White picket fences may be a classic symbol of backyard Americana, but let’s be honest—they’re a bit played out. However, just because you want something fresh and modern enclosing your yard doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice beauty, privacy or security. Luckily there are lots of sleek, contemporary fencing styles and materials to choose from for customizing a cutting-edge barrier between your home oasis and the outside world.
Out With the Old, In With the New
Chances are if you clicked on this article, a quaint, ubiquitous white picket fence isn’t going to properly whet your boundary enclosure appetite. First off, you likely want something more durable. As lovely as wood looks initially, it also requires a lot of upkeep over the years between weather damage, potential rotting issues and the inevitable fading of white paint that exposes the material’s true nature.
Additionally, while wood fences have an undeniable sentimental charm, they don’t exactly exude the kind of modern aesthetic you get excited about. Am I right? Of course classic resorts to tradition, but when it comes to home upgrades that inspire, injecting contemporary materials, bold colors, and unexpected textures into the mix feels like the fence option missing from your life. Get ready to find that extra dose of out-of-the-big-box-stores creativity.
Survey the Boundary Metal Gate Frame Possibilities
Perhaps nothing screams cutting-edge quite like sleek, industrial metal fencing systems and gates. One such modern material is thermally modified ash wood planks affixed to sturdy yet slim powder coated metal gate frame pieces. The contrast of natural wood grain against matte metallic creates an utterly Instagrammable fence line. Or opt for a full powder coated metal construction in black, bronze and even snazzy colors like emerald for a completely seamless, ultra-contemporary look.
While metal fencing takes visual inspiration from commercial and civic spaces, it still manages to feel appropriate for residential yards by avoiding the harshness of say, chain link fencing. There is also a sense of sophisticated security from the strong metal gate frame and evenly spaced metal posts. Of course, metals like aluminum and galvanized steel also happen to be very durable, low-maintenance fencing solutions. It’s a win-win proposition all around!
The Texture Spectrum
Another avenue for discovering spectacularly current materials is by taking fence textures and patterns into uncharted territory. For example, add some artsy whimsy with laser or water jet cut steel planking full of intricate designs, be it simple abstract shapes, leaves and vines or even custom initials or house numbers. Powder coating these metal panels makes them pop even more.
Or consider composite fencing made to mimic other natural textures you don’t often find enclosing yards. For instance, the color variations and rustic grain patterns of reclaimed barn wood can inspire lovely, unique privacy fencing that looks and feels like the real deal without issues of durability or decay. Composite faux barn wood is also available in a fun, modern grey weathered finish.
Go Horizontal for a Streamlined Look
There are so many options when it comes to enclosing and defining property lines these days. And while materials play a huge role in cultivating a hip, contemporary vibe, don’t overlook the power of fencing styles too. Sometimes just switching things up from the expected can create visual impact.
That’s why horizontal privacy fences are having such a chic moment right now. By rotating the planks horizontally instead of vertically, the eye perceives a more layered, linear look. Breathable steel cable yard boundaries take this concept even further for incredibly airy, floating definition. Mixing materials like masonry, stone, metal framing, and horizontal wood or steel infill planks also generates lots of desirable depth and dimension.
Don’t Be Afraid of Color
If you really want to telegraph both creativity and confidence with fencing choices, infusing color is an absolute must. Black is always a safe bet for creating seamless contemporary contrast against other landscape elements. But don’t be afraid to throw some bold paint hues on that wood privacy fencing as well. Vibrant orange, lime green and navy blue are just some of the options for making a stunning colorblocked statement.
Metallic powder coating also affords some exciting shiny hues too like bronze, copper and champagne gold. And for yards more focused on fostering tranquility than being bold architectural features, there are plenty of lighter, more subdued fencing colors as well. Go for a matte sage green or dove grey wash for a more peaceful yet still modern boundary vibe. The options abound!
The possibilities are truly endless when pursuing fence materials that provide the cool, modern sensibility your outdoor space deserves. Ditch the predictable pickets and open your eyes to industrial metals with unique textures, reimagined composites, unexpected colors, and fresh takes on styles like horizontal privacy fences for the coolest, contemporary barriers beyond. Your yard will thank you!
