The exterior of your home says a lot about your style. The design provides a preview of what people can expect when they walk inside. Your outdoor design can make your home the showcase of the neighborhood and give you a great sense of pride each time you pull in the driveway.
Dress Up the Driveway
Your driveway can be an element of your exterior design. Instead of paving the driveway with black asphalt or concrete, use blocks of flagstone or slate, which add color and texture and can be laid out in an interesting pattern. Another option is to line the driveway with colored gravel. If you prefer black pavement, line the driveway with colored bricks or create a focal point by having a design added in the center with bricks, rocks or slate.
A Walkway
Make the walkway that leads to your front door visually interesting by creating a path of circular stepping stones, which can be purchased from a home improvement store. Create your own mosaic tile stepping stones from a kit that can be purchased at a craft store. Slate cut in different sizes and shapes can be used to guide your way. Plant moss, phlox or other types of small ground-cover plants between the pieces of slate.
Mulch It
Make your yard look neat and clean with mulch. There are many types of mulch to choose from. It comes in a variety of colors, from red to brown to black. It can be made of wood chips or rubber. Whatever type of mulch you choose, use it to encircle your trees and place it in flower beds. It covers up the dirt and deters unsightly weeds from growing. Mulch is also beneficial to trees and plants because it helps to hold in water.
Dress Up the Door
A door is the portal to your home. Make it welcoming and noticeable to guests by dressing it up. Paint it in a color that complements your style and the color of the rest of your home, or paint it a color that stands out. A red door is a sign of welcome and lends itself to a colonial look. A bright turquoise door works well if you live in a tropical location. Add house numbers that are interesting and are easily visible from the road. For example, have them carved into a large rock and illuminated with a spotlight, or have them carved out of wood in whimsical shapes. Incorporate lighting that welcomes visitors in the evening and allows you to easily find your way in. A lantern creates a rustic look; an outdoor chandelier can be used for a dramatic look.
Plant Containers
Container gardens are a memorable way to bring color and interest to your yard. They are ideal for adding a pop of color on your front steps or they can be used to line walkways. Container gardens are an excellent option if you do not want to commit to a flower bed. Container gardens do not have to be planted in the typical terra cotta pots; you can turn almost any object into a container garden. Old toolboxes, wheelbarrows and containers constructed out of natural elements, such as tree branches, can be used. Before planting in these containers, drill small holes to allow for water drainage. Fill the container with potting soil and plant whatever flowers and plants your heart desires.
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