They say you never get a second chance at making a first impression. For Sarasota homeowners, that means working to achieve a curb appeal that is welcoming and pleasant for friends and family – as well as to be a good neighbor.
We often think of landscaping and home maintenance when it comes to implementing a more aesthetically pleasing curb appeal, and the driveway may not immediately come to mind. However, a well- designed driveway can add beauty, sophistication and function to your custom home – and should be as carefully considered as the rest of your plans.
How to Customize Your Driveway
Driveways seem quite mundane, don’t they? But think about it – your driveway is the official entranceway to your property, greeting guests and welcoming you home at the end of a long day. Whether you require more room or more flair, your driveway is a blank slate with unlimited potential. Here are just a few ideas which will give your driveway a personal touch:
- Capture the Character of Your Home: If you have a luxury Longboat Key home with a gate, add to the sophistication by lining the driveway with towering palms or vibrant , flowering hibiscus. If your Sarasota cottage is quaint and traditional, consider a cobblestone driveway. If your beach house exudes all the vibes of surf and sand, consider a crushed shell drive to welcome everyone in. These driveways extend the design of your home, creating a comprehensive look and feel.
- Build Anticipation: If you have a beautiful property with old Florida charm, consider a winding driveway to show off the ponds, oak trees, and Spanish moss. You can also position your driveway so that it meanders to the front of your home, giving privacy from the street.
- Make Entertaining Easy: If you love to entertain, there are many ways to make life easier for your guests. You may consider a circular drive in front of the home, with a portico to allow guests to be dropped off if it is raining. This also makes it easier to exit, as they can travel around the circle and head back down the driveway. This is a popular feature for delivery trucks! You may also want to construct wide areas of your driveway to allow for parking along the sides while still allowing other cars to pass; as well as giving cars a wide turning radius when necessary.
- Add an Architectural Element: If you do go for a circular driveway, consider an architectural element in the center. Although many choose fountains, you can also opt for statuaries, stone monoliths, or even a sitting garden with benches and tropical flowers. Stone columns are also an elegant way to line your driveway and guide your guests to your home.
- Be Illuminating: If you do have a long or winding driveway, consider lighting to help your guests easily see the twists and turns. There are a myriad of options, from lanterns on shepherd’s hooks, to solar lamps, to light posts. Again, use the style and design of your home to inspire you!
- Channel Your Inner Artist: No matter the length of your driveway you can design an aesthetically unique driveway with stamped concrete, inlaid tile mosaics, or rustic pavers, While some homeowners may have to approve with their HOA, there are hundreds of design options available to those looking to customize the look of their home.
From lighting fixtures to color palettes, designing your own home with a custom home builder allows you to freely choose those features which make you happy. At Lindahl Construction, we are dedicated to building the home of your dreams – and to giving you a beautiful way to arrive. Call us today for more ideas and inspiration for your Longboat Key or Sarasota home.