How Designers Expertly Design Private Homes by Soumi Sarkar
“Disclosure: Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may receive compensation or revenue from some products mentioned in this article.”
Many homeowners aspire to create a warm and inviting environment that exudes the sentiment of “mi casa es su casa.” However, there are boundaries to be respected. While it’s crucial to make your guests feel welcome and at ease, the thought of nosy neighbors or unwelcome intrusions is far from desirable. This is why some designers are now focusing on transforming living spaces into chic sanctuaries with privacy as a top priority.
Designer Helena Clunies-Ross emphasizes the importance of having a safe space to unwind, where one can feel secure and shielded from prying eyes. “We want to feel protected and not worry about being caught off guard in vulnerable moments,” she shares. The increasing demand for privacy in today’s society reflects a shift in societal norms, with our lives becoming more exposed through social media, smart devices, and close-knit neighborhoods.
Here are the key strategies that designers employ when creating ultra-private homes for clients, along with tips on how you can implement these ideas in your own living space.
Creating Privacy in Your Outdoor Space – Helena Clunies-Ross
For Clunies-Ross, who designs secure spaces for high-profile clientele seeking discretion, the journey to privacy begins outdoors. While tall hedges are a traditional method to establish seclusion in an outdoor setting, you don’t need an extensive landscaping project to achieve some peace. “In our Tribeca Apartments project, we used trees in large pots filled with soft grasses on the terrace to define seating areas and create a privacy screen against neighboring apartments,” she explains.
Blair Moore from Moore House Design combines landscaping with hardscaping elements like arbors, pergolas, and climbing plants to create a private sanctuary with a touch of charm. Lighting can also play a significant role in enhancing privacy, as suggested by designer Nadia Watts. Utilize lighting to highlight landscaping features and create a cozy ambiance, rather than focusing on the entrance area.
Enhancing Privacy Through Window Design – Victoria McKenney
Maintaining privacy from external observers involves more than just window treatments and greenery. Victoria McKenney of Enviable Designs recommends using leaded glass or opaque accents to enhance privacy while adding a touch of artistic elegance. Textured glass designs can transform a privacy concern into a stunning visual feature within the home.
Incorporating Privacy into Your Interior Decor
When considering privacy within your living space, it’s essential to reinforce the boundary between indoor and outdoor realms. Security measures extend beyond the exterior, requiring attention to interior spaces as well.
Ensuring privacy indoors is crucial, especially in open-concept layouts or shared living spaces. In a recent project in Palm Beach, designer Watts cleverly created privacy by hanging art on columns facing the front door, separating the foyer from the living room. Additionally, stylish accent tables strategically placed between the entry and living areas offer a chic division without obstructing traffic flow. By choosing materials thoughtfully, such as semi-transparent fabrics or bamboo sudare screens, you can maintain privacy while preserving an open feel. To cater to all senses, incorporating soft finishes like rugs, heavy drapes, and acoustic panels can enhance auditory privacy and create a sense of seclusion. Prioritizing privacy in your space not only visually but also audibly can contribute to a serene and secure environment.
