subject: Transitional Outdoor Spaces: Fence Design Solutions [print this page] When done properly, a fence design can improve flow around an outdoor living space. Ideally, garden and fence design should also address how entrances and pathways direct the general flow of energy around the property. Read on to learn more about transitional zones and fence designs that are best for these tricky areas.
Transitional Spaces in Your Property
Your fence design will have an important impact on your yard's transitional spaces and can delineate and ornament the transitional areas in your yard.
In your outdoor living space, fences might serve as walls, but other structures (screening plants and trellises, for example) can also take on this role in dividing the space. Just like inside your home, garden "walls" can help define transitional spaces by providing definition and by breaking up large areas into smaller ones.
Thresholds as Transitional Space
Thresholds are another major form of transitional space and include the entrance from the street or sidewalk, and the area surrounding the front door. Gates are also a kind of threshold transition. In addition, your garden might include entrance areas leading to the produce garden, the outdoor workspace, and perhaps a dining area as well.
You might have a deck; if so you can consider the transitional spaces around that space, too. (Many decks are transitional zones, in that they connect indoor and outdoor living areas.)
Tips for Transitional Spaces
Think about the 360-degree view. Think about all vertical layers, from pathways to overhead structures when you design your outdoor living space and its transitional areas. You can engage viewers on many different vertical layers by creating a charming transitional space.
Use visual cues to flow through your transitional space. Features such as short barriers, pathways and pathway lighting make it easy to see where visitors should walk. A well-designed transitional space will contain clear directional markers such as these.
Use similar shapes in your design. Transitional elements can include characteristics from both spaces it connects. You can borrow architectural elements from different sections of the home. A square Arts and Crafts style pergola could be an excellent fence design choice for bungalow-style front porch or a square Asian-style backyard.
Fence Design for Transitional Spaces in Your Yard and Garden
1. Add a Gate or Archway Between Transitional Spaces.
These elements in fence design help guests recognize that they are stepping into a different "zone" of your garden.
2. Consider Adding a Natural Fence, Like a Hedge.
Shrubbery is great at marking transitional spaces. Grasses, bushes, and even flowers can create "walls" that delineate and emphasize transitional areas. Climbing plants can soften harsh edges - for example, consider growing a clematis vine on your chain link fence.
3. Add Lamps to Guide the Way.
Fence posts may be adorned with solar power lights. Adding lights to your the transitional spaces in your fence design helps visitors "flow" easily from one area to the next.
4. Include Accent Fencing.
You can direct visitors by using low accent fencing. Short accent fencing can effectively direct movement through your transitional spaces.
There are plenty of ways to enhance and improve a transitional area. Luckily, you don't have to deal with the entire a fence design process by yourself. Plenty of fence design companies will offer free estimates and they can offer excellent ideas about how to improve and highlight your yard's transitional spaces.
