The Importance of Driveway Design
The driveway deserves attention. It’s the first thing people drive, walk, or bike on as they pull up to the home. Like a tattered, washed-out old doormat at the front entry, a cracked driveway with weeds popping through gives off the impression of an unkempt home. It takes away from all the other beauty and well-managed features. That’s why it’s important to put thought into a driveway design that speaks to the level of care you give everywhere else.
With a little research and preparation, you can add plenty of curb appeal to curved or straight driveways. These 10 creative driveway ideas will have the neighbors knocking for advice.
Weed-Free Brick
Brick is an aesthetic old as time. A wide, circular driveway filled with bricks feels like something out of the history books. The look will set the tone for a charming home that’s filled with its own past. Keep it clean and weed-free with a little prep work.
Spray weeds with an herbicide a few weeks before laying the bricks, then hit any live ones again a week later. Or lay landscape fabric or polymeric sand below the bricks.
Related: How to Seal a Driveway
Tar, Chip, and Pavers Driveway
Creating contrast provides dimension that will make for a grandiose driveway. This concept offsets a beautiful brick home with bright, lush greenery that’s complemented by a large tar and chip driveway. The beautiful border of pavers tops it all off for a truly luxurious look.
Stone Edge
Another way to add dimension is to offset a long brick driveway with a different material. This creative concept highlights the beautiful brick by outlining the driveway with a light layer of stone. A locally sourced, contrasting stone border can make all the difference in how much a brick driveway pops.
Fancy Driveway
Turn the driveway into a fancy hotel entrance! Hotels do a wonderful job of setting the scene, not only with a thoughtful driveway design, but with the landscape around it. Adding tall greenery encapsulates the road for a magical and elegant feeling as guests drive up—and even can cast a little shade.
Cobblestone
Cobblestone is quaint, yet chic. It’s reminiscent of European towns filled with history, while bringing a timeless attribute to well-designed landscapes. Create driveway curb appeal by adding a touch of historic charm with this cobblestone look. Plus, cobblestone adds texture to the look and even some pleasant sound as tires pass over.
Related: A Brief History of Cobblestones
Exposed Aggregate
Crushed concrete, also called concrete aggregate, is an ideal material for those looking for a unique and attractive driveway. It’s budget-friendly, offers a versatile appearance that will look good in any environment or with just about any architectural style, and it’s easy to install! Plus, use of the recycled material gives driveways curb appeal in a more eco-friendly way than pouring a new concrete pad.
Wikimedia Commons via Deccon Concrete Restoration
Indian Stone Driveway
The ideal driveway is both durable and presentable. Finding a unique material to catch the eye can take this important home entry to the next level. One material that fits the bill is Indian sandstone. The look is beautifully textured, the color choices are plentiful, and it’s naturally slip resistant, a bonus when juggling keys, bags, and groceries on a wet day.
Go-To Gravel
A gravel driveway adds a textured appearance to the home for a look that says “rustic plus well-kept.” Offset the muted appearance of the ground by lining the driveway with rich flower beds or colorful shrubs for added dimension.
Asphalt Driveway
Go for a classic look by installing an asphalt driveway. It provides a crisp and clean appearance to match nearly any home’s style. It’s also budget-friendly, easy to install, and holds up in extreme hot and cold weather conditions alike. Add a little flare with stone edges and some lush green plants.
Related: What’s the Difference? Concrete vs. Asphalt Driveways
Stamped Concrete
Add dimension to the driveway by installing stamped concrete. The pattern-imprinted design replicates the look of stones. It comes in a wide variety of patterns and color choices, and proves an affordable paving option that requires less maintenance than other materials. For one, it will stay put; there’s no need to reset loose stones that migrate after a year or so.
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