The front entry and its accompanying walkway are some of the most important aspects of the perception of a home in Huntington and Stony Brook, NY. They can be the deciding factors for visitors and passersby in whether your home appears welcoming or not. In considering changes to these important aspects of your front yard, it’s important to keep updated about some of the most exciting things happening in landscape renovations and masonry. Here are some of our top trend picks for the year.
Related: 7 MASONRY PATIO IDEAS FOR A CLASSY LOOK IN NORTHPORT, NY
A Stepping Stone Walkway
Above all, a walkway should be a safe place to walk. Some walkways, however, were not built to last—while poured concrete will last for some time, it is vulnerable to freeze-thaw cycles. However, a well-built stepping stone walkway can be both practical, beautiful, and made to endure through many seasons.
Either large format pavers or natural stone slabs could serve as the makeup of the walkway, creating an elegant and contemporary look for the front yard. The gaps between each stone or paver in a front walkway could be relatively small, to prevent tripping hazards. Filling in these gaps with grass, ground covers, pebbles, or pea gravel can provide for a permeable surface.
Natural Stone Accents
Whether a home is built to a traditional and rustic style or a more modern and contemporary aesthetic, the look of natural stone can captivate both homeowners and their visitors when used for front entry and walkway applications. The uniqueness of each individual piece will make a stunningly original tapestry even when they’re just used as accents. Consider using the existing stone around your landscape as the inspiration for the color and texture of your natural stone-accented front entry and walkway.
Stone accents could include a walkway border; a low seat wall along the walkway; decorative pillars; or even a bespoke natural stone fountain.
Masonry with Integrated Outdoor Lighting
A walkway and front entry can provide a beautiful view during the daytime but lose their luster at night if proper landscape lighting is not put in place. LED light fixtures can be embedded into masonry features including walkway borders, pillars, or a retaining wall.
Retaining Wall
While most retaining walls are put in place to help control erosion, they have many other purposes including separating spaces of use or providing housing to outdoor light fixtures and more. The front yard is an excellent place for a tasteful retaining wall that takes cues from the masonry aesthetics of the home and landscape. It can help make a walkway feel welcoming if the wall is placed between the walkway and the landscape. A mortared wall can be built to support the weight of visitors if anyone should want to sit for a while as they walk toward your front door.
Pillars
Pillars can elevate a front entry by giving it a more substantial and “been there forever” look. A stone look can be chosen that is in proportion to the home and appears relevant to the area. For example, if you don’t live anywhere near a river, then river rock could potentially be an awkward choice; a better option could be stacked flagstone. If your front entry doesn’t have a covered area, these pillars could be topped with light fixtures, planters, or even a fire bowl or small water fountain for dramatic effect.
Related: 4 IDEAS TO INCORPORATE MASONRY IN YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE IN SETAUKET AND OYSTER BAY, NY
