Search results for "Increased privacy" in Home Design Ideas

The native ”pollinator meadow” gives all the functionality of a traditional lawn but reduces water use. Incorporation of native herbs into the meadow increases biodiversity, and provides herbal and floral harvest potential.
California native plants mix with culinary edimentals throughout the garden space, to maximize biodiversity for animal and human enjoyment. Vertical space was utilized with a diversity of vining plants to create privacy and living green walls around the perimeter of the garden spaces.

We wanted to add a mirror in this room to help guests have privacy as they get ready. We also want to increase the natural light in this room because it was located in a part of the house that doesn't get much direct sunlight. We used neutral grays and blues to help create a soothing and welcoming environment. We used wallpaper to create an accent wall that promoted a luxury hotel feel.

The origin of these classic window coverings dates back to the 19th century, when they were actually used in the harsh environment of tropical plantations to manage light and heat.
Shutters come in a wide variety of materials, colors and styles. They can increase energy efficiency, are easy to clean, and help the light control, privacy and limit sun damage. And, due to new real estate trends, home appraisers are likely to include the value of shutters when evaluating a home - making shutters a real return on investment for homeowners.
Find the right local pro for your project

Having a great deal of space for outdoor living is wonderful. Your landscape, however compact or vast, can be transformed into a beautiful outdoor room that’s perfect for enjoying our mild southeastern weather.
Perfect for entertaining and relaxing, outdoor living areas become an extension of your indoor living space. Outdoor living spaces offer comfort and increase property value with the development of quality outdoor components, furnishings and finishes.
Our full-time, professional designers love the challenge of creating unique outdoor living areas that reflect the vision of the client. We specialize in combining privacy and intimacy in each outdoor room, while ensuring that the design offers architectural integrity and complements the main structures.
A Simple Patio and Fire Pit, or an Outdoor Kitchen and Outdoor Fireplace?
No matter the size of your dream outdoor room, Turf Tamer, Inc. delivers creative living spaces using the finest materials and the latest advancements in outdoor construction.

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity.
The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions.
A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework.
The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old.
The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance.
While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance.
A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design.
Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction
Photography: Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022

Fence installation is an art. It requires an intense ability to focus on the overall look of the project while still focusing on the logistics (landscape, property details, government approvals). Our team of fence installation experts have worked for nearly two and a half decades in the NJ area on every type of fence project you can imagine.
Residential fence installation is our speciality. We have worked with family all over the state of New Jersey to help them find a fence style that complements their home and adds to its overall value. We once had a young couple install a new fence and increase the value of their property by $10,000 before selling it. Our job is to walk you through the entire process and make it simple. We will make sure that we find you a fence that meets all of your needs. Have a dog? You might want to invest in a chain link fence since they hold up long against pets. Need more safety and privacy? You might want to look into have an aluminum fence installed since they can be tall and protect against intruders. We take a lot into consideration when finding you the best fence for your home.
Commercial fencing is another specialty of ours. We have worked on a wide variety of commercial jobs - athletic fields, government projects, large apartment buildings, and more. If you have a commercial job but only need the materials, we can do that too. Our most popular commercial fencing styles we work with are chain link fences and plastic, temporary fences. Whatever your need, we've got you covered.
For your free fence installation estimate, give us a call or shoot us a message today! http://www.hallsfence.com/contact/

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Beverly II Modern Hill Country in Greensboro, North Carolina, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with modern elements. As a larger version of our extremely popular Beverly floor plan, this layout is expertly engineered with increased square footage to comfortably accommodate all of life's everyday needs. The absolute hub of the home is an open-concept deluxe kitchen featuring a large central kitchen island designed for eating, remote schoolwork, and daily cooking. This culinary space flows seamlessly into the great room and dining area, creating a bright, interconnected layout that serves as the perfect canvas for entertaining family and friends. This main-level living space transitions beautifully into a sunlit morning room designed to bring the day’s first light into the home. Just off the foyer, an adaptive flex room stands open to your interpretation—easily functioning as a sophisticated formal dining room, private flexible home office, or children's playroom.
The thoughtful design acts as a premium private sanctuary when it is time to unwind. The massive primary owner's retreat offers a quiet escape from the daily grind, elevated by a show-stopping reserve cove ceiling that adds unique architectural detail and depth to the private space. The spa-like primary suite is further enhanced by a luxurious owner's bath, fully appointed with dual vanities and independent dual walk-in closets for optimal organization. Tucked away on the opposite side of the home, the secondary bedrooms ensure ultimate privacy for everyone in the household. Expanding the home's functional footprint, a massive bonus room over the garage serves as a versatile upper flex zone, providing the ideal setting for a family media room, home workout fitness studio, or dedicated children's playroom.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

Located right here in Middle Tennessee this home owner opted for one of the most distinct bathrooms setting them above the rest. There is nothing common about this bathroom and it highlights some of the most desirable features now trending. The earthy tones and natural hues bring an atmosphere to this bathroom that is refreshing and rustic. Custom windows with frosting bring in the natural light, while maintaining adequate privacy, to enhance the outdoors appearance. Bricks are no longer just used for the outside of the home, while daring to be different and creative bricks now culminate the canvas of creativity when remodeling many rooms of the home. Ordinary sinks are a thing of the past with so many new wash basins in different designs, shapes and colors. The ideas are limitless and we would love an opportunity to increase your options as you choose the remodel project that is right for you.

Our goal on this was to leave the area with as much open space as possible.
This was because our client loves the view of the lake and property & wanted as much area for family & grand kids to be able to run around & enjoy. We met this challenge by installing large space of beautiful St. Augustine lawn grass.
One request was to hide the view of neighbors property by utilizing native vegetation. This was achieved by varying different species of native trees (including 6 Oak species). The staggered placement & size of the trees resembled a native wooded barrier increasing solitude & bliss of privacy.
Most trees used were hand picked specimens. Some trees were triple trunk & others were clusters of different trees. The largest was about a 1,200 Gallon container made up of Cypress, Red Oaks & Monterrey Oaks.

The challenge in the kitchen was to update the space without remodeling or changing the cabinetry. A butcher block counter with free-standing sink was swapped out for a honed Danby marble countertop with a built-in grooved dishboard. The faucet, finished in matte nickel, allows for increased counterspace and easy cleaning. The cabinets were repainted in a taupe shade to bring out colors in the countertop stone, and sheers in the windows give privacy while allowing natural light to flood the space.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Charleston II Modern Hill Country in Franklin, North Carolina, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with modern elements. Based on one of our most popular floor plans, the Charleston II offers increased square footage and abundant storage solutions tailored for modern living. The heart of the home is a chef-ready kitchen equipped with generous counter space, a large central island to gather around, and premium double-stacked cabinets flanking both perimeter walls to maximize storage. The kitchen cabinetry showcases an elegant mix of design textures, featuring sophisticated glass-front doors above the cooktop for a sleek, stylish look, and traditional solid-door double-stacked cabinetry above the refrigerator. Directly off the main kitchen, the giant walk-in pantry has been converted into a dual-purpose space featuring a secondary messy kitchen, allowing all meal prep and cooking clutter to remain hidden behind closed doors while entertaining guests in the main living space.
Distinct custom woodwork details elevate the interior architecture throughout the home. Both the great room and the dining room are anchored by matching 3D accent walls featuring a geometric design that adds subtle contrast and high-end visual focal points to the open layout. For those who work from home, a versatile front flex room has been outfitted with custom-built-in shelves and cabinets to create an organized executive study. Additionally, a perfectly placed pocket office provides a dedicated zone for organizing daily tasks before flowing seamlessly into the private owner's retreat, which serves as a main-level sanctuary with its spacious primary bath and two independent walk-in closets. A smart split-bedroom layout places the secondary bedrooms on the completely opposite side of the residence, ensuring ultimate privacy so everyone in the family can enjoy their own space.

Originally from Hawaii, my clients wanted to incorporate the warmth and color of the islands into their California ranch home. Their requests:
• Comfortable, serene, uncluttered design
• Natural elements
• Kitchen more open to dining
• Arrangement to accommodate new flat-screen TV viewing
Hosting constant visitors, my clients live in their kitchen and enjoy cooking.
For Hawaiian colors, I used green quartz, glass tile and counters, iroko flooring, hemlock cabinets, and an unusual slate limestone.
To create a lighter, more welcoming space I removed the wall between the dining room and kitchen and increased the entry wall length to create a better kitchen/dining/entry relationship. I added a wall between the family room and kitchen to house tall kitchen elements on one side and TV equipment on the other, as well as create a natural transition for the ceiling height changes.
Features:
• Ventilated drawers
• Composting sink
• Energy-efficient lighting
• Silent hood and dishwasher
When it came to their master bath, my clients requested:
• Spa-feeling
• Shower for two
• Functional makeup area
• Two sinks
• Linen storage
• Walk-in closet
• Separate toilet compartment
• Door to backyard for pool access.
I rearranged the space for convenience and function and created an open shower with double rain and hand-showers, a shallow makeup counter (easy to get close to the mirror), plentiful storage, and seating.
Shades of blue and green create a sense of “spa”. Blended textures of honed limestone countertops, slate, glass tile, large-format and mosaic porcelain tile, glass pebbles, granite tile, and ceramic tiles are earthy yet refined. Horizontal patterns create serenity.
Storage:
• Tall louvered linen cabinet
• Flush medicine cabinets
• His-and-her pullouts at each end of the vanity
• Multiple shower niches
• Function-packed walk-in closet
• Toilet roll cabinet in toilet vestibule
• Bedroom armoire
Function:
• Seating in shower
• Seating in main bath
• Convenient towel bars
• Silent, powerful vent fans
• Good lighting
• Textured glass windows add light and privacy.
Ed Gohlich photographer

CUSTOM DRAPES LIVING ROOM DOORS
Goal of the project: The client renovated the whole first floor. The goal was to brighten the the living room of this home in Short Hills, NJ. Letting a lot of light light. And be functional so that it is easy to go in and out the doors.
What we recommended: The client went with fully closing drapes on the windows and doors. The Evoque collection has a light sheen. It gives a more formal look to the room. It is a medium weight fabric that offers full privacy, yet lets a lot of light in. The color the client went with is Calm, which is a warm white color. The designer rod with rings in black are connected on the side window and door to give a continuous finished look.
Installation: To increase the impression of height, we installed the drapes right under the molding. Since the drapes will be opened and closed frequently, we installed them slightly off the floor. The fabric will therefore remain clean.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Beverly II Modern Hill Country in Greensboro, North Carolina, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with modern elements. As a larger version of our extremely popular Beverly floor plan, this layout is expertly engineered with increased square footage to comfortably accommodate all of life's everyday needs. The absolute hub of the home is an open-concept deluxe kitchen featuring a large central kitchen island designed for eating, remote schoolwork, and daily cooking. This culinary space flows seamlessly into the great room and dining area, creating a bright, interconnected layout that serves as the perfect canvas for entertaining family and friends. This main-level living space transitions beautifully into a sunlit morning room designed to bring the day’s first light into the home. Just off the foyer, an adaptive flex room stands open to your interpretation—easily functioning as a sophisticated formal dining room, private flexible home office, or children's playroom.
The thoughtful design acts as a premium private sanctuary when it is time to unwind. The massive primary owner's retreat offers a quiet escape from the daily grind, elevated by a show-stopping reserve cove ceiling that adds unique architectural detail and depth to the private space. The spa-like primary suite is further enhanced by a luxurious owner's bath, fully appointed with dual vanities and independent dual walk-in closets for optimal organization. Tucked away on the opposite side of the home, the secondary bedrooms ensure ultimate privacy for everyone in the household. Expanding the home's functional footprint, a massive bonus room over the garage serves as a versatile upper flex zone, providing the ideal setting for a family media room, home workout fitness studio, or dedicated children's playroom.

The homeowners had just purchased this home in El Segundo and they had remodeled the kitchen and one of the bathrooms on their own. However, they had more work to do. They felt that the rest of the project was too big and complex to tackle on their own and so they retained us to take over where they left off. The main focus of the project was to create a master suite and take advantage of the rather large backyard as an extension of their home. They were looking to create a more fluid indoor outdoor space.
When adding the new master suite leaving the ceilings vaulted along with French doors give the space a feeling of openness. The window seat was originally designed as an architectural feature for the exterior but turned out to be a benefit to the interior! They wanted a spa feel for their master bathroom utilizing organic finishes. Since the plan is that this will be their forever home a curbless shower was an important feature to them. The glass barn door on the shower makes the space feel larger and allows for the travertine shower tile to show through. Floating shelves and vanity allow the space to feel larger while the natural tones of the porcelain tile floor are calming. The his and hers vessel sinks make the space functional for two people to use it at once. The walk-in closet is open while the master bathroom has a white pocket door for privacy.
Since a new master suite was added to the home we converted the existing master bedroom into a family room. Adding French Doors to the family room opened up the floorplan to the outdoors while increasing the amount of natural light in this room. The closet that was previously in the bedroom was converted to built in cabinetry and floating shelves in the family room. The French doors in the master suite and family room now both open to the same deck space.
The homes new open floor plan called for a kitchen island to bring the kitchen and dining / great room together. The island is a 3” countertop vs the standard inch and a half. This design feature gives the island a chunky look. It was important that the island look like it was always a part of the kitchen. Lastly, we added a skylight in the corner of the kitchen as it felt dark once we closed off the side door that was there previously.
Repurposing rooms and opening the floor plan led to creating a laundry closet out of an old coat closet (and borrowing a small space from the new family room).
The floors become an integral part of tying together an open floor plan like this. The home still had original oak floors and the homeowners wanted to maintain that character. We laced in new planks and refinished it all to bring the project together.
To add curb appeal we removed the carport which was blocking a lot of natural light from the outside of the house. We also re-stuccoed the home and added exterior trim.

The Solar Shades may be used in all different sized windows. Whether it is for the indoors or outdoors, these shades protect harmful sun rays to increase your comfort. With a simple tug, you have full control over how much you want your shades to move up or down.

Even with other homes nearby, this design offers a feeling for privacy and seclusion. And that feeling will only increase as the plant material matures to provide even more natural screening.

Reimagining an Urban Classic
Perched high above San Francisco’s Cow Hollow neighborhood, this meticulously reimagined residence represents a thoughtful transformation of a classic urban home into a contemporary, light-filled sanctuary. The project involved a comprehensive renovation paired with both vertical and horizontal expansion, dramatically increasing the home’s footprint while enhancing its relationship to sweeping views of the Bay, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the surrounding hillside neighborhoods.
The design strategy focused on opening the home to light, air, and vistas—elements often constrained in the dense urban fabric of San Francisco. By extending the structure upward and outward, the architects created a dynamic four-level residence that unfolds gradually, culminating in expansive living spaces and rooftop terraces oriented toward panoramic city and water views.
Architecture that Frames the View
At the heart of the design is a careful orchestration of sightlines and natural light. Large black-framed windows punctuate the façade and interior spaces, deliberately positioned to capture iconic San Francisco vistas while flooding the home with daylight. The architecture prioritizes openness, allowing rooms to flow seamlessly while maintaining a strong visual connection to the surrounding landscape.
A dramatic skylight above the central stairwell anchors the vertical circulation of the home. This architectural gesture not only brings daylight deep into the interior but also reinforces the sense of spatial continuity between floors.
Warm Modern Interiors
Inside, the home balances architectural clarity with warm materiality. Wide-plank oak floors run throughout the residence, creating visual cohesion and grounding the interiors with natural warmth. Custom walnut millwork—integrated shelving, cabinetry, and wall panels—introduces depth and texture while complementing the clean lines of the architecture.
The interiors are intentionally restrained yet richly layered. Contemporary furnishings, sculptural lighting, and curated artwork add personality while maintaining the calm, sophisticated palette that defines the home.
The Social Heart of the Home
The main living level serves as the social centerpiece of the residence. An open-plan kitchen, dining area, and lounge space unfold toward the view, creating an environment that feels both expansive and intimate.
A sculptural marble island anchors the kitchen, functioning as both workspace and gathering hub. Surrounded by walnut cabinetry and professional-grade appliances, the kitchen merges elegance with functionality. Above, a cascading chandelier introduces a sense of vertical movement, reflecting the home’s emphasis on light and architectural rhythm.
Living areas are arranged to encourage conversation and connection. Generous seating, layered rugs, and thoughtful lighting define distinct zones within the open plan while maintaining uninterrupted sightlines toward the cityscape beyond.
Private Retreats Above the City
Upper levels of the home are dedicated to quieter, more intimate spaces. The primary suite is conceived as a private retreat, where expansive windows frame treetop views and invite natural light throughout the day.
The accompanying bathroom continues the home’s refined material palette. Marble surfaces, warm wood cabinetry, and brushed brass fixtures create a spa-like environment that balances luxury with tranquility.
Additional bedrooms and flexible living spaces offer comfort for family and guests, each designed with the same attention to light, proportion, and material richness.
Spaces for Entertaining
Lower levels provide additional areas for gathering and entertaining. A lounge and bar area offer a relaxed setting for hosting, while custom wine storage adds a sophisticated touch for collectors and enthusiasts.
These spaces transition easily to outdoor areas, reinforcing the home’s emphasis on indoor-outdoor living.
A Rooftop Above the Neighborhood
The transformation extends beyond the interior to include thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. A landscaped rear yard introduces greenery and privacy at ground level, offering a serene urban escape.
Above it all, the rooftop terrace becomes the crown jewel of the residence. Elevated above the neighborhood, it provides sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and the Palace of Fine Arts. Comfortable seating areas, lush planters, and open sky create an ideal setting for outdoor entertaining, sunset gatherings, or quiet moments overlooking the city.
A Contemporary Urban Sanctuary
The completed residence demonstrates the power of thoughtful renovation and expansion within a historic urban neighborhood. By combining contemporary architecture, warm materiality, and an intentional relationship to the surrounding landscape, the project transforms a traditional San Francisco home into a modern sanctuary above the city.

With its traditional styling and range of fabrics to choose from, this classic valance gives windows a fully finished look. Made with three lined panels, the sides feature gentle curves and the center panel remains straight as the width of your window increases. A hidden pocket for the included telescoping rod is blind-stitched for a neat appearance.
Includes 1" continental rod
Privacy lined center panel, self-lined side panels
A library of versatile, fashion-forward fabrics to choose from
Quality craftsmanship for enduring style
Custom sizing - large or specialty windows are no problem
Handcrafted in the USA
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