How To Give Your Driveway An 'Old Money' Upgrade

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Your driveway should be representative of your elegant aesthetic. If you've been researching ways to use the "old money" decor trend in your home, don't forget about your exterior. The outside of your home is important to set the tone for your entire residence. If you're lucky enough to have a longer driveway leading up to your home, this DIY will take your entrance to the next level. Consider a vintage-inspired gate flanked by DIY brick pillars for an elegant landscaping idea that gives your driveway an old money look.

TikToker theaverycottage chose to install a classic black gate at the beginning of their driveway. However, they determined that this addition wasn't enough to nail the old money vibe they were aiming for. This led them to build two pillars with cinderblocks, concrete, and mortar. Once the structures were complete, they spread thinset over the surface and stuck on thin bricks to create the illusion that the pillars were made of stacked bricks. To make the bricks look weathered, they smeared type S mortar over the pillars and then sprayed most of it off with a hose. Once the pillars were complete, they moved on to the finishing touch: solar lights.

The solar lights selected by theaverycottage were small, lantern-style lights. They appear similar to these FriutShine Solar Lanterns. However, this was one aspect of the DIY that was criticized by viewers. Several users commented that the TikToker should have selected larger, more dramatic lights that fit the proportions of the stone pillars. If you agree with the viewers who prefer a more antique appearance, you can turn a thrifted lamp into a vintage-style solar light for your garden or driveway.

@theaverycottage

But does it need gargoyles?! #driveway #gate #brick #cottage #oldmoney

♬ Antique, old, happy and bright solo piano Jazz in ragtime style(1242384) – ricca

If you don't have a driveway suitable for a gated entrance, you can still steal inspiration from this driveway entrance idea to make a good first impression. Consider demarcating your driveway with a brick mailbox post or vintage-inspired lamp posts. You can use the same DIY to create the mailbox post — just adjust the measurements for a shorter pillar. Another option is to adapt this idea for the pathway leading to your front door by using a smaller garden gate instead of a driveway gate.