Nothing says "Welcome to our home" like a beautiful, well-landscaped, and properly designed walkway.
The right walkway goes far to enhance a home's curb appeal and create a more inviting space. In fact, our own Terry McMahon says that, "A walkway is part of a home's entryway and when properly designed, can change the overall look of the house. It should complement the driveway because it is often the connector between the driveway and front door. The walkway can revitalize the front yard by providing new visual focus, especially when bordered by plantings and garden beds." McMahon also stresses the importance of expanding the front entrance hardscape when possible to open up the entry and create an outdoor foyer feeling.
McMahon shares these key points to designing front entryways:
o Consider how to get from the driveway to the house -- location, dimensions and materials of the walkway are important.
o The walkway is a transition point between driveway and front steps.
o Flare it so it opens up and creates a more expansive feeling.
o Entering the walkway should be simple. It should have a curve, and be at least 4 feet wide and wheelchair accessible.
While in the planning stages, McMahon recommends that homeowners address the following issues:
· Property slope: this determines the number and spacing of necessary risers.
· Pitch: make sure water flows away from the house and off the stone.
· Type of stone: walkway stones should have a smooth surface with minor texture.
· Lighting: for safety and aesthetics, light up the treads at a change in grade or step, and add lighting along the path. Other options include up lighting and overhead lighting from the roof to enhance the home's architecture.
· Plantings: from the head of the walkway to the end and all along the path, plantings tie together the overall front yard look and create strong curb appeal.
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