A Small Driveway Gate Creates Curb Appeal

The driveway is often an overlooked part of the landscaping. Yet the driveway presents an entrance to the home, a literal transition between the street and the inner sanctum. A small driveway gate coupled with pretty landscaping creates a transition that welcomes guests and charms passersby. Fresh driveway design creates curb appeal.

Driveway Gate
The point of a driveway gate is to make the entrance charming, not forbidding. To that end, a gate that's smaller is more recommended. Wrought iron has been traditional for gate entrances for centuries. One option is to select classic black for the small driveway gate. This works well with traditional or historic homes. However, homeowners with more contemporary houses may prefer a color that complements the façade. Such gates come in several colors, such as granite gray, moss green, espresso brown and even straw-flower yellow.

Driveway Material
Concrete and asphalt are the standard materials for the driveway. However, brick and stone make for more decorative looks. Brick is beautiful in front of historic homes, while stone complements rustic houses. Concrete is a customizable material, and contractors can actually stamp and stain concrete slabs to resemble other materials. It's also possible to select concrete pavers and have them laid like brick or stone.

Central Plants
Homeowners who select pavers or other stones sometimes like to leave a strip between them free for planting. This gives the driveway a more casual appearance. Turf grasses are hardy enough to withstand the use. However, Irish moss provides a greener profile. Thyme is also hardy and adds scent as a sensory supplement to the entrance experience.

Border Plants
Another method for enhancing the entrance is with border plantings. Since these plants don't need to withstand walking or driving, homeowners traditionally make their choices based on visual appeal. Colorful flowers add a cheerful touch to the driveway. However, box hedges create a more formalized look to the entrance. An ornamental tree, such as Japanese maple, can provide both shade and beauty.

The combination of a driveway gate, a select driveway material and plantings create a house entrance with visual appeal.