When assessing one’s landscaping options, it’s easy to overlook the most important part of the entire property — the driveway. Many people priorities patios, planting trees and flowers and built in seating for the gazebo. Driveways are undoubtedly essential but oft neglected.
Instead of glossing over that asphalt strip, why not use it as an opportunity combine utilitarian design, and merge functionality with aesthetics? There are many things to do to your driveway and garage to make them a seamless part of the outdoor image you want to foster. Not to mention, something so practical and attractive will drastically raise the retail value on your home — Money Magazine reported that landscaping can bring a recovery value of up to 200% at selling time.
If you are at a loss for how to make your driveway look awesome, check out these three tips!
Line It
Get rid of the boring black asphalt and line your driveway with stylish bricks. Go for the terracotta if you’re feeling more of a classic vibe, but if you decide to go for a more modern look, make sure to choose bold colors and even patterns. Hiring an artist to cobble together a mosaic-like arrangement that forms an image as your drive up the path will surely impress your guests before they even walk in the door.
Make an island
Circular driveways offer a prime opportunity to showcase a little exhibit of landscaping. An arrangement of rocks, trees, pottery, flowers, and ferns can make an impressive stand-alone piece. Feel free to use props (old wagons, sleds, animal horns) to make the space all the more impressive. Remember, when buying plants, never purchase them when they are in full bloom!
Light it Up
Just like outdoor walkways warrant outdoor lighting, so does a driveway. Light up the edges of your driveway so that people can see where they are going when they leave and arrive. To give it an extra flair, consider investing in multicolored light spaces near colorful, blooming plants, to create an artistic and ethereal vibe.
Another thing to keep in mind is the strategic planting of trees — the USEPA notes that trees can reduce bothersome noise by up to 50% and can mask unwanted noises with pleasant sounds, so a thoughtfully placed tree near your driveway could work to keep the noise of the car from infiltrating your home too much. Driveways have so much to offer — don’t overlook yours!
