Does curb appeal add value to a home?

Yes! In fact, many real estate professionals recommend investing in updated landscaping before placing a home on the market. With that said, added value should only be part of your decision-making process. Unless you plan on selling your home extremely soon, what matters most is your own personal enjoyment of the space.

Should front and backyard landscaping match?

Whether or not the landscaping at the front of your house should match that of the backyard has a lot to do with the size and shape of your property! If your backyard isn’t visible from the street — because of the placement of your home, a privacy fence, etc. — then there’s little reason to match its appearance to the front yard. Yet your home’s yard should never feel disjointed. Finding a balance between giving each area its own style while still coordinating is a challenge but well worth the effort.

12 Landscaping Ideas for the Front of the House

We all know the importance of a good first impression. But have you ever thought about what kind of impression your house gives to guests and passersby?

Some aspects of your home’s exterior can’t be easily changed. Fortunately, high-quality landscaping can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal!

From installing a simple flower bed to overhauling your entire front yard, fresh landscaping can help you see your home in a brand new light. (And, if you’re thinking about selling, could add value to the property!)

Keep reading to be inspired by our favorite landscaping ideas for the front of the house!

1. Incorporate Asian-Inspired Modern Landscaping

Asian-inspired landscaping offers a sleek, modern aesthetic. While this look is best paired with angular architectural styles, the right design can work with almost any home exterior.

Modern house exterior with white walls, green shrubs on gravel, a black lamppost, and paved walkway featuring a white and gray building design — Source: @mrrumputmy via Instagram

Topiary shrubs of various shapes in a gravel-covered garden in front of a house

A landscaped garden with a green lawn, colorful flowers, bushes, a wooden gazebo, and a pond surrounded by a stone path

Cozy brick house with white-framed windows and a well-maintained garden featuring various evergreen shrubs and small trees

Japanese-style garden with a neatly pruned tree, surrounded by gravel and shrubs, next to a paved walkway

Wooden pergola and lattice fence with greenery on a landscaped path, featuring rocks, shrubs, and a stone retaining wall

Many Asian-inspired landscape designs are ideal for climates where a traditional grass yard just isn’t sustainable. Replacing your front yard with a rock garden can reduce irrigation needs without sacrificing curb appeal.

When selecting plants for your front landscape, opt for species that are structured and low-maintenance. Evergreens thrive in this type of landscaping and can be pruned into a wide variety of shapes!

2. Transform with Creative Landscape Design

Landscaping is one of the best ways to add dimension and movement to your front yard. From digging garden beds to installing a walkway, a few simple changes could make your home’s facade unrecognizable!

Stone pathway leads to a house with a mini golf area, surrounded by potted plants and greenery, nestled in a hilly landscape — Source: @greenworksats via Instagram

House with stone facade, landscaped front yard, and stone path containing a dry stream bed with plants and rocks — Source: @pavestoneplus via Instagram

Manicured garden with intricate hedges, gravel paths, colorful flowers, in front of a stately brick house

Modern two-story house with large windows, wooden siding, patio, and landscaped garden with stepping stone path and greenery

A beautiful suburban house with a manicured lawn, vibrant flower garden, and clear blue sky in the background

A garden with white stone paths, surrounded by green plants and vibrant orange flowers

Modern two-story house with large windows, light gray siding, stone accents, a manicured lawn, and small trees in the garden

Modern two-story house with large windows, garage, and landscaped front yard featuring a path and various plants

Before making any such changes, take a step back and look at your home’s exterior from a distance. It’s important to maintain balance in your landscape design overall.

Be sure to consider long-term maintenance when selecting landscaping ideas for the front of your house. A foundation bed or gravel walkway that is not well-maintained could end up detracting from your home’s curb appeal in a year or two.

3. Enhance with Stylish Driveways and Walkways

A well-planned walkway or driveway is both functional and fashionable. And you should do everything in your power not to sacrifice one aspect for the other.

Two-story stone house with a gray roof, arched entrance, and well-maintained lawn under an overcast sky with trees in the background

Modern white house with large windows, grassy front yard, and brick driveway under a blue sky with a few clouds

A stone house entrance with a green door, wreath, and two white columns; ivy lines the pathway leading up to the porch

Wooden gate entrance surrounded by lush greenery and colorful plants on a stone path

Modern two-story house with white siding, dark windows, and lit eaves featuring a landscaped garden and paved walkway at the front

Two-story house with red and gray exterior, stone accents, and a garden with colorful flowers along the pathway under a clear blue sky above

Charming gray house with large windows, surrounded by lush greenery, shrubs, and a bicycle near the entrance

Remember to look beyond the driveway or walkway itself. Some simple plantings along the perimeter can add much-needed shape and color to the path. Exterior lighting can boost safety while improving the property’s nighttime curb appeal.

These changes can even bring new life to an existing walkway or driveway. Repaving is expensive — if the surface is still in good condition, consider changing the surrounding landscape instead.

4. Choose Drought-Resistant Plants for Sustainability

There are several reasons to install a drought-resistant landscape. Not only are drought-tolerant plantings better for the environment. Opting for this type of front landscape can also lower your monthly water bills.

A suburban front yard garden with ornamental grasses and shrubs, bordered by brick houses and parked cars on a cloudy day — Source: @lloydsgardensldn via Instagram

Suburban house with a tiled roof, palm trees, and a landscaped garden featuring various plants under a clear blue sky

Elegant two-story gray house with manicured lawn, curved pathway, and vibrant garden, set against a clear blue sky

Single-story house with large windows, surrounded by a landscaped garden with various plants and flowers, under a blue sky

House with terracotta roof surrounded by various succulents and cacti under a clear blue sky

Drought-tolerant landscape with various colorful plants and rocks, bordered by wooden logs and a paved path

Those living in arid climates are likely already familiar with this type of landscaping — also known as xeriscaping. But drought-resistant plants are great options no matter where you live!

One of the best things you can do to drought-proof your yard is to swap out regular turf grass for a different ground cover. Gravel, sand, and broken shells are a few hardscaping alternatives to consider as well.

5. Beautify with Flower Beds and Blooms

Everyone can appreciate the natural beauty of a flower. Yet not everyone knows how to incorporate blooming plants in a landscape of their own.

Charming cottage surrounded by vibrant flower beds and lush trees under a blue sky

Small chapel surrounded by vibrant flower beds with tulips and pansies, set amidst lush green trees under a blue sky

A garden with pink and white flowers beside a house with large windows and a neatly cut lawn

A lush front yard garden with vibrant flower beds, including pink, yellow, and purple blooms, alongside a neat, green lawn

Vibrant garden in front of a house featuring colorful flowers and neatly trimmed hedges with a lush green lawn

A cottage with a garden path of vibrant red, purple, and white tulips, surrounded by green grass and trees

Understanding your climate is a crucial first step. If you’re not sure where to start, consult your neighbors (or observe their gardens from a distance) to determine which species thrive in the area.

Don’t plant a flower bed independent of your home’s exterior. Think about how the colors and shapes of different blooms will complement the architecture and palette of your home’s facade.

6. Create a Vibrant Grass-Free Front Yard

There’s no rule stating that a front lawn has to include grass! And, in many regions, opting for a grass-free landscape can be both fashionable and practical.

A two-story house with green walls and stone accents, surrounded by a neat gravel path and well-kept garden — Source: @darkleylodge via Instagram

Spanish-style house with arched windows, red door, and tile roof featuring desert landscaping with stone path and greenery in front yard

Modern house with a red-tiled roof, featuring a curvy stone path through a landscaped garden in the foreground

Modern garden with gravel, geometric stone borders, and spiral topiary plants near a white house exterior

Look for ways to include greenery — shrubs and ornamental trees are both wonderful solutions. Be sure to apply gravel, mulch, or another material to the soil to prevent erosion.

If giving up a lush green lawn is something you just can’t fathom, there are alternatives to traditional grass. Artificial turf is a popular choice in some areas. Clover and other low-maintenance ground covers work great as well.

7. Enhance with Dynamic Hardscaping Elements

Hardscaping is anything within a landscape that is not alive — furniture, retaining walls, walkways, etc. Effective hardscaping is often the difference between a bland front lawn and one that turns heads.

Modern front yard with gray paving stones, white gravel, and topiary plants; white bench on left and parked cars on the right — Source: @hometransformationwithclare via Instagram

Modern house with stone and wood exterior, surrounded by landscaped greenery, featuring a curved pathway and glass front door

Beautiful garden with colorful shrubs, large rocks, and a stone-lined pathway in front of a house with a blue front door

Modern two-story house with large windows, a balcony, and a landscaped front yard under a clear blue sky

One of the best uses of hardscaping is to add levels to an existing landscape. Different paths and platforms can make an otherwise boring front lawn unique and intriguing.

Most hardscaping starts out by solving a problem. Stone steps may be installed in a sloping yard while a fence may be built to keep out trespassers. With a keen eye, these elements can simultaneously improve your home’s curb appeal.

8. Achieve Affordable and Attractive Landscaping

Landscape design is a worthwhile investment for any front yard. However, you shouldn’t need to break your budget to enjoy a functional and beautiful outdoor space.

Modern house entrance with dark door, topiary plants in tall planters, stone steps, and a wooden swing beside the door — Source: @hometransformationwithclare via Instagram

Charming blue and white house with a wooden door, stone accents, and a curved brick pathway, surrounded by lush green lawn and trees

Charming white house with a curved path, lush green lawn, and a large tree on the left under a bright blue sky

One of the best ways to cut landscaping costs is by working with what you already have. Look for inspiration in garden and yard designs that are similar to your property’s size, layout, and existing elements.

Take a minimalist approach with your landscaping ideas as well. Invest in perennial plants that require little maintenance yet will live for many years. Embrace the look of open space.

9. Opt for Easy-Care Landscape Solutions

The secret to a low-maintenance yard is selecting plants that are naturally adapted to your local climate.

Front yard with colorful shrubs, rocks, and trees; a blue car is parked in the driveway, and a house with a wooden garage door is visible — Source: @our_build via Instagram

Two-story brick house with Christmas decorations, snow-dusted garden, and glowing lights, creating a cozy winter scene — Source: @thewalmsleyhomestead via Instagram

Historic Tudor-style building with timber framing, surrounded by a lawn and circular flower bed under a clear blue sky

Two-story house with green lawn, colorful flowers, and clear blue sky in the background

Two-story house with a stone facade, surrounded by lush greenery and landscaped gardens.

Modern suburban house with green lawn, shrubs, and trees, under a blue sky with clouds, two-story design with a double garage

A modern white house with stone accents, black roof, and well-maintained lawn on a sunny day

A charming house with a porch, surrounded by a colorful garden and shrubs, leading to a dark front door and a blue garage

A garden with vibrant pink flowers and tall grass surrounding large rocks near a sidewalk

Single-story house with stone and wood facade, a two-car garage, manicured lawn, shrubs, and a blue sky backdrop

Charming two-story house with a front porch, white pillars, and cozy outdoor seating, surrounded by a manicured lawn and trees at dusk

A two-story house with a well-manicured lawn, surrounded by colorful flowers and bushes, under a clear blue sky

Modern two-story house with glowing lights, green lawn, and curved walkway at dusk

A well-maintained suburban house with a freshly mowed lawn, surrounded by shrubs and trees, under a clear blue sky

Modern house with large windows, illuminated at night. Curved pathway leads to the entrance, surrounded by manicured lawns and shrubs

Often, but not always, the best plants for a low-maintenance garden are native species. These plants already have all of the necessary tools to survive in your yard — all you have to do is put them in the ground.

Even a grass lawn can be relatively low-maintenance if you think strategically. Again, choose a grass species adapted to your region. Low-growing grasses are ideal. You can mix in hardy clover to cut down on mowing and irrigation needs even further!

10. Modernize with Minimalist Landscaping

A modern front landscape should be simple but never boring! (While minimalism plays a big role in modern design, you can do a lot with just a small number of details.)

Modern front yard with raised garden beds, wooden steps leading to a porch, and a wooden privacy fence — Source: @dmgconcretedesign via Instagram

Modern two-story house with large windows, illuminated at dusk, surrounded by trees and landscaped garden under a starry sky

Look for ways to incorporate geometric shapes throughout your yard. Angular walkway pavers or a globular planter are two great examples.

Opt for landscape plants with interesting shapes and textures. Many palm tree species look right at home in a modern front yard. Evergreens are also wonderful options in less-temperate climates.

11. Landscape Sloped Yards with Flair

A hilly front yard may not be ideal for playing ball or setting up an outdoor seating area. But it’s an incredible asset when designing a head-turning landscape or garden.

A two-story suburban house with a well-maintained garden, stone pathway, and a double garage under a bright blue sky

Large modern house with a stone facade, driveway, manicured shrubs, and flowering bushes, set against a backdrop of tall trees and clear sky

Garden with purple and white flowers, rocks, and trimmed shrubs in front of a light blue house with green shutters

Stone wall with manicured hedges, vibrant shrubs, and lush green grass along a curved sidewalk

Modern two-story house with large windows and stone steps, surrounded by lush greenery and boulders.

Modern suburban house with a well-manicured garden, stone facade, and two-car garage under a bright blue sky

Stone retaining walls with lush green plants in front of a house, with a pathway running alongside the walls under a clear sky

Vibrant garden with colorful flowers, rocks, and lush greenery in front of a house. Manicured lawn in the foreground

Terraced garden with stone walls, lush greenery, and colorful shrubs lining the steps in front of a house

A landscaped front yard with trimmed hedges, colorful flowers, and a sloped concrete path, set against a backdrop of trees and hills

A large house with a gray roof surrounded by lush gardens, flowers, and trees under a blue sky, stone wall in front

Charming house with gray siding, red door, manicured lawn, blooming flowers.

Large brick house with a dark roof, three garages, and manicured lawn. Colorful flowers and shrubs adorn the front garden

A stone staircase leads up to a front entrance of a house through a garden with blooming flowers and shrubs, next to a stone wall and brick pathway

With a sloped yard, there’s no need to worry about the end result looking flat or one-dimensional! This is true whether you opt to design around the natural curvature or build tiered flower beds into the hill.

While a sloped front yard offers tons of design opportunities, there are some practical considerations you’ll want to make. Invest in retaining walls to prevent unwanted erosion. A layer of mulch will prevent valuable topsoil from washing down the hill as well.

12. Add Elegance with Topiary Artistry

Low-maintenance hedge plants have taken over the world of residential landscaping. But there’s no replacing the beauty of a well-manicured topiary garden!

Geometric garden with trimmed hedges and a flower pot centerpiece on a sunny day — Source: @heritageoaks via Instagram

Modern house with a well-manicured lawn, shrubs, and lit windows at night, featuring a sleek garage door — Source: @murrayboissery via Instagram

A brick house with a white railing, lush green vines, manicured bushes, and colorful flowers in the front garden — Source: @murrayboissery via Instagram

A scenic neighborhood street with vibrant green hedges, colorful flowers, and lush trees lining the road under clear blue skies

The art of topiary often brings to mind ornate animal-shaped shrubbery. In reality, topiary involves a wide range of plant species and shaping techniques (if your property has ornamental evergreens, you may already be dabbling in this practice without realizing it!).

While topiary definitely isn’t for the busiest of homeowners, most people can care for a single planter or landscape tree without issue. If your budget allows, professional hedge-trimming services are always an option!