Your driveway is one of the first things that anyone will notice when approaching your home. Its primary function is to give easy access and parking but if used properly, it can also enhance the look and welcoming of your home. Even a simple driveway can be an integral part of the exterior of your property with the right materials, colors, patterns and landscaping.
For people with existing driveways Formby who are looking to upgrade or people who would like to build a new driveway, there are a number of design concepts to take into consideration.
Choose a Surface That Complements Your Home
The type of driveway material that you choose will have a big impact on your home’s look. There are a number of alternatives to block paving such as gravel, resin bound and others which can produce very different effects.
Block paving, for instance, can be used to incorporate a variety of patterns and colors, while gravel can create a more subdued and classic look. Resin bound surfaces can provide a modern, smooth surface to create a contemporary look, which is especially suitable for modern properties.
When selecting the materials, think about what they will look like when combined with your brick, walls, windows and other exterior design elements. The driveway should complement, but not detract from, these.
Add Character with Edging and Borders
A well-placed edging can add to the elegance of any driveway, giving it a more polished and professional look. It can be very clear to demarcate the driveway and surrounding area by using paving blocks, kerbs or decorative stones.
It’s also important for homeowners to think about how the driveway will fit into the overall design of the garden, and how it can be used to enhance the entrance. The driveway could also be designed with a certain pattern or texture to complement the color scheme of the house. Homeowners may also want to consider what type of pattern or texture they want their driveway to have, to help match the color scheme of the house, or how they want it to fit in with the overall design of the garden.
It is not necessary to make elaborate borders. Using a contrasting strip around the edges can provide structure and can help to delineate between areas where there are lawns/flowers and parking areas.
Incorporate Landscaping
Another way to improve kerb appeal is to integrate your driveway and landscape into one. Large paved areas can be broken up by plants, shrubs and flower beds and add color and texture.
Consider adding a space on the driveway into a planting or raised bed area in the design scheme. Year-round structure can be provided by evergreen shrubs and changing colors all year round by seasonal flowers. The important thing is to achieve balance. All paved driveways can be hard or plain, and over-planted driveways can be too crowded.
Consider Patterns and Color
A driveway cannot be a continuous stripe or solid color. Complementary colors can be used to add interest into a design without appearing overpowering. In the case of block paving, for example, various configurations can create parking spaces, borders or pathways. Some subtle color combinations will also help to integrate the driveway with the other brickwork or other elements of the outside of the house, however.
Think About Lighting
Outdoor lights can help illuminate the driveway at night, and can also help with navigability. For creating a welcoming space, without having lights too bright, you can use lights on path or along borders. Wall lights, recessed driveway lights or soft garden lights are all good ways to achieve a well-planned exterior.
Create a Balanced Entrance
When designing a driveway, it is more important to decide what look you want to create than simply choosing a pretty surface! The most successful results will be obtained by conceiving a driveway, a garden and an entrance and a house as a single design. Knowing about the right materials to use, the right boundaries to establish, the right landscaping, the right color scheme, and the right lighting can help to create an inviting yet functional entrance. For further information, contact us today and our team will be glad to assist.
