Curb Appeal Gates
On Mother’s Day I took a short drive around Bainbridge Island to admire the neighborhood entrances. I didn’t get a good look at the houses that day, but one gate caught my eye and begged to be photographed.
That particular gate seemed to tell a story—one side appeared cheerful while the other looked melancholy. It felt like a small, charming mystery. Whether it was intentional or just the result of weather and design, it made the gate memorable.
Over the years I’ve snapped many photos of gates and entryways during similar mini drive-bys. Each one shows how different elements—shape, material, texture, and plantings—combine to create a welcoming threshold. Some are formal and symmetrical, others spare and rustic. Some pair stone pillars with ornate metalwork; others favor simple wood with climbing vines. The variety is what makes these entrances so inspiring.
Below is a curated gallery of some of my favorite gates and garden entrances. Take a minute to study the details: how an arbor frames a path, how boxwoods define a narrow entry, or how a pergola softens the transition from street to garden. Small touches like a captain’s wheel on a fence or a little gargoyle on an iron gate lend personality and set the tone before you even reach the front door.
All photos by: Melissa Michaels
PS. Have your Procrastination Posts ready to share on Thursday. Even if you don’t have after photos, own the story and share what happened—I’ll be sharing one of my own. Looking forward to seeing what everyone has accomplished…or not!