July 03, 2008

Driveways were once the most uninspiring and mundane part of a house, and served just the purpose for which they were made 末 to park cars and provide an entrance leading up to the main door of the house. Not any more. Driveways come in all shapes and sizes these days, and are decorated with as much gusto by the residents, as any other part of the home, so that they have an aesthetic value as well.

Take the driveway of Rahat Haque痴 residence. A horticulturist by profession, Rahat has decorated her long driveway which can comfortably park five cars, with a profusion of plants. And, so strategically placed are the openings in the wall overlooking the driveway, that no matter where you look from you get a beautiful view of the garden.

Hence, when you enter the house through the green gate 末 an apt colour considering the lush foliage within 末 you see a long driveway with covered porches towards the beginning and at the end, flanked by huge planters from both sides. Trellises along the wall to the right have hanging planters adding character to the space. To the left, a raised arrangement boasting orchids and other exotic plants provides an inkling of what the garden looks like.

A cast iron archway with bougainvilleas covering its curvature leads visitors from the driveway into the garden and also allows a view of the exquisitely pruned bonsais set around a wooden bench just overlooking it. Yet another archway further up the driveway also allows entry into the garden and provides a verdant vista, while another niche in the driveway wall provides a view of the terrace.

An extension of the driveway, the terrace is an exquisite area where one can sit and enjoy breakfast or tea while taking in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Another driveway that leaves the visitor fascinated is that of Mrs Ahmed痴 house. Doubling as an informal sitting area amid lots of greens, the driveway has two entrances 末 one on either end 末 used for two different purposes. While one gate is reserved specifically to allow access to the car, the other is used by guests to enter and exit from the house.

A covered driveway, its roof is made of wood with wooden beams running across, held up by pillars at one end, equipped with a ceiling fan, lights, et al. A cane sofa set sits smack in the middle of the driveway, planters around it adding to the cosy ambience. A divan sits against the wall, decorated by an animal bust, while an artfully crafted wooden planter holder and wrought iron chairs flank the wall.

Overlooking the seating arrangement is a beautiful garden with a quaint corner decorated with a garden bench, and lots of potted plants.

So the next time you are doing up your house, don稚 ignore your driveway 末- do it up in style. It will enhance the beauty of your home, as never before.