Front yard design is generally about accessibility and invitation. We hardly spend time in the front yard as opposed to the backyard, but it’s where we come in and out of our homes. For this reason, we can think a lot about driveways and sidewalks and then design everything else around that.

Landscaping your front yard can add curb appeal, a sense of invitation, increase property value, and act as a frame for your home. Although it is an important element of your house, you should not spend a lot of money to create a beautiful landscape. Something simple and functional can also have the maximum impact. Here are some ideas to help you update your front yard landscaping.

Use your front door as a focal point – Paint the door a color that contrasts and complements the color of the house. The walkway should also flow easily into it so people don’t get confused where to go. You can use a line with gentle curves, but keep in mind that you don’t want your guests wandering off thinking they took the wrong path that may never get them to the front door. In other words, it should be like following breadcrumbs. Another way to bring them to the front door is to frame the house with smaller plants near the door.

Renew what you already have – Sometimes all you have to do is prune and shape your existing foliage to refresh your front yard. Use upright plants and shrubs to soften the corners of the house. You can also change some of the potted plants you have to give them a different look.

Outdoor patio furniture adds curb appeal – If you think outdoor furniture is only for backyards, you’re wrong. You can find an area near the main entrance to set up a small, sturdy aluminum table and chair; even if you have to remove some old bushes that are past their prime to do so. A well-appointed seating area, perhaps with outdoor cushions, gives guests the impression that they are welcome to linger for a while.

Build an island garden – This can be done in less than a weekend. Pick a good spot somewhere like in the corner. Lay down layers of newspaper to keep weeds down and cover with a large mound of black soil. Add some low-maintenance shrubs and perennials appropriate for the amount of sunlight in the area and cover the soil with mulch or landscaping rocks. Use landscaping bricks or another type of edging around the perimeter and you’re good to go.

Use garden structures. – Using an arbor, trellis, or tall sculpture can add vertical height, especially when plants and flowers grow at the same level. A garden gate leading to the backyard on one side could be used to balance round shaped shrubs on the other side.

Add exterior lighting – This is ideal for added security as well as keeping your home attractive after dark. Solar lights are excellent for this purpose. You can place them along the walkway and under trees. They require no installation, wiring, or electricity, so pick your spots and go.

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