A pergola added to a three-tier deck in 2020 provides perfect shade at the patio doors of this backyard oasis. With the barbecue tucked in next to a privacy wall it was the perfect setup — until the ...

Front porches are a good place to talk to neighbors, and back porches are good places to escape them. Back porches are also nice spots to meditate, read books, and experience all the joys of solitude.