Landscaping & Driveway Design: 10 Ideas to Boost Your Curb Appeal

Barrow Landscapes
Jun 29
3 min read

Updated: Jul 8

Your driveway is more than just a path to your garage—it's one of the first things people notice about your home. A well-designed driveway adds character, functionality, and serious curb appeal to your property. If you’re looking to refresh your exterior and make a lasting first impression, landscaping your driveway is a great place to start.

Here are 10 inspiring driveway design ideas to help transform your entryway from basic to beautiful:

1. Paver Driveway with Border Accents

Pavers come in a variety of colors, shapes, and materials, making them one of the most customizable driveway options. Add a contrasting border or patterned edge to frame the space and give it a polished, elegant look.

2. Stamped Concrete for a Stone Look

Stamped concrete mimics the texture of natural stone or brick without the higher cost. It's durable, low-maintenance, and adds a decorative touch to an otherwise plain surface.

3. Gravel with Stepping Stone Inlays

For a rustic or cottage-style home, gravel driveways can be both functional and charming. Add stepping stone inlays or stone strips for vehicle tires to define the path and reduce gravel displacement.

4. Green Strip Driveway

Incorporate grass or ground cover strips between concrete or stone slabs to soften the hardscape. This eco-friendly option helps with drainage and adds a natural touch to your driveway design.

5. Cobblestone for a Timeless Appeal

Cobblestone driveways are known for their classic, old-world charm. Though more expensive and labor-intensive, they’re incredibly durable and can make your home look historic and high-end.

6. Brick Driveway for Warm, Traditional Vibes

A brick driveway offers a warm, traditional feel and pairs well with colonial or craftsman-style homes. Choose herringbone or basketweave patterns to elevate the visual interest.

7. Curved Driveway with Landscaping Beds

Instead of a straight line to the garage, opt for a curved driveway. It allows for more creative landscaping—add planting beds, trees, or decorative rocks along the curve to create depth and character.

8. Lighting Along the Driveway

Install low-voltage landscape lighting along the edges of your driveway to enhance visibility and style. Lights not only add safety but also create a welcoming glow in the evenings.

9. Decorative Gravel Borders or Edging

Framing your driveway with gravel or river rock edging can make it pop while helping with water runoff and defining the boundary of the space.

10. Driveway Gate with Custom Hardscaping

For added security and curb appeal, consider installing a decorative gate. Pair it with custom stone columns, fencing, or even a small pergola to make a bold statement at the entrance.

Upgrade Your Driveway with Expert Landscaping

Whether you're building a new driveway or refreshing an existing one, our team can help you combine hardscape and landscape elements to create a welcoming, stylish entrance to your home.

Looking for a free consultation on driveway or sidewalk ideas? Let’s talk curb appeal. Contact Barrow Landscapes today for a consultation and bring your driveway design ideas to life!

Barrow Landscapes’ team specializes in creating low-maintenance, high-impact landscapes with native and ornamental grasses. Whether you’re dreaming of a soft privacy wall or a modern container arrangement, we can help bring your vision to life.

Barrow Landscapes services Metamora, Germantown Hills, Peoria, East Peoria, Washington, Morton and surrounding areas. Contact Barrow Landscapes for all your landscaping needs.

Barrow Landscapes offers Hardscapes including Paver Walkways, Retaining Walls, Paver Patios to Softscapes including landscape plantings, lawn install and repair, and privacy plantings. Barrow Landscapes also offers landscape lighting and 2D and 3D landscape designs so their clients’ can visualize their dream landscapes with unparalleled clarity and confidence, making informed decisions bringing outdoor visions to life.