creating privacy and cozy backyard spaces in the western suburbs

when i’m designing outdoor spaces in naperville, aurora, plainfield, batavia, geneva, wheaton, downers grove, and lisle, one of the most common requests i hear is for more privacy. it makes sense—we all want a cozy place to spend time with family and friends without feeling like the whole neighborhood is watching. sometimes it’s about screening out a neighbor’s trampoline, playset, or shed, and other times it’s just about creating a more intimate and welcoming vibe in the backyard.

there are so many ways to bring in privacy without sacrificing beauty. i love using layers of evergreen trees and shrubs to create a natural screen, or combining ornamental grasses with fencing for a softer look. custom stone walls and pergolas also work beautifully when you want structure and definition in your outdoor living space. each design is different, but the goal is always the same: to make your yard feel like an extension of your home where you can relax, entertain, and recharge.

what’s exciting is how creative these projects can get. you can frame a seating area with flowering shrubs, add vertical trellises covered in vines, or design a cozy nook tucked behind a line of evergreens. privacy doesn’t mean boxed in—it means opening up your space so you can actually enjoy it without distractions. the right landscape design makes your backyard feel like your own little retreat in the western suburbs.