A more beautiful, more welcoming front yard can not only make an impression to first-time visitors but give you a daily delight as a homeowner in the Riverhead and Hamptons, NY areas. To enhance your front yard landscape to become a more attractive and inviting place to be, here are some tips.
Related: 4 MASONRY FEATURES TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR FRONT YARD LANDSCAPING IN THE SAG HARBOR, NY AREA
Focus on the Entryway
The path to your front door is the first interaction anyone has with your home. Make this journey pleasant and inviting with a paver walkway in warm tones, surrounded by vibrant, colorful flowers or well-trimmed shrubs. The path should be well-lit for safety and accessibility during the evening hours, in addition to having an ambient, welcoming glow. An arched trellis or a series of masonry planters can also add visual interest to your entryway.
Choose a Focal Point
Just like any form of good design, a well-landscaped front yard should have a focal point. This could be a majestic tree, artistic masonry, a vibrant flower bed, a water feature, or even your home’s front door. By directing attention to one main element, you can create a more organized and visually pleasing landscape
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Create Year-round Interest
Aim to have elements in your front yard that keep it attractive all year round. Choose a combination of perennials, annuals, and shrubs that offer visual interest across different seasons. Ornamental grasses, evergreen shrubs, and trees with interesting bark can add color and texture during winter months.
Embrace Symmetry
Symmetry tends to be pleasing to the eye and creates a sense of balance and order. Consider using symmetrical plantings or masonry elements on either side of your front walkway or entryway. However, keep in mind that too much symmetry might make your landscape look formal and rigid. For a more relaxed feel, you could opt for a balance of form rather than perfect symmetry.
Maintain Your Landscape
Even the most beautifully designed front yard will lose its appeal without proper maintenance. Regularly mow your lawn, trim your hedges, and weed your flower beds. Fresh mulch can add a finished look to your garden beds, while also suppressing weeds and retaining moisture for your plants.
Add a Touch of Fragrance
Fragrant flowers or shrubs near your front door can add an extra layer of welcome to your entrance. Consider planting jasmine, lavender, or gardenias. Not only will they delight your guests, but they'll also make coming home a more enjoyable experience for you.
Pay Attention to Color
Color can dramatically affect the mood of your landscape. Warm colors like red, yellow, and orange are vibrant and energetic, while cool colors like blue, green, and purple are soothing and calming. You could also consider designing for seasonal color—spring bulbs, summer perennials, fall foliage, and winter berries can all contribute to a year-round color scheme.
Install Outdoor Lighting
Good outdoor lighting enhances safety, but it can also add a warm and welcoming ambiance. Consider a combination of path lights, spotlights to highlight architecture or plants, and ambient lighting for the front porch or outdoor sitting areas.