In today’s landscape, smaller block sizes and contemporary architectural designs sometimes mean that the main entrance is situated down the side of the house. This unique layout presents an opportunity to create an inviting entrance and transition from the outside world into your home. With thoughtful landscaping design, you can transform the side entrance into a charming focal point that enhances both curb appeal and functionality. Here are ten expert landscaping tips to help you achieve just that.
Define the pathway
A clear and well-defined pathway is essential for any main entrance. Whether you choose pavers, natural stone, cobblestone, steppers or aggregate, ensure the walkway is wide enough for comfortable passage. A path with a sense of direction draws people into your space and gives it a polished look. Consider using contrasting materials or colours to further enhance the pathway’s visual appeal.
Add garden lighting for safety, ambiance and wow factor
Incorporating garden lighting into your landscape is crucial for both aesthetics and safety. Low-voltage pathway lights, step lights, or wall-mounted fixtures can illuminate the way, creating a warm glow in the evening. Not only does this make the space safer, but it also adds to the overall ambiance, giving your side entrance a cozy, welcoming feel. For added impact, consider statement lighting, such as large ball lights, to introduce a striking ‘wow’ factor to the space.
Frame with greenery
Plants are a simple yet effective way to soften the hard lines of a pathway and create a more inviting entrance. Incorporate low-maintenance ground covers, shrubs, ornamental grasses, or climbing plants like jasmine or ivy to frame the space beautifully. Coastal-tolerant species in shades of green, silver, and grey are excellent choices for contemporary Perth landscapes, while evergreens provide year-round colour and privacy. Consider using a variety of plant types and sizes to add visual interest, and incorporate trees for added height and structure, further enhancing the overall appeal of your side entrance.
Create focal points
Draw attention to your main side entrance by incorporating focal points along the way. This could be a beautiful planter, a piece of garden art, a water feature or a decorative bench. Focal points help guide the eye and add personality to an otherwise functional space, making it more engaging for visitors.
Use vertical elements
If your side entrance is narrow or compact, incorporating vertical elements is a smart way to add depth and interest without occupying valuable ground space. Trellises, vertical gardens, overhead beam structures, or even narrow trees can introduce height and visual appeal while maintaining an uncluttered look. Vertical gardening, in particular, offers a great opportunity to bring lush greenery into tight spaces by utilising walls or fences for climbing plants or planters that cascade over. These elements enhance aesthetics and create a sense of openness and flow, inviting nature into the space.
Incorporate natural textures
Natural materials like stone, wood, and gravel bring an organic feel to your landscape design. Timber fencing, railway sleepers, stone planters and gravel or summerstone fines can all add texture, making the entrance feel more like a seamless extension of your garden. These materials also weather beautifully, adding character over time.
Install a gate for privacy
Consider installing a decorative gate to signal the entrance, adding both aesthetics and functionality. A well-designed gate can serve as a stylish focal point that enhances the visual appeal of your landscape. It creates a sense of intrigue, inviting guests to appreciate the beauty of the space as they approach your home. Beyond its aesthetic benefits, a gate can provide privacy, helping to define your property line while still allowing light and airflow. Choose materials that complement the overall style of your home, such as timber, steel, powder-coated aluminium, or a bespoke water jet-cut feature, to ensure a cohesive look. By thoughtfully integrating a gate into your side entrance design, you enhance the overall flow and connection between your outdoor and indoor spaces, creating an inviting entrance that reflects your personal style.
Add impact with potted plants
Enhancing a side entrance with potted plants can significantly elevate the space, adding both greenery and charm to the pathway. Large, statement pots filled with lush plants or colour create visual interest and draw attention to the walkway, making the approach to your home feel more welcoming. By using a variety of pot sizes, shapes, and plant types—such as tall grasses, cascading vines, or compact shrubs—you can introduce depth and texture without cluttering the area. Potted plants also offer flexibility, allowing you to rearrange or refresh the look with seasonal changes.
Ensure proper drainage
The side of your house can be prone to drainage issues, especially if it’s a tight or low-lying area. To avoid pooling water and muddy patches, ensure that the path has proper drainage. Installing gravel beds, French drains, or a slight slope can help water drain away from the area, keeping your main side entrance dry and functional.
Personalise the space
Finally, add personal touches to make the side entrance your own. Whether it’s a quirky piece of garden art, custom signage, or a favourite plant, these elements reflect your personality and make the space feel like a natural extension of your home.
A side entrance presents numerous opportunities to create a welcoming and functional walkway that enhances the overall appeal of your home. With these ten expert tips, you can elevate your side entrance into an inviting space that not only impresses guests but also reflects your personal style and complements your property’s architecture. Thoughtful landscape design can transform this area into a focal point that sets the tone for your entire home.
At TDL, our residential landscape designers have been helping clients in Perth for over forty years, specialising in comprehensive outdoor projects. We understand that making the right choices for your landscape design can feel overwhelming, especially when considering lifestyle, aesthetics, and budget. Engaging a landscape designer early in the process ensures you achieve the best results tailored to your unique needs. With a skilled team of designers, landscapers, and horticulturalists, TDL is uniquely positioned to take you from the initial sketch to construction completion and ongoing maintenance. Get in touch today to discuss your landscaping requirements and bring your vision to life!