8 Driveway Trends That Instantly Boost Curb Appeal, According to Experts

You’ve probably already beautified your landscape and decorated your front porch to welcome guests into your home. However, there's one key piece of the puzzle you may be missing: the driveway. 

It may not get the same amount of attention, but sprucing up your driveway can greatly enhance your yard's overall aesthetic. Ahead, we spoke with landscape designers and contractors about the key trends in this category that will boost your home’s curb appeal. 

Add a Paver Border

Most driveways are fairly plain and are composed of concrete or asphalt. However, you can kick that visual interest up a notch with an elegant paver border. “The edges of the asphalt are always the first area to fail, so bordering it also keeps the driveway looking neat and crisp longer," says Jordan Clough, associate principal at Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture.

Xeriscape Around the Driveway

Xeriscaping is the practice of designing water-efficient landscapes that reduce the need for irrigation. You can also incorporate xeriscaping practices, like growing native plants or using gravel, around your driveway.

“This seamlessly blends the driveway into the rest of your yard,” says Joe Raboine, vice president of design at Oldcastle APG. “Native plants also add some color and attract pollinators, and they typically require a bit less upkeep than non-native species.”

Use Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement

If you live in a part of the country that frequently sees severe weather (think hurricanes or extreme thunderstorms), then you may be looking for driveway materials that can withstand the elements.

“Consider permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP),” says Raboine. “They're installed with layers of varying-sized stone that filter and direct stormwater to underground aquifers, allowing runoff to drain more effectively, and minimizing the chance of flooding.” 

Raboine notes that these pavers come in a variety of cuts, sizes, and colors, so you can customize the driveway to your liking. 

Incorporate Biophilic Design

You may have heard of biophilic design when it comes to interiors. It draws inspiration from the natural world, bringing in natural shapes, textures, and light wherever possible. However, you can easily incorporate these principles into your driveway design, too.

“For a more modern, biophilic look, consider entangling the driveway or a connecting walkway with a fragment or fractured edge—this lets the hardscape blend seamlessly into the surrounding lawn and beds,” says Raboine. 

Related Stories

10 Trees Experts Say You Should Never Plant Near a Driveway

11 Border Flowers to Plant Alongside Your Garden Paths, Walkway, or Driveway

Use Natural Stone

Natural stone driveways, like bluestone or granite, create a timeless, high-end look, says Jim Stucchi, founder of Stucchi Landscape & Design.

“Natural textures, colors, and unique veining give instant curb appeal and a premium look that suits historic, traditional, and upscale modern homes,” he says. It's also a more durable option.

Add Structural Edging or a Raised Border

Structural edging and raised borders create clean lines that suit contemporary designs, says Stucchi. Use cut stone, corten steel, or bluestone curbs to define your driveway, prevent edging damage, and protect your plant beds. 

Integrate Lighting

Lighting is always a good choice and will enhance both the style and safety of your driveway. Stucchi recommends in-paver LEDs, low bollards, or recessed path lighting to give your driveway a welcoming glow.

Integrated lighting gives an “emphasis on safety and nighttime curb appeal, [and] smart home integration,” he says. 

Add an Exposed Aggregate Border

For a more budget-friendly option, try using exposed aggregate around your asphalt driveway.

“Add a 12-inch border of exposed aggregate, or brushed concrete, which ranges anywhere from $10 to $15 per square foot,” says Scott Flores, CEO of Empire PLS. “The finished look is ultra clean and modern, and it comes at a fraction of the cost of installing pavers.”