5 Designer-Approved Ways to Conceal Outdoor Utilities

A landscape designer shares how to conceal utilities for an outdoor space that's both functional and beautiful.

Outdoor utilities such as an air conditioning unit and trash cans are necessary, but they're not exactly the prettiest exterior features. Since you can't do without these things, knowing how to conceal them is key to maintaining curb appeal and creating a relaxing outdoor oasis. While rain barrels may not be your decorative accents of choice, there are ways to hide and distract from these outdoor utilities.

To help you conceal your outdoor utilities, Sarah Carr, principal designer and owner of landscape architecture firm Word + Carr Design Group, is sharing her best tricks of the trade. She stresses the importance of being intentional about where you install or store these things in the first place, and shares what existing elements you can use to conceal visually unappealing features. Merging function, comfort, and visual interest is key when designing your outdoor space, and Carr shares her best ways to successfully incorporate all three into your design.

Related: 8 Curb Appeal Landscaping Ideas to Maximize Your Home's Value

Ways to Hide Outdoor Utilities

Be Intentional with Placement

"If possible, be intentional with where you place these things on your property; It's easier to hide utilities when they're not in an important view," Carr says. If you just moved into an existing house that already has an installed air conditioning unit and a not-so-ideal spot to house trash cans, you will have to work with the given set-up and get creative. However, if you are building or renovating a house, be intentional with the placement of outdoor utilities to save yourself the hassle and cost of concealing or moving them later.

Use Existing Elements

Instead of spending a fortune on replacing or adding new outdoor features to hide unsightly things like a recycling can, Carr recommends using what you already have. "Use elements that already appear on your property, such as fencing, masonry walls, or evergreen hedges that match existing conditions to conceal utilities," she says.

For example, to maintain visual continuity and not draw any extra attention to outdoor utilities, plant the same type of evergreen hedges around them as are used in other areas of the property. Similarly, if your trash cans are stored by the side of the house, enclose them with the same style of fencing that you have around your home. This conceals them in a way that's visually cohesive with the rest if the outdoor space and looks intentional.

Embrace the Utilities

"Learn when to embrace the utilities," Carr advises. At the end of the day, there are times when taking a more utilitarian approach and leaving utilities exposed is actually more beneficial to the overall design of your outdoor space than attempting to conceal them. "Sometimes, attempting to hide something like a transformer just draws more attention to it," she says. Since these outdoor elements are necessary components of any house, Carr adds, "We're all used to seeing utilities in the landscape and we've trained our eyes to graze over them."

Related: 6 Outdoor Room Design Tips for an Entertaining and Relaxing Space

How to Design a Functional and Visually Appealing Outdoor Space

An outdoor space, whether it's the front yard, a deck, or backyard, needs to check a lot of boxes. The three main elements of an outdoor space are function, comfort, and visual appeal. Carr shares her professional tips for merging the three to create an outdoor space that's as practical to use and comfy to lounge in as it is beautiful to look at.

Design for the Elements

Since an outdoor space is heavily impacted by weather conditions, Carr recommends always designing for the elements. Keeping practical needs in mind when designing a patio or backyard is paramount, as it can save you money on additional work and repairs down the line.

"A space without shade in the summertime is not a comfortable space to be in and it's better to incorporate something like a shade structure in the beginning then to try and add it later," Carr says. Not only does designing for the elements make your outdoor space more functional, but it adds comfort and maintains your exterior's good visual condition by protecting the area from damage caused by extreme weather conditions.

Related: 16 Ways to Update Your Home to Prepare for Extreme Weather

Select Materials Carefully

"Consider your appetite for maintenance when choosing materials," Carr says. Material selections are not just about visual appeal, they greatly influence the time and cost investment in maintenance over time. "Some patio stones will require cleaning and sealing every year in order to maintain their appearance," Carr explains. Being informed is key to knowing what to expect and avoiding unexpected costs, so Carr's advice is: "Talk to your landscape architect about maintenance early and often during the design process."

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