HGTV's Jenny Marrs uses this fencing design tip to improve porch privacy (and curb appeal)
The designer has returned to an age-old method that prioritizes privacy – estate experts explain why this look is increasingly popular
We understand – you want to enjoy a coffee or aperitif while sitting on your front porch, but privacy is an issue – and Jenny Marrs understands, too.
The Fixer To Fabulous star recently faced the eternal predicament in an episode titled 'An Old Rancher Gets a Chef-Inspired Face-Lift.' In the footage, Jenny and her husband Dave were tasked with making a front porch more private – creating a space where the homeowners could lounge and host without any overlookers. The solution? A choice that is so obvious – we would never actually consider it.
Jenny and Dave created a compact seating area behind a slatted wooden fence – complete with cushioned chairs, a coffee table, and potted plants.
In the show, Jenny explains she was drawn to the fence for its mid-century style, but aesthetics aside, it was primarily a practical purchase. 'It also provides privacy,' she says. 'They can enjoy this space, and it could feel like a little enclosed courtyard.'
The home's white exterior is strikingly monochromatic; however, along with the stylish mid-century benefits, the wooden fence adds welcome warmth to the space. The designer also added leafy plants for privacy – ensuring the space is as functional as it is beautiful. You can see photos of the final result here.
Designer Jenny Marrs is the star of HGTV's Fixer to Fabulous and Almost Home. She also appears on Rock the Block (alongside designers including Jasmine Roth and Leanne Ford) and Design At Your Door (with Tamara Day and Tiffany Brooks). Jenny lives and works with her husband and co-star, Dave, in a restored farmhouse in Northwest Arkansas.
As mentioned, adding a fence for porch privacy is such an obvious solution – it can be easily overlooked. However, Andrzej Lipski, a real estate investor from Next Door Properties, LLC in North Carolina, suggests that this solution is becoming increasingly popular – and considering its benefits, it's easy to see why.
'Privacy fences have started to get popular in some markets over the last few years,' he says. 'With many homes built in developments, it can feel like your neighbors are right on top of you. A porch provides an aesthetic to the home and shade when one wants to be outdoors. Adding privacy fencing can bring a little extra indoor comfort while still being outside.'
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Plus, while privacy is the priority, Andrzej says that porch fencing is equally impactful in reducing noise in the area – whether dealing with neighbors or traffic.
'This allows you to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and better connect with nature or engage in conversations without disturbance,' he says.
'With a privacy fence, you can create an inviting and cozy outdoor living space on your front porch. It provides a sense of seclusion, enabling you to relax, entertain guests, or engage in activities without feeling exposed to passersby.'
In the meantime, we're recreating the look ranch's new style with these deals below.
This monochromatic bistro set comes with 2 rocking chairs and 1 tempered glass coffee table. We love how their shape and colors mimic the pieces chosen by Jenny and Dave Marrs.
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
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