I don't normally think a whole lot about driveways, but in the last few years ours was getting a lot of cracks in it and the end of it close to the road was badly damaged from heavy trucks. So while we were out of town we had the driveway worked on. I guess the driveway does have something to do with curb appeal, too. We thought we were going to save some money by just having the damaged parts cut out and then new concrete poured, but our friend who was overseeing the project while we were gone realized that it was taking to long for them to cut out small sections and that was going to run the labor costs way up. He let them just go ahead and take out almost the whole driveway except for the part they had already cut out in front of the garage.
I don't have any before shots, but that would bore you to death anyway.
Look how darn white it is. I really will be glad when it tones down some.
We were going to stain the whole thing, but Mr. Savvy has changed his mind.
You can also see how dry our yard has gotten. Not quite as green, but we finally got some rain last night.
You can also see how dry our yard has gotten. Not quite as green, but we finally got some rain last night.
Now this is the exciting part. Whoever thought a driveway could get exciting. Well, it can. I love old cobblestone roads and we made the end of our driveway look like one. I took these pictures while the guy was sealing it. This was done by adding a base color to the concrete and then a colored powder is thrown on the wet concrete to create a color mix. Then the wet concrete is stamped with this pattern. This is cheaper than the real thing.
Look how pretty that is. We had it done in a terracotta color so it would go with the rock on the front of the house. I am thinking about painting my front door in a terracotta color.
In fact I think I found the perfect color while looking at my new House Beautiful magazine. A pretty clay looking color called Firenze (Florence) by Benjamin Moore paints. BM is my favorite brand.
It was like it was an answer to what I was considering doing.
It was like it was an answer to what I was considering doing.
The best part was that after the driveway was good and hard the next day the guys came back and pressure washed the drive way and our old grungy sidewalk. Look how nasty it was.
Here you can really see how black it had turned.
Here you can really see the difference where the guy was cleaning it. I don't know why we hadn't cleaned this before. It has been fifteen years.
Much better. All nice and clean and still drying in this shot.
One last shot of it all finished. Now we just have to fix the grass that was torn up down the sides
of the driveway. That has to be done soon so the new grass can take root before cold
weather gets here.
Linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday.
I want to thank everyone for welcoming Traci. You guys are awesome!
Have a super week. I will be getting ready for guests next weekend.
Y'all come back now,
KIM
One last shot of it all finished. Now we just have to fix the grass that was torn up down the sides
of the driveway. That has to be done soon so the new grass can take root before cold
weather gets here.
Linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday.
I want to thank everyone for welcoming Traci. You guys are awesome!
Have a super week. I will be getting ready for guests next weekend.
Y'all come back now,
KIM
I love the cobblestone look! It's sooo pretty. As is your house!
ReplyDeleteI love the cobblestone look! It's sooo pretty. As is your house!
ReplyDeleteKim, your driveway looks fabulous. I love the cobblestone look. You have such a lovely piece of property and a nice long driveway. Not at all like ours in a track of homes very close together. I sure would love more space. Everything looks fabulous. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love cobblestones. We still have a few old cobblestone streets in our downtown area. Your house is so pretty and I'm sure the new driveway just adds so much to your curb appeal.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I love the look of it. Why does concrete always look better when it is wet?
ReplyDeleteIt looks wonderful. I've seen patios done this way and I really like them. Your house is gorgeous and certainly has curb appeal!
ReplyDeleteThose "cobblestone" drives are wonderful!! I am looking forward to seeing the new front door color!
ReplyDeleteI like that cobbled look - brilliant!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love that new cement. My daughter did a similar cement on her back patio when they had it laid and it's sooooo pretty. Really adds character.
ReplyDeleteThat looks just gorgeous! I have visions of doing that technique in our backyard when we add a patio and it is so fun to see how it could look! Perfect!
ReplyDeleteVanessa
http://southerninmyheart.blogspot.com
The driveway looks great! That cobblestone look would be great all the way up the driveway but I am sure that would be expensive!! Isn't it funny to get excited about a driveway??? We just got a good steady rain over a 12 hour period which has really helped here.
ReplyDeleteThat looks fantastic. Great choice the cobblestone. Really enhances the curb appeal.
ReplyDeleteSherry
Love the cobblestone look! Your house is so beautiful. It is very similar to the home plans I have saved in case we ever move and build (which is looking like a very good probability due to my hubby's job). We powerwashed our exposed aggregate patio this summer and what a difference it made!
ReplyDeleteOooooh, pretty ! I love the cobblestone look. A new driveway is on "the list" for Lavender Hill... I'm saving this to show the hubby !
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing,
gena
www.thehouseonlavenderhill.blogspot.com
I do love the cobblestone look! Would like for my courtyard to have that kind of finish. Everything looks great!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
beautiful love it
ReplyDeleteLove your cobblestone. Glad that rain came your way.
ReplyDeleteOh my, that cobblestone look is just beautiful, Kim! Adds a lot to the curb appeal for sure.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I love that look Kim...and your front door painted will look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteWow - I am in love with the cobblestone....and driveways are not boring at all, at least yours isn't! I looked at the color Firenze and it is a beautiful clay color, so rich.
ReplyDeleteLooks great!!!
ReplyDeleteJust amazing!
ReplyDeleteRondell
Kim,
ReplyDeleteThe stamped concrete looks wonderful!I have always liked this look. Can you believe my 85 year old dad just did this to his driveway. He did the entire job himself from making the mold, pouring the concrete, stamping and staining. Dad made his in a brick pattern and after staining went back and hand painted certain bricks to make it look more real. It turned out great.
xo, Sherry
Curb appeal for sure! Wow, that is the way to go and I love the cobblestone look so much! It looks awesome Kim! :D
ReplyDeleteI added myself to follow your blog. You are more than welcome to visit mine and become a follower if you want to.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless You ~Ron
That looks awesome! -Your newest follower
ReplyDeleteThat is cool! I didn't know that could be done. Looks like quite an undertaking!
ReplyDeleteWow, this looks so pretty! I just love that cobblestone look!
ReplyDeleteLove the cobblestone driveway, Kim. Wouldn't you just love doing the whole driveway? Your home is very pretty and it's even prettier now....Christine
ReplyDeleteOh I LOVE it!!! I wish my driveway had that. Some of my neighbors have that but not as pretty as yours. I know you're proud of your new "pretty" driveway. Who would ever call a driveway pretty? Ha! I bet it sounds nice when you pull in. We need a new driveway bad! Ours is cracked. But.....not gonna happen. Looking forward to seeing everything in person tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I have to admit I've been visiting your blog for awhile. I adore your style....it's right up my alley. :) I'd like to add you to my blog roll, if that's okay.
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful day~ J
Beautiful! =) ~Liz
ReplyDeleteI love the effect on your drive! Good job. I came over to your blog from Pondside. Come visit me in cold Edmonton, Alberta Canada sometime!
ReplyDeletehttp://shirley-agardenerslife.blogspot.com/
I am jealous!! Love it! :)
ReplyDeleteI've been gone a few days and couldn't wait to get back and see what you've been up to, a lot! Love that driveway my neighbors just did that to their entry just like you and wow what a differnce it makes..love your HUGE yard, you must be mowing for hours out there. Also your extra garage/guest cottage? Looks like there is a place for me to come visit? And maybe move in!
ReplyDelete