Creating Warm Welcomes with Front Entrances and Walkways

Your walkway and front entrance unifies the landscaping and architecture of your home, and invites friends and family in. Here are some helpful design ideas to make a grand entrance that leaves a lasting first impression.

Design a united front

Your walkway and entrance should complement the architectural elements of your home.

For example, if your home has brick accents, a concrete paver walkway with a brick border would create a cohesive path to your front door. If your home’s façade features organic stone or warm earthy tones, consider a paver that emulates natural stone for your walkway like Richcliff for your entranceway.

Straight or curvy?

The route of your walkway can be direct or meander softly to accommodate some of the elements of your front lawn such as water features, trees and gardens. Typically, a straight walkway is best for small front yards, while a curved walkway can add design interest to a home with a large front garden. Another consideration in deciding whether to go straight or curvy is the style of your home. A traditional Colonial or Victorian-style home calls for a straight entry walkway that draws the eye to the front door. If your home is a ranch, bungalow or Mediterranean style, an informal, curved path is the best option. Be careful not to overdo the curves or visitors will take shortcuts through your front lawn.

Go wide

Whether your walkway leads from the street to the front door or from the driveway to the front door, you want to allow for at least two people to walk comfortably side-by-side. Four feet is the minimum width for a front walkway, but five feet is preferable. If your walkway is alongside your driveway, it should be at least 16 feet long to allow easy access from a parked car.

Create a safe space

In addition to making your entrance area visually appealing, keep your visitors’ safety in mind. You want to do what you can to avoid slips and falls. Uneven stepping stones and gravel can be tricky to maneuver, especially in wintry or icy conditions. Choose pavers that have a non-slip surface such as Unilock EnduraColor products. If you use salt to melt ice, be sure that your pavers are resistant to de-icing products. Read our Winter Maintenance blog for the best tips and tricks on this. Have ample lighting features such as pillars and light fixtures in your entranceway and install low lights that follow the line of your path. Your guests will appreciate your efforts.

Make a grand entrance

Enhance the curb appeal of your home by dressing up your front entrance and walkway with planter boxes made with a Unilock wall product such as U-Cara for colorful flower beds. Add pillars for an element of elegance. Create distinct “rooms” with low half walls that double as seating overlooking your gardens.

There’s no nicer way to say “welcome” than a meandering pathway that leads to an inviting front entrance. Let a Unilock Authorized Contractor help you bring your vision to life.