A Creative Front of House Landscaping Makeover in Northlake for a Tricky Entryway

Not every front yard begins as a blank canvas. Some are just… awkward. And in this Northlake, IL project, the homeowner was working with a unique front entrance layout that lacked visual flow or curb appeal. With nothing but lawn and a basic sidewalk leading to an elevated staircase, the home’s exterior felt underwhelming and disconnected.

That’s where Ross & Jack’s Landscaping came in. Known for turning unconventional spaces into elegant, functional landscapes, the team created a cohesive front of house landscaping plan that turned a tricky layout into a beautifully composed entry.

Let’s take a closer look at the details behind this creative transformation.

Thoughtful Landscape Designs for Front of House Balance and Beauty

The homeowner’s primary challenge was finding a way to make the front steps and sidewalk feel grounded in the landscape. The existing grass yard offered no definition or interest, and the raised entry created a visual gap between the house and the street.

Ross & Jack’s approached the challenge by designing a soft, flowing layout that visually envelops the sidewalk and staircase. By wrapping the concrete with sculpted planting beds and layers of texture, the new landscape designs for front of house provided a welcoming, balanced look that felt more intentional and much more inviting.

Mulch and Plant Bed Installation Adds Color and Texture

A major piece of the transformation involved a full mulch and plant bed installation to bring depth and structure to the front yard. Ross & Jack’s carved out defined beds filled with a curated mix of shrubs, flowering perennials, and ornamental trees—including a bold Japanese maple that now serves as a striking focal point.

Mulch was used not just for aesthetics, but for soil health, moisture retention, and weed control. The dark tones of the mulch contrast beautifully with the greenery, creating crisp edges and a polished finish that will mature gracefully with the seasons.

This approach added instant curb appeal while supporting long-term plant health and ease of maintenance.

Organic Curb Appeal with Outcropping Stone Accents

To anchor the plant beds and add a touch of rustic elegance, Ross & Jack’s incorporated natural outcropping stone. These large, flat stones create gentle visual breaks in the landscape while enhancing the organic flow of the design.

Rather than using hard lines or traditional edging, the stone was placed strategically to guide the eye and define transitions throughout the yard. This technique is ideal for clients looking for naturalistic landscape designs for front of house that feel both artistic and authentic.

The combination of planting, stone, and mulch helps bridge the vertical gap between the ground and the home’s front steps, making the entryway feel rooted and cohesive.

Side Yard Landscaping Makeover for a Clean, Finished Look

The transformation didn’t stop at the front. Ross & Jack’s also carried their creative touch along the driveway with a side yard landscaping makeover. Prior to the upgrade, the side of the home was bare and utilitarian. Now, it’s a clean and stylish space thanks to a thoughtful rock bed lined with neat rows of greenery.

Simple and modern, this side yard treatment helps connect the front and back of the home, guiding visitors around the property while tying in with the front yard’s materials and palette. It’s a small change with a big impact—proof that side spaces deserve design love too.

Gray Slate Gravel Plant Bed for Low-Maintenance Impact

In place of traditional mulch or turf, the side yard beds feature gray slate gravel plant bed materials that bring a contemporary edge to the design. The soft gray tones complement the siding of the home, while providing excellent drainage and weed resistance.

Gravel beds are a smart choice for tight or narrow areas, and Ross & Jack’s installed them with an eye for detail and proportion. This sleek and functional material choice sets the perfect stage for plantings that require little upkeep but still offer plenty of visual appeal.

Succulent Plant Bed Installation for Visual Simplicity

For plantings along the gravel beds, the team focused on low-profile greenery and symmetry. The succulent plant bed installation used hardy, drought-tolerant plants that thrive in sunny side yard conditions and require minimal maintenance.

The repetition of shapes and textures gives the design rhythm, while the succulents add a fresh, modern flair that plays beautifully against the slate gravel. The end result is a side yard that feels curated—not forgotten.

This creative front of house landscaping in Northlake shows that even unconventional entryways can be enhanced with the right mix of materials, planting, and design vision. From a once-awkward approach to a now-beautifully framed front yard, Ross & Jack’s delivered a solution that elevated the entire property.

If you're struggling with a tricky front yard or want to breathe new life into a basic landscape, Ross & Jack’s has the creativity, expertise, and craftsmanship to bring it all together.

Contact us today to turn your entryway into a showstopper.