New Ways to Carve Out Some Solitude
Avoid That Fishbowl Feeling With Slats, Drapes — and a Paint Marker, Too
My husband and I live in a 1950 ranch-style home a few miles west of Madison, Wisconsin. When I'm not working, I like to do projects around my house, get out in my solo canoe or go camping, read design and psychology blogs and work on mixed media art.
My husband and I live in a 1950 ranch-style home a few miles west of Madison,... More »
A few weeks ago my husband mentioned that he felt like we were living in a fish bowl. Um, come again? I was a bit lost until I realized that he was referring to our lack of window treatments. Yes, it's true: More than half the windows in our house have been bare since last spring. I suppose the fact that we live on a quiet street just makes me feel a little more at ease than I probably should. The amount of privacy we have is really quite abundant, other than the window concern. But what about those of us who aren't so lucky, or perhaps just want something that differs from the norm? Thankfully, there are a lot of simple, budget-friendly options to help remedy a lack of seclusion.
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| I really love this porch. Not only is it colorful and fun, but more important, the owners have managed to pull off an equally private yet airy space. The use of a roller shade outdoors makes so much sense! And the painted corrugated sheet metal goes a long way in adding solitude. |
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Since we're on the topic of being outdoors, I'm totally digging the slatted wall right outside this house. While it may not seem to offer much privacy, it does still provide quite a bit of mental rest. My favorite part about this is how easily it can be replicated. You could even put your own spin on things by using shipping pallets hung side by side!
| Okay, so maybe shipping pallet privacy isn't your thing — I wouldn't expect it to work in every home. How about something a little more sleek? This sandblasted window offers an eye level view while still providing much isolation. A DIY alternative to sandblasting would be to apply frosted window film. While it won't look as sharp, it will certainly still make an impact. |
| When you don't particularly need to shelter yourself from others, it is still nice to provide yourself with a sense of calmness, even if it's subtle. |
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A quick and fun way to make it so you don't feel so exposed is to draw a pattern on the windows with a paint marker. This particular door leads to my garage, and although nobody can see in, it was kind of weird having a dark window staring at me all the time. I didn't want to add a blinds, so I opted to draw horizontal stripes instead.
PS: You can find paint markers in varying widths at your local craft store.
PS: You can find paint markers in varying widths at your local craft store.
| Okay, let's go back outside. These outdoor photos are making me anxious for summer! Although this particular method may fall a bit out of the "simple and budget friendly" range, it looks and feels really cool! I would love to have a tunnel like this in my yard. Oh, I'll take the stone bench as well. |
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by escale design
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| Here is another great example of an area that feels welcoming and comfortable even though it may not be entirely obvious at first glance. Try to picture this same patio without the canopy or the screen. Big difference, right? Sometimes we just need to trick our brains. |
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| You might feel like your yard needs a little more than a little screen or canopy, but the thought of a weathered privacy fence kind of bores you. This could be a fun alternative to the fences you've seen at all the backyard barbecues you've been to. Especially if you are of the artfully inclined sort. |
| A few large plants can go a long way. If you don't live in an area with a lengthy season that's warm enough to grow plants this large, consider putting a few pots on a ledge or a table to help with vertical height. |
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Bamboo fencing is surprisingly affordable and easy to install compared to a full blown wooden fence. The fact that it still lets light through yet blocks any incoming views from afar is a plus.
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| I really like the way curtains look in an outdoor space and also that it can be changed easily depending on your needs. Perfect for when the mood of the party shifts from rowdy to calm. Or vice versa.
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Ideabook updated on Feb. 7, 2011.
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I really love the slatted fence idea.