Your front yard has a definite effect on your house's curb appeal. The yard can serve as a frame for your home's façade, or it can simply exist. Of course, your goal is the former. Design a front yard that creates a positive impression on passersby and visitors. 

Plant a Border to the Pathway

Naturally, your first step is having a walkway that's in good repair. A straight walkway creates a sense of grandeur, while a curved one is more casual. Either way, planting along the border of the pathway helps draw the eye to the front entrance of your home. Better Homes and Gardens suggests planting easy-care plants such as hosta and boxwood. Variegated hosta offers a softer profile, while boxwood can be trimmed into formal hedges. You can also plant the border with flowers.

Add Flower Beds

Speaking of flowers, flower beds do a lot to complement your home, even if you have a lawn. Flowers add a touch of color while showing that you care about your landscaping. Consider the design of your home and space in your yard when planning a flower bed. Keep to a theme or a color palette when choosing the flowers. For example, if you have a traditional home, a lush cottage-style flower bed is a pretty addition. Alternatively, you could choose two or three colors that complement the house's façade and plant only in that palette.

Install a Fountain

A front yard fountain adds a lot of benefit to your curb appeal. First, there's the beauty of the fountain itself. Second, the interplay of water and sunlight adds a gorgeous effect. Finally, the water music is a soothing background – especially if you want to drown out the street noise. Choose a fountain in a similar style to your home. If you have a wide, straight walkway, consider placing the fountain in the center as part of the grand appearance. Otherwise, choose an attractive spot, and plant flowers around the fountain to make a pretty tableau.

Layer Landscape Lighting

Part of adding curb appeal to your front yard is ensuring your landscaping looks lovely even at night. You certainly don't want to flood your entire front yard. Instead, make a plan that keeps in mind the view from both inside the house and from the street. Likewise, consider how to highlight focal points within your yard. For instance, you may want a grazing effect for your flower beds or a silhouetting effect for your fountain. Additionally, if you have a tree, consider adding lights in the branches for a charming moonlighting effect. The key to landscape lighting is adding the illumination in layers throughout the yard.

For more tips, talk to a company like Outdoor Accents that specializes in outdoor lighting.