Make The Right Impression With Better Front Garden Design
While you may not give it much thought, your front garden matters. Your front garden is the first impression people get of your home, so you want to make an impact.
The front garden is the first thing people see when they enter your home. Whether you are trying to impress potential buyers or want your home to reflect you well, front garden design is vital.
Even if you are limited on space in the front, this is no excuse for poor design choices as there are clever ways you can maximise landscapes of all sizes.
Ideal Building & Landscapes are local landscaping experts who can help you achieve the outdoor space of your dreams. While a lot of our work focuses on back gardens and larger landscapes, we appreciate the value of a well-designed front garden and are sharing the best tips to improve front garden design in this post.
Start With A Plan: The Key To Good Front Garden Design
We all understand how vital planning is to a successful project. From smaller landscaping jobs to complete garden makeovers, taking action without making a plan first is foolish and can lead to negative results.
When designing a new front garden, you need to take some time to consider what you want to do with this space. It may be tempting to rush forward with new ideas and inspiration, but you want to ensure your front garden design lasts.
Taking stock of your existing landscape will make this process easier, as it allows you to see what kind of work is needed and how the design can be improved. This is why the first step in any project we do, for front or back gardens, is to provide a site consultation.
During the consultation, our expert designers will visit your home to measure and assess the space. We will take measurements of the landscape dimensions, as well as assess conditions such as climate and soil conditions. This allows us to create a tailored front garden design that is certain to succeed in your environment.
As well as inspecting the landscape, we also use the consultation as an opportunity to learn more about our clients. We take the time to understand your desires for your new front garden design.
This is a key part of the process and something you can begin independently by thinking about what kind of front garden you want to create. Consider both aesthetic and practical elements, such as access to the front door, decoration, and required maintenance.
Defining your purpose and desires for the front garden gives you a focus for this project and ensures you will be happy with the results.
Front Garden Design Features To Consider
With a plan in place, it is time to consider the various features that are required to create a beautiful front garden design. These can be customised to suit your needs to help create a truly bespoke front garden that complements your home and lifestyle.
Entry Pathway
The main purpose of front garden design is to provide access to your home. There should be a clear pathway to your front door – and you can design this how you see fit.
At Ideal Building & Landscapes, we offer a range of paving options. Whether you want to create a classic block paved route or a unique stone pathway to your front door, we can help.
While paving is a primarily functional element of front garden design, it does not have to be boring.
By considering the shape and layout of your garden, you can create winding, curved or sleek straight entrances to the home. The material choices you make should also complement the architecture of your home, along with the surrounding landscape.
Turfing
If you want to create a lawn space in your front garden design, fresh turf is an ideal solution. Whether organic or artificial, a fresh green lawn can instantly boost curb appeal and create a stunning front garden design that stands out.
It is important to consider the maintenance that comes with turfing, as this will need to be ongoing to keep the curb appeal of your home. Make sure that front garden lawns are mowed frequently and treated to keep them lush and green.
Turfing can provide a beautiful contrast to hardscaping elements, such as paving and driveways, which is why it is a great addition to front garden design.
Decorative Plants
Plants are a key feature of garden design and a wonderful decorative addition to your front garden. Whether you opt for simple modern plants, such as drought-resistant succulents and ornamental grasses, or want to add some colour through seasonal flowers, plants are a staple of front garden design.
Like turfing, you need to consider any ongoing maintenance that may be required to keep your front garden design looking its best. Many people opt for native plants and flowers, as these will thrive in local conditions and are therefore low-maintenance.
As well as considering planting for visual appeal, consider other senses too. Planting for scent and texture can also be a beautiful way to enhance curb appeal, as your front garden appeals to everyone. Incorporating fragrant plants such as lavender and jasmine, or different types of shrubs can create a sensory experience that is certain to stand out.
Securing The Borders
Although you may want to show off your new front garden design, creating a secure and private environment is extremely beneficial.
As the front garden likely leads onto the street or is overlooked by neighbours, people may have a direct eyeline into your home. An attractive front garden is only going to make them look more, so you need to protect your privacy with an effective barrier.
Fencing, retaining walls or hedges are great tools to define the boundaries of your landscape and can be customised to suit your front garden design. Dense evergreen hedges can prevent people from overlooking your front garden and home, whereas fences or low walls can keep you separate from the street without blocking light.
Bordering your front garden is not just a good aesthetic choice, but also for safety – especially if you have children or pets.
Additional Adornments
Once the main structure of your front garden design is in place, you can have fun with the accessories. There are various outdoor decorations and accessories that you can incorporate into the front garden design to create a bespoke, attractive environment including:
- Seating: Take advantage of your hard work developing a beautiful front garden by having a space to relax. Outdoor seating, such as benches, swing seats or pergola-covered chairs, can complement the design features of your front garden while also making it a practical space for you to enjoy.
- Outdoor Lighting: Make your front garden a spectacle both day and night through outdoor lighting. Like fencing, this is both a practical tool and an accessory. Lighting, such as motion sensor spotlights or path lighting, will make it easier for you to enter the home on winter evenings or late at night. Decorative lighting such as LED lights, twinkle lights or lanterns can be placed across fencing, in flower beds or along the path for a visually appealing display at night.
- Bin Storage: Don’t let your bins ruin the appeal of your front garden, and invest in bin storage. These can be custom-made to suit your garden, allowing you to keep the bins accessible but covered. Not only does this make your garden look more appealing, but also traps odours and prevents the bins from being moved during winds or storms.
Conclusion
Your front garden deserves as much attention as the back garden. This space creates the first impression people get of your home, so it needs to count and these front garden design tips can help.
Creating a front garden means considering both practical and aesthetic choices, ensuring along the way that everything complements your home and lifestyle. From paving and fencing to outdoor lighting and planting, various landscaping features can bring out the best in your front garden.
Contact Us Today
If you lack inspiration regarding your front garden design or need additional support, please contact the team today. We can share more about our services and past projects, as well as provide a consultation.
