In the 20th century, we tore out the walls inside homes to free up space and views, incorporated more glass in home design, and raised buildings off the ground. Many of these innovations were aimed at bringing in light wherever possible, and opening up views to create a more expansive sense of space. Some of the most fundamental concerns in the design process are the quality of light and space, and now fencing design is beginning to take these two things into consideration as well.

I've been to a lot of beautiful homes, set in gorgeous parts of the country, that manage to feel absolutely cut off from all of the surrounding beauty, and the fence is usually a big part of that. One common request I receive from clients is to find a way to tie their home and their yard together, giving it some sense of unity, and bringing the home in synch with the surrounding landscape.

In my design practice, one of the best examples I saw of a house in need of a more open fence was an older Tudor home with an incredible patina copper roof, surrounded on three sides by an enchanting oak forest. Sitting in the glassed-in dining room, the lovely garden view provided a gorgeous setting, but came to a very abrupt termination with a wall of wood. You see, the home was also surrounded on four sides with a wooden privacy fence. Walking the grounds, it was clear that the fence simply had to go. In cases like this, or when a privacy fence isn't allowed by zoning laws, I turn to a classic-looking fence that doesn't obstruct the view, like a black steel picket fence with clean lines and hidden hardware.

Aesthetic Benefits: Fencing That Makes Your Yard Look Bigger

While solid fences can bring a womb-like comfort, they can also produce a suffocating, claustrophobic feel, particularly in homes with small yards. When this is the case, but the client still needs a strong fence with some height, I've found great benefits in steel security fences, which protect and delineate, but also give a sense of spaciousness.

A feeling of openness is important for design, both visually and psychologically. Being able to look at objects in the distance, in the middle ground, and in the foreground gives one a sense of freedom and possibilities. And when a home is opened to views beyond it, it becomes tied to the surrounding environment, whether that is a tree-lined suburban street, a mountain, or an oak forest.

 Mental Health Benefits: Letting the Natural Light Through

In some parts of the world-the equator, for example, as you'll know if you've ever taken a trip to South America-there is an overabundance of light. In the northern hemisphere, though, light is at more of a premium. It also offers some beautiful experiences-at dawn you might be able to see the sun moving through a low morning fog, or at dusk the setting sun behind the trees. With a picket fence that lets light through, your backyard doesn't have to be grand or majestic to bring moments of beauty and enjoyment.

In places like the Pacific Northwest or Scandinavia, the conservation of light is on everyone’s radar for reasons related to mental health, as a sizeable number of people suffer from seasonal affective disorder brought on by the lack of sunshine. For my clients in this part of the world, every little photon really does count for something!

Metal Picket Fences Also Offer Security

 In addition to the aesthetic and mental health benefits of a metal picket fence, they are also the best choices when it comes to security. While we may often feel safer behind solid walls, that feeling is something of an illusion. Solid wooden privacy fences can be relatively easy to climb, and provide hiding places for anyone sneaking around. Metal picket fences provide just as secure a barrier, while maintaining your view-of your neighborhood, surroundings, and anyone who might be up to no good.

I believe that there is a time and a place for all things, and while sometimes a solid fence is the perfect choice for a situation, sometimes it isn't. Often, an open fence that lets in light and makes the most of the house's view is much more appropriate. When we installed a steel fence around that Tudor house, the whole property took on a deeply magical feel, as the house was finally united with its surroundings.

For those times when an open fence is the best choice, I often opt for a versatile black galvanized steel fence. These days, I recommend the fencing systems made by Fortress Building Products, as their classic look is beautiful in a wide variety of situations. With their galvanized, powder-coated, and e-coated steel, they are also incredibly durable and long lasting, no matter the climate. When the scope of my projects extends beyond a fence, I also recommend their wider catalog of building supplies to my colleagues and clients. Fortress’ products are built with the end-user in mind, so they’re made to last—and remain attractive for years, matching the beauty of the natural wonders in your yard.