric King - Home Infatuation Blog

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Jan042011

Design 101 - Designing for Outdoor Privacy with Eric King

January 4, 2011 |

Eckersley Garden ArchitectureWhen it came time to finding answers to the “How to” questions of creating privacy for your outdoor living space we turned to landscape architect Eric King who has been designing award-winning gardens for homes in Atlanta for decades.

RemodilistaHow do you add privacy to your landscape?
Creating privacy should not be the end goal but rather a step in creating the perfect outdoor living space. To make a space inviting it needs some privacy which can be achieved through plants, decorative walls or other garden structures. The key is artfully using the screening material so as not to draw attention to the very thing you are trying to conceal.

Can you talk about privacy in terms of function, location and style?
I spend time moving through the yard and looking out from the house to see what I need to conceal. Some homeowners tell me they love their neighbors and don't want to screen them out, but I tell them to think of it as controlling the story of their own yard, not screening out friends. It's like staging a play and leaving the auditorium lights up--the set is the same but the illusion is gone.

Candian House and HomeHow do you create privacy in a large backyard? A small backyard?
You often have more room to create privacy in large backyards which opens up more options. In bigger yards you can layer screening plant material with taller in back, shorter in front to create a lush, layered look. But don't overscreen--that is don't use plants that grow much taller than their intended screen. I have seen 60' tall evergreens screening a 6' tall fence resulting in a yard that felt closed-in and dark. Small backyards require more creativity to preserve open space with privacy.

Brie Williams for DecorHow do you add privacy while keeping the space stylish and livable?
When designing screens I draw inspiration from interior walls to create outdoor rooms. I like to design wood panels with windows and art surrounded by simple greens. Depending on the home style I may incorporate reclaimed barn wood and rusted metal roofing. If the budget and zoning allow I like to build stone or brick walls that might incorporate a fire or water feature.

I like using drapes for balcony gardens and decks for screening. It softens the space adding ambience. A well placed fireplace can screen unwanted views, as can deck steps, cascading wall water features, and potting sheds.

I prefer the clean, green, bulletproof plants such as Crytpomeria 'Yoshino', 'Green Giant' Arborvitea, Anise 'ocala', Needlepoint holly and the like for larger spaces. In smaller areas I have used a wood and wire trellis covered with vines such as fig ivy and 'Tangerine' crossvine.

Rees Roberts + PartnersIn your experience, what are some of the most creative and affordable ways to add privacy?
Most people think of fences as boring, but if you think of them as screens with character the possibilities emerge. By taking the standard 6' wood privacy fence and turning the pickets sideways like clapboard siding, then adding Bermuda shutters that pop outward at the bottom you have created a room! Add some colored stain, soften it with plants and suddenly the space comes alive.

Arterra Landscape ArchitectsWhat accessories help add privacy?
Back to the theatre illustration, a well crafted landscape tells a story by removing distractions whether they are nosy neighbors or noisy roads. Those amenities are most important draw you into the story such as soothing water, crackling fire, roasting meats or soft music.

Steven Harris ArchitectsIs it easier to develop privacy features for a small space?
Sometimes it's harder with small spaces because living space is at a premium. My goal is to maximize floor space.