Making a grand entrance: The driveway is the entrance way to your home. Driveways can be decorative to match the exterior of a home or simpler in design depending on your style. Well-built driveways act as a practical solution for people, including yourself, to enter your home. Therefore, it is vital to consider the design of your driveway so it not only looks good, but is functional as well.
In many homes, the driveway is the main access route to the entrance of the home. Considering the design, size, and color will definitely help to enhance the overall look and feel of your home and provide you with an area you'll be proud of for many years to come.
If you are considering building a new driveway or upgrading your existing one, there are a few important design and layout decisions which should be taken into consideration.
Selection of Materials of Walkways and Pavements
Firstly, which material do you intend to use? There are many materials on the market that can be used for driveways, including concrete, asphalt, decorative brick, cobblestone, paving, gravel, and granite. We recommend you base your decision on what you like and what will suit your home exterior.
Another decision would be what size you would like your driveway. It's also essential to consider other aspects of your front garden, such as fences, garden beds, grass, pebbles, and trees, to see if any of these elements will interfere with or affect the design of your driveway.
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At night, your driveway should be easily accessible with the right amount of lighting. Running lights along a path to the front entrance creates a welcoming feel. Flood lighting is also great for highlighting specific areas of your home or outdoor space and enhances security, as adequate lighting can discourage thieves and reduce accidents.
Determination of the Width of the Main Walkway
A driveway may start from the road or street and lead to a path that takes you to the main door or wind its way to the garage. If entertaining is something you do regularly, you may consider a wider driveway to allow more people to walk on it simultaneously.
Selection of the Walkway Shape
The selection of the driveway shape may seem straightforward, but it depends on factors like yard size and dimensions. Most people prefer a straight driveway from the street to the front door, but a curved driveway adds artistic beauty. For Colonial or Victorian homes, a straight driveway complements the formal style, while a curved driveway adds beauty and class to ranch-styled or Mediterranean-inspired homes.
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Straight driveways often highlight the main door, while curved ones add an informal touch, especially fitting for homes with more casual styles.
