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Deciding an aisle may not be as exciting as choosing a paint color for your home or Garden , but it is just as important from an aesthetic perspective. "The aisles play a big role in the appeal of the sidewalk of a house," explains Joe Raboine ,, Vice-president of design to the Hardscape Belgard company. "The materials and the design that contribute to the creation of an attractive functional aisle deserve more attention than they are often given."

Before starting the project, it is important to do your research to find aisle ideas that complete the colors and design of your home while offering the features you need. Continue to read for the best advice from experts to do things right.

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1. Determine the shape, location and size of the aisle.

These are the main decisions you need to make before choosing equipment or design details.

Shape: "The aisles are generally presented in three basic forms - outgoing, curves and angular," explains Raboine. "The design must be based on personal preferences, the amount of surface with which you must work and your budget."

Placement: About 20 feet from the front door is ideal, explains Raboine. "The aisle should serve two objectives- drawing the owner of the designated car park and creating a welcoming path to customers to go to the front door when they park in the aisle," he. "The addition of a path from your alley to the front door prevents guests or deliveries to walk directly on your lawn."

Size: It must be large enough for drivers and passengers to enter and get out of their vehicles without walking on your landscaping. "At least 10 to 12 feet wide," explains Raboine.

Drainage: This will keep your alley in good shape. "Some municipalities have requirements to build alleys, so make sure your entrepreneur knows these guidelines before starting a project," said Raboine.

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2. Choose a material from the aisle.

You may not realize how much the material of the aisle can change the aesthetics of your lawn before, but according to the experts, it is one of the biggest considerations.

Concrete

Take a walk in any neighborhood and you have to see a handful of then concrete.

"My favorite classic alley equipment is concrete with a broom and an edge finish," said Quinten O'Dea , founder of Q&R Landage in Pittsburgh. "This is a standard of the industry and generally a good basic price - it offers a large traction and is very simple."

Cobblestones

Many experts we interviewed have cited cobblestones as a path choice.

"Thanks to a wide variety of sizes, colors and textures, they can complete any style of house," explains Raboine. "The paving stones have a long service life of 60 to 80 years and can raise the appearance of a house, making it a good option for those who seek to invest in their property."

Brick

Another attractive option.

"There is something in the appeal and the timeless brick that I find irresistible," said Erik Linn ,, Vice-president of pre-construction to ace before concrete construction. "He adds a warm and classic touch to any house, completing various architectural styles - more, the bricks are hard, built to manage intense circulation and age beautifully over time."

Stamped concrete

For this type of alley, you put concrete, then you stamp with texture carpets.

"It's like the chameleon of the materials of the aisle - you can create almost all the looks you want, whether it is the rustic charm of the stone or the elegance of modern tiles", explains Linn. "It is durable, customizable and is distinguished by its versatility in design."

Exposed aggregate

This gives your aisle a serious appearance.

"I like an aggregated driveway exposed with stamped concrete borders," explains O'Dea. "This offers more variation in colors and textures while keeping a good traction in the main area."

Natural stone

Natural stone is a classic for a reason.

"Nothing beats the timeless and high -end look of materials such as granite, flag or paved," said Scott McLeod , founder of Landscape of McLeod . "They last a whole life and beyond, requiring little maintenance."

Mix the materials

You also don't have to stick to one thing!

"Combine different materials such as stone, concrete or cobblestones in interesting patterns or borders," explains Linn. "It adds visual interest and defines the different areas of your outdoor space."

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3. Make patterns with cobblestones.

Once you have selected your equipment (or more!), Consider how you can play with a unique look.

"You don't have to engage in a single color for your aisle," explains Smith. "For example, you could have a gray pavement driveway, but you can highlight the edges with black pavers."

4. Play the colors of your courtyard.

Consider your aisle as an aesthetic continuation of your home and your courtyard.

"The style of your aisle can dictate the style of the plants you use in your front courtyard," explains Tom Smith , Owner of Landscape and development designer of the desert In Temple, Arizona. "For example, a brown allée of the desert could inspire you to include the foliage of the desert in your front courtyard."

5. Repeat other elements.

You can also use your aisle to use other aspects of the landscape. "Repeat the materials, colors and types of plants for a coherent look," explains McLeod.

For example, if you have stone cobblestones, choose a stone bench, decorative rocks or a stone path.

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6. Build a retaining wall.

Another way to create a coherent look is to raise your alley material in a wall. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"The pavers are not only for the basis of your aisle; you can use them to decorate a support wall in your aisle," explains Smith. "Add different colors of colors to the edges of your aisle so that the limit of your aisle stands out."

7. Leave the light.

It is pretty and practical: "The addition of soft lighting along the edges or integrated into the aisle is magnificent at night and improves the safety and the attraction of friction", explains Linn. You can make lower lamps, posted lamps or LED strips.

8. Add the plants to the edges.

Finally, bring green. "Integrate planters, flower beds or even small trees along the aisle", explains Linn. "The greenery softens the hard landscape, adds color throughout the seasons and creates a welcoming atmosphere."