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Enduring Design: The Picket Fence
Wrap the Whole Yard or Just Add a Touch of This Classic Symbol of Home
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 »
After writing about garden gates last week, I thought it would be fun to follow up with fences. An ideabook on everyday fences seemed too simple, so I'm going with an icon many of us grew up with: picket fences.
Dating back to America's earliest colonial era, picket fences were once used with the sole purpose of outlining domestic borders. But feelings of nostalgia run deep among adults young and old, and the beloved picket fence has managed to stick around over the years, adding their classic appeal to homes and gardens across America.
Dating back to America's earliest colonial era, picket fences were once used with the sole purpose of outlining domestic borders. But feelings of nostalgia run deep among adults young and old, and the beloved picket fence has managed to stick around over the years, adding their classic appeal to homes and gardens across America.
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by HOPE DESIGNS
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| White, associated with purity, cleanliness and comfort, is the traditional color for a picket fence around the family home. |
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Defining classic suburbia (and disregarding any negative connotations that may come along with that term) picket fences are still seen as a symbol of the American dream. This scene is a perfect example of that ideal, with a large front yard, a sidewalk leading to a covered porch, and a couple Adirondack chairs — all protected by a white picket fence.
| If you already have a fence, picket or not, give it an update by painting it a color that will bring out the surrounding flowers. |
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| This cottage-style home is the perfect environment for a picket fence; both are quaint and charming. Judging by the size of the plants next to it, this fence looks like it's been here awhile. |
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| Probably being one of the grander versions of a picket fence I've seen to date, this tall row of slats fits the scale of the home behind it. This is a nice break from the privacy fences typical of a structure this height.
Tip: Think about the size of your home if you are considering a picket fence. Can you get away with something as majestic as this one? |
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| Although they were once a requirement set forth by city codes scattered across America, picket fences are now more commonly used as a connection with our past. |
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| Not just for colonial or cottage homes, this weathered picket fence makes itself at home in the densely wooded front yard of a more contemporary house. I like that the owners have left the wood untreated, allowing it to effortlessly fit in with its natural surroundings. |
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| In this photo of the same house featured in the previous photo, you can see that the fence spans the entire yard, creating the perfect border for a collection of plants inside.
Tip: Use your fence to create an ideal backdrop for plants and shrubs. |
| Although the term "picket" refers to something that comes to a point, I think that this particular fence provides the same feeling as a picket fence, even though the tips are more blunt. Its long rows of vertical strips give it a similar vibe. |
| These plants practically dwarf the fence behind it, creating a layered feel that's been in the making for a few years.
Tip: If you don't want a fence surrounding your entire house, consider adding a small section to the middle of an already established garden. Did you have a picket fence as a kid? Do you have one now? Post your photos below! More: 12 Inspiring Garden Gates |
Comments
Parker Stuckey Residential Well, I have to say you missed a great one! Take a look at this home that we recently built in a dense neighborhood in the heart of Houston. 
24 months ago · Like
hooked_on_houses where I live, the white fence dream house does not exist. Its all bars. So, I was just wondering what are some positive and some negative for white fences. And how hard is it to keep them clean? do they last in time? how about maintaining them
24 months ago · Like
Becky Harris These are so charming; I think a white picket fence might just be the ultimate element in creating curb appeal - great round up!
24 months ago · Like
farawaylisa Beautiful home, Parker!
24 months ago · Like
linda_d Love these...I'm inspired!
24 months ago · Like
Carolina Girl Picket Fences are not just for the exterior appeal of a home; take a look at my guest room. When someone is coming for a visit be sure to add live flowers somewhere in the room making your guest feel expected and welcome. 
24 months ago · Like
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Ideabook updated on May 20, 2011.
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