FRESH DESIGN IDEAS FOR YOUR DRIVEWAY

The driveway is the major access point of any home. A well-designed driveway harmonises with the house and facilitates access and aesthetic enjoyment. Using paving, rather than concrete or bitumen, allows the greatest choice in terms of paving materials and colours.

Paved

Paved driveways are generally cheaper than concrete or bitumen driveways. The myriad of choice in paving materials allows owners to choose paving of any size, design or colour to match the character of homes. Sandstone pavers are one of the most popular paving materials for home and commercial property level driveways. Creative paving can be used to introduce innovative colours and shapes to any level driveway (see below).

Using Borders

Using different coloured borders to offset paved driveways enhances the colours of the materials used. Warm colours can be contrasted against cooler shades and light coloured driveways can benefit from a strong coloured border. Other than a perimeter border, you can use zigzag, diagonal or circular lines to cut across different sections of the driveway, or to match any geometric shapes in the paving.

Straight and Circular Driveways

The shape of a driveway can markedly change the appearance of a property from the street. Driveways can be shaped with the use of rigid, straight or circular paths. Circular driveways can be used to set off the house, along with other features such as a landscaped garden, fountains or large, decorative trees, especially if space isn’t a problem.

Focal Points

While the garage door and the main entrance to the house are natural focal points, other simple ideas, such as a geometric pattern, a fountain, or a raised landscaped patch, can make a driveway more aesthetically appealing. Other ideas include a row of plants in ornamental pots, staircases to the main entrance or a bordered rock garden.

Landscaping and Features

Plant colours can be chosen to match the driveway paving. Driveways with lots of colour activity and geometric shaping would probably harmonise best with minimalist or very natural garden landscaping. Rich colours from trees and flowers can warm up driveways with darker outdoor pavers. Landscaping can be used to create height and depth to gardens.

Mixing Colours and Shapes

Paving can be uniform in colour or mixed and matched to bring an eclectic look to driveways. Random patterns and geometric shapes are commonly used effectively for a more unique appearance. Some examples include straight square-celled tiles aligned in neat rows with grass freely growing in between and paving arranged in large stars, circles, or diamond and diagonals.

Swirl Patterns

Swirl patterns involve patches of tiles that are arranged in a way to give off a startling visual effect. Depending on the intensity of paving colours, the swirl patterns can be highly noticeable or more subtle.

Diagonals

Paving arranged in diagonal lines tends to be dramatic, bringing lots of attention to the driveway and setting off the beauty of the paving colours. They can suit large or narrow driveways.

Shapes within Shapes

Geometric shapes can be enclosed within borders or other shapes for maximum impact. Contrasting colours are usually used for borders and larger shapes.