Land Design Associates was contacted by a returning client to address privacy concerns and enhance an underutilized space at the end of his driveway. The homeowner wanted to create a more private and visually appealing area that would serve as both a screening solution from neighboring properties and a functional extension of his outdoor living space.
Previously, we had worked with the homeowner on designing and installing an outdoor living space behind his home. This new project presented a unique challenge: the homes in this neighborhood are tightly situated, and privacy is limited. Our goal was to transform an existing void at the end of the driveway into a welcoming, private retreat while seamlessly blending with the established design.
Client Consultation & Initial Assessment
After reconnecting with the client, we discussed his desire to gain more privacy from his neighbors and improve the end of his driveway, which felt like an empty, unused space. The homeowner wanted a design solution that was functional, aesthetically pleasing, and in keeping with the previous work we had done on his property. The space at the end of the driveway was especially important because it bordered the neighbor’s property and lacked any visual appeal or purpose.
With a clear understanding of his goals, we began formulating a design that would address both privacy concerns and aesthetic enhancement, creating a space that could be enjoyed and appreciated from various vantage points.
Design Solution & Execution
The first step in our design process was to remove approximately 120 square feet of the existing driveway and replace it with matching hardscaping to tie into the existing design. This alteration helped create a more cohesive flow between the driveway and the new space, providing the homeowner with more usable outdoor space while transforming an otherwise underutilized area into a focal point of the landscape.
Next, we introduced a variety of complementary plantings around the new hardscape to soften the edges and provide visual interest. These plantings were carefully chosen to enhance the overall look of the driveway area while offering a layer of privacy. The new plantings included low-maintenance, evergreen shrubs that would provide year-round coverage and seasonal beauty, contributing to the design’s functionality as a privacy screen.
A key feature of the design was the addition of a pergola at the end of the driveway. This structure served several purposes: it provided a visual focal point and helped frame the view at the end of the driveway, effectively narrowing the perspective and making the space feel more intimate. The pergola also acted as a natural privacy barrier, shielding the homeowner from neighboring properties and creating a more serene, private atmosphere.
To further enhance the space, we strategically placed beautiful hydrangeas around the base of the pergola. These flowering shrubs not only added a burst of color and texture but also worked to accentuate the natural beauty of the cedar pergola. The hydrangeas created a soft, inviting edge, leading the eye toward the new pathway that we installed at the base of the structure.
The new walkway, which led from the pergola to the existing hardscape, connected the redesigned driveway area with the client’s original outdoor living space. This seamless transition helped integrate the two areas, providing a smooth flow from the driveway to the back of the house while enhancing the overall functionality and aesthetic appeal of the landscape.
Final Outcome
The transformation of the driveway into a beautiful and functional space was a resounding success. By utilizing the client’s existing conditions and introducing thoughtful design elements such as the pergola, new plantings, and walkway, we were able to solve multiple challenges. The previously empty, open space now serves as a private, visually appealing area that provides a natural extension of the client’s home.
The pergola created an intimate, framed view at the end of the driveway, while the added plantings provided both privacy and seasonal interest. The client was delighted with the outcome, noting how the space had gone from an overlooked area to an inviting retreat that now felt like a natural part of their home.
This project exemplifies the power of creative design and thoughtful use of existing conditions. By incorporating functional structures like the pergola and enhancing the space with strategic plantings, we were able to provide the homeowner with a solution that not only met his privacy needs but also enhanced the aesthetic appeal of his property. At Land Design Associates, we are dedicated to transforming everyday outdoor spaces into beautiful, functional landscapes that our clients can enjoy for years to come.
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