A driveway isn’t just a place for parking the car, it’s a focal point for your home. Driveways occupy a prominent position in any property – usually in front of your house – so it’s often the first thing anyone sees.
A great driveway design ensures your property looks its best, maximises its kerb appeal and stands out. The most striking driveway ideas make great use of the size, shape, and space available – and that means being robust, resilient, and functional, as well looking good.
Driveway ideas to inspire you
Whether you’re in a small property or on a grand estate, there are a variety of ways you can get a stylish driveway. If you know what type of driveway you'd like, use these quick links to see our products, or scroll down for a selection of inspirational driveway ideas to get your creativity flowing.
- Traditional block paving
- Stone driveway
- Granite setts
- Cobbled driveways
- Practical permeable driveways
If you aren’t sure what driveway theme to choose, don’t worry! Our garden design and landscaping experts are on hand to walk you through some of the best options that use high-quality materials to achieve spectacular results.
1. Trendy and traditional
Drivesett® Tegula in Autumn
Block paving is used in many driveway designs, and for a good reason – it’s incredibly versatile. Here a traditional aged look built on warm, sepia-toned paving brings timeless elegance to a property. Our Drivesett® Tegula Original Block Paving complements most types of brickwork in a softly muted but understated way.
2. Setts up for success
Drivesett® Argent in Dark
Granite setts are the ultimate contemporary driveway design. Modern, striking and elegant, they bring a touch of class to your home – and they will add sparkle to any surroundings.
If you're looking for a more affordable alternative that’s just as attractive, take a look at Drivesett Argent®. It has a low carbon footprint and can give your driveway a slick look that’ll be the envy of passers-by.
3. Cobbling it together
Drivesys® Original Cobble in Iron Grey and Canvas
From the traditional to the antique – use cobbled stones in your driveway design to enhance the period feel of your home. When it comes to finding an attractive and unique driveway design, cobbles are hard to beat.
Lay them in diagonal lines, or have them curving around the corner of your house; cobbles can transform a tired driveway into an elegant display with character and charm.
Not only does it look good, but it’s also pretty tough stuff, too, with the potential to stay stable and functional for hundreds of years. One way of achieving an eye-catching antique design is using different cobble colours to get a varied, aged effect.
Drivesys® Original Cobble comes in basalt, canvas and iron-grey colouring – use one of each tone to get a driveway design that resembles the picturesque surfaces you might see in a churchyard or a winding medieval street.
4. Set in stone
Split Sandstone Setts in Silver Birch
In a world where concrete and tarmac dominate, stone stands out as a decidedly more traditional driveway option. Stone has been used in path, walkway and driveway designs for centuries – it really does last that long – adding a touch of class to its surroundings.
If you favour natural materials, using a natural stone surface could be the best driveway idea for you. We have a variety of natural stone materials and alternatives that can help achieve different aesthetics. Our Granite setts can help you achieve a contemporary finish for a grand entranceway. Or you can achieve a warm and welcoming driveway with our charming Sandstone setts.
Whether you choose to stick to one pattern or go for a varied mix, it’s guaranteed to bring a welcome feel to your driveway design, as well as a premium look that will add real value to your home for years to come.
5. Contemporary charm with porcelain driveways
Symphony® Plus Driveway in Charcoal
If you’re craving a sleek driveway look with straight lines and clean edges, choose a modern driveway design. Porcelain driveways are an innovative and stylish solution for any driveway, better yet they’re easy to clean and frost resistant!
6. Sustainable success
Driveline® Priora in Burnt Ochre
Practical paving can be stylish, too. Permeable paving helps drain rainwater away, eliminating ugly pooling and making sure your driveway stays in great shape for years to come.
Not only can you arrange permeable paving in a design to suit the layout of your space and your property itself, but you can also bank on it being tough enough to cope with surface water. Combining a classic look with a modern twist, Driveline Priora® is a leading permeable paving product.
7. Go glamorous with grey block paving
Drivesett® Argent in Graphite, Light and Dark
Grey paving has a certain timeless elegance that is hard to match. Effortlessly cool and understated, grey block paving is the perfect choice for anyone looking to bring a sense of finesse to their driveway.
Go classic with the Drivesett Argent® range - an affordable but utterly sublime alternative to natural granite that’s easy to lay and maintain. Drivesett Argent® paving is an excellent choice if you want to enjoy all the natural qualities of granite and achieve a premium finish without the premium price tag.
Create your perfect patio with Marshalls
Deciding on the right driveway design is important, as it’s where you’ll be returning home for years to come – and plays a huge part in your property’s kerb appeal. Take time to consider what’s best for you and your home by browsing through our range of driveway paving solutions and reading our other blog posts for further inspiration.
For advice on how to maintain your driveway and keep it looking its best all year round, you can find one of our handy downloadable guides here.
