HGTV's Jenny Marrs uses this fencing design tip to improve porch privacy (and curb appeal)

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. 

Jenny Marrs

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.'

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.' 

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