The front entrance is one of the most important parts of a house’s landscape. It’s the area that the public sees while passing by and visitors get a close-up look whenever they approach the door. Landscaping features that surround the entryway can make all the difference in whether the area feels inviting or not. Whether you are looking for a quick fix to help you sell your home, or you just want a fresh look, this is the place to start when you consider home improvement projects.
Why is the front entrance landscape design so important? Every home owner can benefit from improved landscaping in terms of curb appeal and pride of ownership. Consider this fact: according to numerous studies by independent researchers, landscaping enhancements can raise your real estate’s value by at least fifteen percent.
DEFINE YOUR ENTRY
Whether you’re designing a front entrance, you should create a landscape that directs visitors to the entry and doesn’t require them having to walk across your lawn to reach the door. When planning your path, make it as comfortable as possible. Rule of thumb is ensuring that it is wide enough for two people to fit side-by-side or at least 4 feet wide. You can choose from a variety of paving materials, but it’s important to select a material that complements the rest of your landscape while standing out slightly to give the path definition. Brick, stone and concrete are the most common options, but wood or gravel are also a popular look.
While a path can help define a front entry, it’s also a good idea to add at least one focal point between the sidewalk and the entrance to further distinguish the entryway from the rest of the landscape. You can choose from a variety of options, but plantings are the most common.
HERE ARE SOME FRONT ENTRY IDEAS AND DESIGNS TO GIVE YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR A BEAUTIFUL AND UNIQUE APPEARANCE.
• Incorporate a walkway – nothing is more beautiful and welcoming than a walkway from the driveway to the front porch. Whether you go for brick, stone or concrete, it is a popular front entry design.
• Add potted plants and flowers – even if you don’t have a front porch, there are still plenty of great front entry ideas. Hang potted plants on either side of your door to accentuate the entrance, and make sure you use pots and plants of various sizes and shapes.
• Go for a natural look – you may be surprised at how different your front entrance looks by just adding a few boulders and rocks to the garden.
• Stairs – is your front yard on a slope? If you have to walk uphill to get to the front door, don’t feel limited in your design choices – just work with what you have! One of the most popular front entry ideas for this type of yard is a brick or stone stairway. It gives your home a welcoming appearance and visitors probably won’t even notice the hill!
• Koi ponds – A lot of people also turn to small little ponds or seating areas that will encourage people to spend more time on their front yard. Ponds can also bring a feeling of serenity to your yard, especially if you fill your ponds with fish.
• Put in a retaining wall – retaining walls are another great front entry landscaping idea for homes on a slope. However, a retaining wall can be used purely for aesthetic purposes as well. And they create a beautiful front entrance for any style home!
• Add Landscape Lighting– brighten your front entrance with landscape lighting, whether it’s a couple of lamp post on either side of the door or lining the walkway or adding a light fixture to the porch ceiling. This front entry landscaping design will not only add beauty to your front entrance but make it easier for your party guests to make their way to the front door at night!
Good landscape design can significantly improve your property’s appearance by adding warmth, curb appeal and personality. Every home should make a good first impression, and dressing up your front entrance is an excellent way. Hoot Landscape & Design can landscape your front entryway and give your front garden the perfect finishing touch.
