In designing the perfect front yard, you can look to masonry as a way to add dimension, functionality, and beauty. A paver driveway is one such component of your landscape that can be dramatically improved by masonry. There are many ways you can use masonry design and the expert touch of landscaping professionals to get the most out of your driveway and front yard. Here are six front entrance features that could complement your paver driveway in Wescosville, PA.
Stone Pillars
You can picture what it takes to make a grand and regal feeling as soon as you or your guests first roll on to your driveway. Whether or not they support a gate, stone pillars on either side of the entrance to the driveway will create a feeling of luxury and timelessness. You can mirror the driveway pillars at the entryway too, but in a smaller version that can house twin fountains, lights, or even fire for dramatic effect.
Front Gate
Homeowners install a front gate to their driveway primarily for security, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a beautiful entrance to be proud of. You can install an aluminum gate in either traditional or modern styles. Wood that’s reinforced with steel is also a great option. Depending on the pavers you use in your driveway, you’ll only need to match the feel of the stone materials when you choose the look of the front gate. You can also add flourishes to personalize the look.
Welcoming Lighting
Every driveway needs to have adequate lighting to be a safe place for vehicles and pedestrians. While this is the primary function of driveway lighting, there are plenty of ways in which you can create a welcoming feeling for your guests using creative lighting strategies. Welcoming lighting includes lights that are focused at the driveway’s surface as opposed to a bright floodlight that can blind drivers and cause an uncomfortable glare. You can also use spotlights to highlight the landscape features around the driveway, such as a retaining wall, trees, or other plantings. This will help create dimension and a sense of comfort since the well-lit driveway won’t be a stark contrast to an overly dark landscape.
The same lighting style could continue along the walkway with low-lying path lighting that focuses light energy onto the walking surface; and a variety of lighting strategies integrated into the landscaping to add dimension.
A Complementary Paver Walkway
Making the transition from the driveway to the front door can be a beautiful experience for your guests, if the walkway is given some design attention. You can use the same materials as on the driveway for a seamless look; or, use a different material and create a band of that same paver material that crosses the driveway with dramatic effect.
A Seating Wall
Give your guests an “embrace” by positioning a low seating wall along the outer edge of the front walkway, between the walkway and the landscaping. They will immediately feel that they’ve arrived. It’s also a great spot to house landscape lighting fixtures.
Masonry Planters
Continue with the same masonry theme throughout the front yard for a formal effect. Masonry planters along the driveway could be echoed in twin planters on either side of the front door. Fill them with a variety of flowers for cheerful seasonal color, and holiday decorations once the growing season has passed.
Related: 5 Landscape Tips for Your Paver Walkway and Paver Driveway in Wescosville, PA
