15 Driveway Ideas That Add Major Curb Appeal

Use these these driveway ideas to create a warm welcome and add style to your exterior.

Looking to make a good first impression with your home? Start with the driveway! Whether you're using asphalt, concrete, pavers, or gravel, we're sharing our best driveway ideas to inspire your next home update. Create a warm welcome by designing (or refreshing) a driveway that suits your style.

Pro tip: It’s important to choose the right driveway material. Consider your home’s design style, the weather conditions in your area, and the level of maintenance you’re willing to devote for long-lasting curb appeal. These are our best driveway ideas to help you create a warm welcome.

Related: 26 Easy Exterior Updates to Boost Curb Appeal on a Budget

Stamped Concrete Driveway

<p>Laura Moss</p>

Laura Moss

Choose a driveway material that matches the exterior of the home. A stamped concrete driveway in the same color palette as the exterior stones gives this home a relaxing, villa-style welcome. Stamped concrete gives the appearance of pavers or bricks, without the risk of stones coming loose.

Pebble and Brick Driveway

<p>Emily Followill</p>

Emily Followill

Mix driveway materials for an attractive and durable look. Pebble stones look nice and don’t require a lot of maintenance, which is important for a large driveway. The brick border used here adds interest by breaking up the large surface area and separates the driveway from the yard.

Related: 34 Incredible Before-and-After Exterior Home Remodels

Neutral Driveway

<p>Edmund Barr</p>

Edmund Barr

A light, neutral color on the driveway is an easy way to make a home’s exterior pop. The smooth concrete used here offers a blank slate that doesn’t compete with the warm colors, bold lines and details of the home.

Related: How to Pick the Best Exterior Paint Colors for Your Home’s Style

Expanded Driveway

<p>ROBERT BRINSON</p>

ROBERT BRINSON

If you only have a short distance between the road and the garage, give cars some extra space by extending the driveway around the house. Here, a brick border defines the lines of the driveway and separates it from the landscaping for a polished, sophisticated look.

Stone Paver Driveway

<p>Edward Gohlich</p>

Edward Gohlich

In areas where the soil is sandy (particularly in Florida and the Southwest), stone pavers are the best driveway material choice. Play with the size and pattern of the pavers to add flair to the front of the home. One of the benefits of using pavers is that when oil drips or cracks occur, you can replace just a few pavers rather than an entire concrete slab.

Related: How to Remove Oil Stains from a Driveway

Patterned Brick Driveway

<p>Emily Followill</p>

Emily Followill

Play with patterns on the driveway to add curb appeal to your home. Instead of installing bricks in traditional straight lines, mix it up by laying the bricks in a classic subway, herringbone, or another pattern that will add interest without requiring additional materials.

Large Paver Driveway

<p>Edmund Barr</p>

Edmund Barr

Subway tile designs aren’t just for the interior of the home. Add interest to your exterior by arranging pavers in a horizontal pattern. Large pavers in a classic tile pattern add interest and break up the square lines of the home and landscaping.

Related: 17 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas That Boost Curb Appeal

Concrete Driveway

<p>Anne D. Schlechter</p>

Anne D. Schlechter

Keep the driveway simple and clean with a light sand concrete driveway. The smooth lines and light color of the driveway highlight the home's architecture and draw attention to the red brick base. Concrete is prone to cracking after several years (especially in colder climates) but a good concrete driveway should last you about 30 years.

Related: How to Repair Cracks in a Concrete Driveway

Brick Paver Driveway

<p>Bob Stefko</p>

Bob Stefko

For a classic and functional driveway, opt for brick pavers. They are durable and add a splash of color to the front of the home. Here, a grass median adds natural beauty to the long pathway.

Stone Driveway

<p>Brie Williams</p>

Brie Williams

Stone is an ideal driveway material for a cottage-style home. The classic builder material comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to choose one that compliments your home’s exterior.

Light Neutral Driveway

<p>Matthew Benson</p>

Matthew Benson

If your home has a garage door that makes a statement (or if you're thinking about painting yours), choose a driveway material that acts as an arrow drawing the eye straight to the door. The light color and smooth lines of this driveway are functional without distracting from the focal point of the exterior.

Related: 11 Best Paint Colors for Garage Doors

Dark Gray Concrete Driveway

<p>Brie Williams</p>

Brie Williams

Use a bold color to add flair to your home’s exterior. This dark gray concrete driveway compliments the black accents of the home’s exterior and makes a statement without stealing the spotlight. The maintenance needs don’t change, but the visual impact is stunning.

Related: How to Stain Concrete to Make Your Home’s Walkways Look Like New

Red Brick Driveway

<p>Edmund Barr</p>

Edmund Barr

Basic brick gives this Craftsman-style home a warm welcome. The red brick adds some color and charm to the exterior design, while the classic lines keep the driveway clean and inviting and don’t distract from the home.

Divided Driveway

<p>Edmund Barr</p>

Edmund Barr

Midcentury modern ranch exteriors are all about clean, simple lines. Here, the basic concrete driveway is no exception. A small patch of grass acts as a divider between the two-car garage and the separate storage area while providing visual interest to the otherwise basic driveway.

Related: 22 Ideas for Ranch-Style Home Exteriors

Matching Sidewalk and Driveway

<p>Laurie Black</p>

Laurie Black

Guide the flow of traffic from the driveway to the front door by using the same material for both the driveway and front walkway. Choose the same color for the poured concrete driveway and concrete pavers to connect the spaces.

Related: 18 Front Entryway Ideas to Make an Inviting First Impression

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