When it comes to front yard landscaping ideas, the possibilities are endless - ponds, bridges, trees and flowers, benches, lights, fountains! It may seem impossible to design your yard with so many options out there. Start by thinking about what you want to do with the space. Is your goal to simply create something aesethetically pleasing? Or do you want to use the area as well? Do you want the area to be shaded by lots of trees, or open to the sunlight with low shrubbery and flowers. You’ll also need to think about whether you want a traditional look (think flowers, trees and benches), or a more modern look (think stones, clean pathways and angular shrubs.) It’s also important to determine how much time you have to devote to maintenance and what your budget is. A well designed front yard can make your house look warm and inviting and add great curb appeal. Here are some of our favorite front yard landscaping design ideas here at The Yard Spot.

Flowers Galore

From flower beds to hanging baskets, flowers can make any house look cheery and inviting. Flower beds should frame your home and line walkways – keep these rules in mind when placing your flowers for a very pleasing look. Lining walkways with flowers ensures that your guests will feel welcomed and know exactly where to go. There are many effective small yard landscaping ideas to make your space appear larger. For instance, choosing darker colored flowers will make a small space look bigger. Another tip is to place smaller objects right up against your home and larger ones at the front of the yard; this tricks the eye into believing there’s more space between the objects than there really is. Alternatively, for a large yard, use bright flowers to make the space feel cozier. Check out our Beautiful Flowers post for great ideas on the kinds of flowers to plant in each season. Hanging baskets placed around your front door will make your home look very appealing. You can buy hanging planters and design your own baskets, or simply purchase pre-made baskets. Most hanging baskets will need to be watered every day, so be diligent. Flowers are absolutely beautiful in a front yard, but they can be a lot of work to maintain. Make sure you have enough time to devote to your garden; you don’t want an unmaintained garden, especially when it’s in your front yard!

Relaxation Area

More often than not people don’t design their front yards with functionality in mind. We value privacy, and for that reason we associate the backyard with being our main outdoor living space. But your front yard can be lived in as well, why waste the space! By creating a relaxation area in your front yard your visitors will feel welcomed and you’ll also have a great space to lounge in.  Use benches or chairs to create a seating area. Place the seating around a beautiful table or outdoor fire pit. Another design feature you can use is a water feature like a fountain. What’s more soothing than the sound of water? Fountains come in a wide range of prices, styles and sizes – just pick the one that works for your yard size and budget.

Bridges and Ponds

Bridges and ponds are sure to create an extremely high level of curb appeal. This look is peaceful and serene and will make your visitors feel calm the second they arrive at your home. Pre-made bridges can be purchased quite inexpesively with little assembly required. They come in a variety of materials, like wood and metal, and many different lenghts and heights. Adding a pond to your garden adds ambience and beauty.  The size of your pond will depend on aesethitics as well as its purpose – do you want a koi pond, goldfish pond or a simple pond for water lilies. Koi ponds need to be larger in size, atleast 4-5 feet deep,  to accomodate the growth of the fish. Where as, ponds for goldfish and lilies need only be 2-3 feet in depth. Try laying out a rope or hose in the shape of the pond to help you decide on an appropriate size and shape before you start digging. You’ll also need to purchase a pond liner, which will be pressed into the hole and help down by the water. If you’ve decided on a fish pond you will also need to install a pond pump and filter; these can be purcahsed at your local home hardware store. If you’re feeling extra confident, try installing a waterfall. Although this option is more labor intensive, it will add interest and beauty to the front of your home. You’ll also be more inclined to use your front yard as a living space.

Pathways

Pathways make your front yard inviting. Build pathways to different points of interest such as your front door, a seating area, a pond or garden. For a simple look, design straight and clean pathways. For a more abstract look, install curvy unpredictable pathways.  There are many construction materials you can use; from brick, stone and gravel to cement.

Fencing

When installing fencing in your front yard, keep it low to maintain a welcoming look. White picket fencing is a classic choice that will add beauty to your home. For a less tradtional look try concrete fence posts or rod iron fencing. You can either leave an opening in the fencing or add a beautiful gate. if you have kids, fencing in your front yard is a great way to make the area safer.

Lighting

Lighting is all about creating ambience. So when you’re coming up with your ideas for landscaping front yard, don’t forget to think about the lighting. Solar powered lamps are low mainteance and come in endless styles and price points. Line your pathways with them or scatter lights throughout flower beds. Lamp posts are more expensive and harder to install but very beautiful. For a whimsical look, lace twinkle lights through your trees or bushes. The right lighting is an easy way to make your front yard inviting and cozy even at night.

Ornaments

When it comes to ornamental garden decoration the possibilities are endless. They are an easy way to add interest and flavor to your front yard. Try placing an antique wheel barrel in the center of a flower bed and plant around it. Other ideas include lanterns, antique bikes, garden gnomes, metal arbors, decorative mail boxes, barrels and park benches. With so many front yard landscaping design ideas to choose from its easy to create the perfect outdoor oasis. Be mindful of your budget constraints, the level of functionality you’re trying to achieve, and the size of your yard. There are so many small front yard landscaping ideas that will make your yard appear larger, for instance. Get creative and have fun! Happy designing!