Create backyard privacy by turning your patio into a comfortable, secluded outdoor living room.

Proper planning and a few creative touches can grant you a perfectly secluded retreat in your backyard—even if you live in a busy neighborhood. You’ll appreciate having a cozy getaway outside—and new homeowners will appreciate your foresight in creating a perfect patio getaway. Read on to find out how these homeowners have built their own personal oasis in the backyard.

Fenced-in privacy

A privacy fence is the easiest way to ensure seclusion for a patio. When the fence reflects the architecture of the house, the outdoor space becomes a literal extension of the indoors. This Craftsman-style fence screens a small backyard patio from its neighbors and creates a warm backdrop for outdoor living. A shallow post-and-beam pergola raised on massive river-rock bases defines the outdoor living room, while the dining area occupies the area to the left. Large olive jars also help divide this patio into separate zones.