Fall Front Porches
Can you believe it? Fall is just around the corner. The other day I was on pinterest searching for a recipe and there right in front of my eyes was fall everything – pumpkins and autumn goodies, warm soups, leaves and craft projects, and football. It seems like it all happened too fast. Spring came and went and it seems summer is fleeting too. And personally, I am not ready for the seasons’ change. But – while I may be the kind to soak up the last few days of summer in full summer sun style, I know a large percentage of the population absolutely loves the fall and all it entails. And that being said, it is my job to help those who long for the pumpkin spice lattes and rustic colors to design their homes for the upcoming time of year. And where better to start then the front door?
Read on for ideas and inspiration to turn your front porch (or door) into a picture perfect autumn escape and get ready to cozy up in the rocking chair to watch the colors change.
Fall Foliage – While our vibrant flower gardens start to fade and it becomes more chilly at night, fall does not mean all color has to escape our yard. Replace the bright hued pinks and red annuals for fall hardy chrysanthemums (mums), asters and heleniums in reds, yellows and oranges. Line your steps with rustic pots of varying toned flowers and place vases full of these seasonal blooms on your front porch side tables as centerpieces. Another idea is to get inspired by the falling leaves and use them for your front porch decoration. Instead of candles, put them along with pine cones and berries in lanterns lining your sidewalk or by the door to welcome your guests. Bales of hay will also make a joyful fall welcome statement. Use the bales under baskets of gourds or flower pots to add height and dimension to your entry way. Don’t have a front porch bench or chair? Use the hay bales instead this season for your outdoor seating and adorn with harvest inspired pillows and blankets for a cozy place to rest.
Autumn Foodies – Go beyond buying pumpkins for Halloween only and buy them earlier in the season to use as door decorations. Line your steps with pumpkins of varying colors, shapes and sizes and use them as your signage real estate space by painting fall sayings or your house number on the bigger ones. Don’t just stop there though and also include other fall guards, vegetables and even apples. Place bountiful baskets and metal buckets full of these fall staples in your entry way and on your table tops. Even use them in your front door wreath if you so desire. Or, go to a local farm and ask for corn stalks to adhere to your porch beams or to frame your entryway.
Signage – With DIY being an on point trend right now and homemade signs popping up nearly everywhere you look, use this to your advantage. Place fall inspired signs on your porch or your front door for a heartening reading as you walk inside. Dress up old chalkboards with images of pumpkins and leaves or simply paint the seasons’ name on a large wood piece to rest next to the entry way door. Another easy trick is to create a harvest inspired garland with cardstock, burlap, or glued together leaves to hang above the entry if wanting something different than the overused wreath.
Color Transformation – Like replacing the spring and summer toned floral on your porch, switch out the furniture accessories for more autumn tones hues to create the perfect spot for drinking your coffee in the crisp morning air. Go from bright pink pillows to rustic oranges and dark greens and incorporate a plaid blanket in your design for the perfect fall seating arrangement. Take inspiration from the changing leaves and stay in the red, orange, brown and dark green family if your style is more traditional. If more modern, pair your decorations with neutral hues and opt for white pumpkins to tie with silvers and browns.
However you decide to design your entryway, we hope that you enjoy your front porch oasis this next season and find the time to relax and watch the tamaracks change colors. We wish you a happy fall and hope you get as many pumpkin spiced treats as your heart desires.
Photo courtesy of ReStyleSource