How To Design Landscapes For Privacy

Are you looking for ways to make your outdoor space feel more private, without building walls or closing yourself in?

At LandArt, we believe that to design for privacy you need intention and a vision. Whether you live in the city or the countryside, a well-designed backyard can feel peaceful, protected, and perfectly yours.

Below are some of the ways we integrate privacy throughout our clients' landscape designs. With 15 years of experience crafting high-end outdoor living spaces across Southern Ontario, we know how to turn even the most open yard into a private retreat. Let us show you how we can transform your property today.

1. How do you design privacy into a backyard from the start?

We start with a plan that puts privacy first, listening to our clients wants and needs, and completing highly detailed 3D scans and measurements of the property. The most successful outdoor retreats are shaped around how you want to live. From gathering with family on summer nights, relaxing by the pool alone on a weekend afternoon, or eating dinner together as a family under your pergola, you can feel confident that LandArt will incorporate how you want to live in your space to each design. We may suggest positioning your lounge area away from neighbouring windows, use new or existing trees and structures to frame your view, or create convertible spaces with automated screens and fireplaces for year round use.

At LandArt, privacy is always part of the first design. This intentional approach is what allows us to create spaces that feel serene and grounded, even if you're right in the middle of town.

2. What are privacy screens?

From corten steel panels, timber slat partitions, or screens and fabrics, these features create natural enclosures that add beauty and calm. Privacy screens do more than block views, they can meaningfully transform your space.

Privacy screens and walls can also buffer sound, add definition, or give your backyard a sculptural element that improves the overall design. Our clients often request custom privacy screens because they solve problems, without compromising aesthetics.

3. Are pergolas good for privacy?

Absolutely. A pergola creates structure, partial shelter, and a visual boundary. It turns a section of your yard into a room, with just the right balance of openness and enclosure.

Whether attached to the home or freestanding in the garden, pergolas are one of the most popular features we install for clients who want their backyard to feel both elegant and livable.

For those looking to increase privacy or weather protection, pergolas offer even more flexibility:

• Curtains can be added to soften the space and shield views.
• Louvred roofs, manual or motorized, offer control over light, airflow, and precipitation.
• Integrated retractable screens can provide privacy, sun & UV protection, wind resistance, and even pollen protection, all at the touch of a button.

It’s this versatility, structure plus adaptability, that makes a pergola such a powerful design element in creating a comfortable outdoor retreat.

4. Can multi-level decks help with privacy?

Imagine relaxing in a hot tub tucked neatly away, grilling comfortably within easy reach, or unwinding in a peaceful lounge area. Yes, multi-level decks create defined and purposeful areas in your backyard.

Adding depth and dimension to your hardscape can create distinct outdoor spaces, providing multiple areas for privacy and activity. Thoughtful and creative layered design helps manage grading, enhances views, and captures sunlight beautifully. It’s about designing purposfully with your property, not against it.

5. What type of fencing works best for high-end privacy landscaping?

Fencing should feel like part of the design, not an afterthought. At LandArt, we create custom fencing solutions that complement the home's style, whether that's modern steel, warm wood, or living green walls.

A beautiful fence defines your space while protecting it. And when done right, it contributes to the overall sense of calm and cohesion.

6. How can I make my backyard feel private without closing it off?

We create privacy at your home, without creating a caged-in feeling, by focusing on flow and atmosphere. Privacy isn’t about walls, it’s about separating spaces with partitions, creating dimension and depth with plantings, and directing your view by positioning the hardscape away from distractions. 

Our designs are guided by the belief that outdoor space should feel inviting and personal, that should age gracefully and grow with you. We create designs for the way you want to live.

Client Experience: A Backyard Transformed

“Rich and his team are the ultimate professionals. My family and I needed a privacy screen/pergola built in our backyard. We were referred to LandArt. Rich came and provided great ideas/recommendations. He provided and stayed on quote. The team showed up on time and completed the work quickly. The crew was knowledgeable and courteous. They cleaned up after themselves after each day. The product looks great. So much so that we are getting a second one installed soon. I look forward to future projects with this company.”
— John

Every project is a partnership. At LandArt, we bring creativity, professionalism, and care to every detail, from concept to completion. We don’t just build outdoor spaces. We help create homes that feel uniquely yours.

Ready to build your own private outdoor retreat?

Let’s design a backyard that gives you the privacy you want, with the beauty and functionality you deserve.