{"id":8971,"date":"2022-12-14T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-14T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.surroundslandscaping.com\/?p=8971"},"modified":"2024-07-02T12:54:06","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T12:54:06","slug":"redefining-privacy-in-a-small-backyard-setting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.surroundslandscaping.com\/redefining-privacy-in-a-small-backyard-setting\/","title":{"rendered":"Redefining Privacy in a Small Backyard Setting"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Combining back and side yard spaces to make the most of a small yard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rob and Kelly Lalumondier\u2019s Loudoun County, Virginia home sits on a small lot close to neighbor\u2019s yards and homes. They love their neighborhood and neighbors, but wanted an outdoor living environment that offered some privacy. In order to claim limited yard space to fulfill that dream, the landscape architect proposed combining the back and side yards in the new design. To do this successfully would require balancing the need for some privacy with the unavoidable proximity to neighbors and visibility along the street side of their lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWe didn\u2019t tell the architect much when we first met. We waited to see what creative solutions he would offer.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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This patio extends into the side yard along a creek that borders the rear property line<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The landscape design put a main gathering space \u2013 the fire pit area \u2013 in view of the sidewalk, where neighbors frequently pass by. A flexible configuration allows them to interact with neighbors when they choose to, and focus on activity in the yard when they want that. In addition, the redesigned yard has an area for kids and pets to play, and a deck and patio area that serves as transitional space between inside and outside on the upper and lower levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Seeing Beyond the Obstacles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To say the landscape needed work on the Lalumondier property is an understatement. \u201cWe bought the home in 2018,\u201d Rob explains. \u201cWe inherited a landscape full of maple trees, with exposed roots covering the ground.\u201d The tree roots dominated the open area, preventing grass from growing and making the yard difficult to use. Add to this scenario a splintery old deck, and an undulating brick patio that rose and sunk in several places. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe started using the old backyard during COVID, just to be outside,\u201d Kelly remembers. A technically functioning fire pit was the center of attention in those days. \u201cWe roasted marshmallows and had the neighbor kids over. So we knew we wanted a more permanent outdoor entertaining area.\u201d  They briefly considered a \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d approach, but quickly realized the project was more complicated than they were prepared to take on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow exactly would we reconfigure the space? We had no idea,\u201d Rob says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s when they met Howard and the team at Surrounds. \u201cWe didn\u2019t tell Howard too much when we first met,\u201d Rob remembers, \u201cWe left it to him to see what creative solutions he\u2019d offer. We didn\u2019t want a landscaper to just give us the answers they thought we wanted to hear.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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\u201cIn a neighborhood of small lots close together \u2013 rather than hide behind a tall fence, the design allows us to embrace the neighborhood.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Refreshing an Older Landscape<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you are looking at a carpet of roots and dilapidated outdoor decking, it can be hard to imagine what is possible beyond that. The plan from Surrounds showed the Lalumondiers how to make better use of the space they had. Their redesigned yard became not only more usable but more welcoming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe wanted an outdoor space where we were excited to have the kids\u2019 friends and our friends come and hang out,\u201d Kelly says. A plan that would include a place for the kids to play would be ideal. Native plants that were low maintenance and attracted local wildlife were also a priority. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"backyard
A massive staircase took up valuable space in an already small yard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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With the staircase gone, patio and garden space is increased<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n

This is how the process of reimagining their backyard environment went:<\/p>\n\n\n\n