Every element of your landscaping is an opportunity to impress. The smallest details can take your outdoor space from good to great, highlighting areas that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Take your walkways, for example. A walkway can be solely functional, or you can add fun, unexpected details to help dress it up a little. If you’re aiming to kick your landscape design up a notch, it might be time to add a little pizzazz to your walkways. Here’s how.
Patterned pavers.
Getting creative with pavers can add some visual interest to your walkway. This could mean choosing pavers in varied colors or styles, or laying the pavers in unique or unexpected patterns (such as herringbone, five stone, stack bond, etc.). A professional landscape designer can help you choose the right options for your yard’s aesthetic.
Stenciled concrete.
Just as stenciled tile is having a moment in interior design, stenciled concrete is becoming increasingly popular outdoors. This is essentially painting a stenciled design onto concrete pavers, allowing you to add pattern and color to your walkway. With a little patience, the right products, and careful application, this could even be a DIY project, but consider hiring a professional in order to get quality, long-lasting results.
Lighting.
Lighting can make all the difference along a walkway. Not only do lights add visual interest to a walkway, but they also make it more functional and safe at night. When you think of a lit pathway, you probably think of small stakes in the ground that light a small area of the pathway. While this is a great option, it’s not the only one. You can also consider in-ground lights (that lay flush with your pavers), rope lights, tall lamp posts, or lights hanging from nearby walls or trees.
Greenery.
Lining your pathway with hedges, flowering plants, or thick bushes on either side can create a defined, whimsical space that looks beautiful.
Steps.
If your walkway is on a slope, consider adding steps to it, rather than keeping it sloped or angled. This adds a cleaner look to your walkway and makes it look intentionally designed.
Layout.
Play with the shape and layout of your walkway. While a straight path creates a more modern look, a more winding, curvy walkway can create something a little more cozy and homey. It all depends on the look you are trying to create.
Walkways are excellent functional features in any yard, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play with their design. Dress up your walkways using one of these tips, and enjoy a yard that feels more intentional, polished, and beautiful.
