What kind of first impression does your front entrance make? Is it as filled with character as you are? Does it offer a warm welcome? Or is it fairly dull and looking dated? A few modifications can make all the difference and boost your home’s curb appeal. Here’s how masonry can add character to a front entrance in Port Jefferson, NY.
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Be Clear Where to Go
Masonry pillars topped with attractive light fixtures give a clear sense of entry. Use these at the beginning of a walkway—where it meets the driveway or sidewalk—to define the space in a very elegant way.
Turn the Walkway Into a Functional Work of Art
A walkway can be simultaneously utilitarian and beautiful. Using natural stone or concrete pavers greatly expands your decorating options. Consider a single color for a sophisticated walkway, or mix several colors for a unique and relaxed look.
Shapes, sizes and laying patterns are aspects that can be chosen specifically to complement your home’s architecture while giving the walkway its own personality and charm. Many old-school walkways are a straight shot from the driveway to the front door. For a more relaxed look that invites people to linger and admire the landscaping, consider a curved walkway. This avoids using a laying pattern that says “Hurry up” to visitors.
Enclosing a walkway with a low wall along its outer perimeter gives a sense of enclosure. This also lets you incorporate low voltage landscape lighting fixtures into the wall itself, to minimize clutter while beautifully illuminating the walkway for safety and security. Complete the look with low shrubs that bring softness to the design without blocking the view.
A Warm Landing
A landing is an opportunity to give your front entrance more of a welcoming presence. At the end of the walkway by the front door, a wider landing with a comfortable bench or seating wall, a bubbling fountain, a birdbath, a sculpture, or colorful planters bursting with cheerful flowers will offer a warm welcome to visitors.
Steps to an Elegant Entryway
The steps leading to the front door add character to an entryway. Natural cut stone steps can be smooth or rough cut depending on the look you want to achieve. Stone gives your front entry a more substantial presence and adds elegance.
Symmetry is one of the hallmarks of an elegant entryway. Masonry planters on either side of the steps and at the front door can be used to add seasonal color and holiday cheer.
Ground Level Entry Solutions
An entryway doesn’t have to be defined by a raised area. You can still use masonry to make it beautiful—by making a strong statement with walkway pavers, retaining walls, lighted pillars and planters, a ground-level entryway will gain more of a presence.
Front Porch Supports
If your home has a front porch supported by wood columns, consider adding a stone veneer base to give the front porch greater visual appeal.
Stone Mailbox
You could surround your mailbox with stone that matches the materials used on retaining walls, planters, and light pillars.
Even though most people enter their homes through the side door by the driveway, you might just be inspired to use the front door more often when the walk to get there is so beautiful!