13th July 2020 / Prue Fletcher: Architecture & Design: Behind the Picket Fence

Few facades evoke as many feelings of a peaceful neighbourhood and happy families as the iconic picket fence. Simple in style, the picket fence is perfect for creating a boundary around your home with the added benefit of improving your street appeal and keeping little feet and furry friends safely at bay.

The classic picket fence has proudly represented the Eastern suburbs streetscape for more than a century and it's come a long way since the inexpensive palings sourced during the post war, serving as not only a watchful guard but as a heating source for many families as they burned them to stay warm during those long stretches across Winter.

Nowadays, the nostalgia remains firmly embedded within our suburban sidewalks; a small chronicle of our architectural heritage. Nevertheless, the increasing modernisation of our homes paves way for new innovations in the design and development of our fences and perimeters.

Taking into consideration the architecture of one's home, there are a variety of design options on the market which will impact the overall look and appeal of your property.

Here are my top tips:

1. Peaking in the 1920s, the traditional picket fence will always have its place standing guard for many post-war homes which line the streets of the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. These work just as well with heritage designs, such as the Californian Bungalow, Victorian and Edwardian styles. Adding a gate with some scalloped edging or some cross faced detailing also makes for an inviting entrance.
2. Steel fencing is cost-effective, low-maintenance, durable and if you select the right spacing and add some spears, it can be a stylish option which compliments both Art Deco and Post-War architecture beautifully.
3. A living fence. Deciding on a hedge as either a facade or boundary fence, can be a great way to solve your fencing problems as well as expand your green space. They work beautifully to break up harder materials and if you are limited on garden space can also serve as the perfect solution! If you are unsure what will work well in your area, try walking the neighbouring streets to see what plants are doing well!

Whether you decide on traditional, classic fencing or something with a little more flair, each home's façade tells its own architectural story.

Now more than ever, first impressions are everything and in the age where our attention spans are often measured by the seconds in which we scroll, tap, swipe or click, not only is every potential buyer a hard-earned victory, but every detail counts for something.