When you drive up to your house, what is the first thought that pops into your mind? Is it “Ahhh I’m home” (accompanied by a little tingle because you love the way your front yard looks)? Or is it more like “Ugh. I need to trim those overgrown shrubs…again. And I really need to do something about that front walk because it’s a pain to get to the front door”. If it’s the latter, then it’s time to update. A freshly designed walkway and front entrance is the perfect way to add that wow factor to the front of your home. If properly designed, a front entry will complement the architecture of your home, be low maintenance as well as be safe and functional. It should add value to your home and make you glad you had it installed every time you come home.
A Cincinnati residence is updating their curb appeal this fall
Here are three areas to consider when renovating your front entry:
1. Form - Consider the architecture of your home and your personal style. Are you looking for sleek modern lines or cozy and curvy? Knowing what suits your home’s architecture and your style allows the designer to create the layout that you’ll fall in love with. We find that many homeowners like their walkways and entrances to stand out so we incorporate crisp lines with decorative borders. Paving stone inlays are often used to increase the detail and provide scale. The front entrance should complement the home, your taste, and flow seamlessly with the overall landscape.
Before - This Beavercreek residence have overgrown plantings and a boring concrete stoop
After - A paver landing and walk with columns and fresh plantings make this entrance practical as well as warm and inviting
2. Function - Function is the most important design element. Functional walkways provide a smooth easy transition from driveways and sidewalks to the front door. They should provide ample space to get in and out of cars without the need for stepping in the grass or mud. They provide spaces to see guests off. They are safe and easy to traverse for aging adults and young children. We always recommend adding landscape lighting to increase the ease of movement in the evenings and early mornings.
Before - This Cincinnati home was utterly lacking in curb appeal
After - New landscape plantings and a custom cedar porch make this home welcoming and unique
3. Accent Elements - Once the movement patterns are addressed, it’s time to consider additional elements such as landscaping, screens and arbors, lighting, columns, and benches. Utilizing these details is a great way to personalize the design of your new entrance. Creating the one-of-a-kind welcoming experience is rewarding for our homeowners and doing it professionally adds significant value to the home.
A Kettering residence with a paver walk that flows into the driveway, making it easier to transition from the car to the front door.
If you’re interested in starting the design process for your home’s new front entry, we’d love to help you. We enjoy creating entrances with that wow factor that our clients can enjoy for years to come!