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Use these simple outdoor fall decor ideas to spruce up your space after a hot summer. Includes front door and sitting area inspiration.
I’m already on my third front porch refresh at this house. The main pieces stay the same, but I update the accessories with each new season to keep things feeling fresh. Read on for tips on how to add texture, interest, and color to your outdoor decor!
Where to Gather Inspiration
When it comes to finding seasonal inspiration, one of the best ways to get started is simply by browsing and gathering ideas. Don’t worry about your budget at this point…just look around and take note of what catches your eye. Pin your favorites, take screenshots, and save anything that sparks an idea. Over time, a plan will begin to take shape. Even if an item you love is out of reach, it can serve as inspiration while you search for something similar that fits your style and budget. With a little time and creativity, you can pull together a look you love that feels both fresh and personal.
Set a Color Palette + a Budget. Shop Wisely.
The next step is plotting your direction. Think about what you would like to incorporate into your design. Planters, small pots, galvanized buckets, or even bushel baskets? A simple grapevine wreath or one with a garland of fall foliage? Do you want to add ribbon to your fall wreath? Consider the harvest colors of autumn…oranges, russet, dark burgundy, or brown. Pick just one color, or combine two or three. Decide on your budget, but before you begin shopping, make sure to check and see if you have anything from previous years you can reuse. After that, begin the hunt for new additions!
5 Steps to Success
Every time I update our front porch decor, I follow the same five steps. I’ve done this for years, and each time it works beautifully. These are the elements that are super easy to change for a whole new look.
- A new or refreshed door wreath.
- A new or repurposed layered doormat set.
- Seasonal planters.
- Pillows and throw blankets in the sitting area.
- Accessories.
If you have a small porch, simply edit down the steps. The one thing everyone has is a door, so begin with the wreath. Make sure to consider your front door color, and choose a wreath that won’t blend in. Use your wreath design as inspiration for the rest of your space. The wreath pictured above was part of my spring porch design. I simply took the blue flowers out, and added the orange blooms.
How to Reinvent a Space
One of the most frustrating parts of reinventing a seasonal space is trying to make it feel fresh and different from the year before. For example, I really struggled with what to put on the table between the rockers. I had already used lanterns, flower pots, gourds, LED candles, faux berries, and pumpkins more times than I can count. This year, I was determined to try something new. If you’re facing the same challenge, try looking for inspiration in the simplest places…nature is a wonderful place to start. One look I’ve always loved is organic tree branches arranged in a simple vessel. I could never make it work at the Sutton Place house because there weren’t any branches within reach to cut. But I do now!
I found an unbreakable watering can in the garage to use as a vase, and filled it with branches with bright green leaves from our birch tree. I put some rocks in the bottom of the watering can so it wouldn’t blow away. I know it won’t last for long, but for now, I love the way it looks. I can always cut more branches, or switch them out for something artificial. And the best thing? It was free.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Simplicity
The term “go big or go home” isn’t a mantra I live by. In fact, I’m the exact opposite. I love simple DIY crafts and projects, and easy decor ideas that are affordable. I believe that most of you do as well, or you wouldn’t be here. I also believe we can welcome guests into our homes with pride in what we have accomplished. This isn’t a race, and we are all winners. So this fall season, step back and really consider what you love. The colors, the scents, and the textures. Let your fall porch decor reflect your own personal tastes, and don’t be afraid to keep it simple.
Outdoor Fall Decor Ideas Shop + Source
Click the images below to be taken directly to the product listing. Every effort has been made to provide sources for the items found in this post. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. If an item is out of stock but may be restocked, I left it on the list.
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I agree..a bit early for pumpkins but that’s an easy add in for your pretty space. Looks lovely!
Serena & Lily have wonderful things but pricey even with the discount..unless it’s something that’s timeless..then I’ll buy. Ideas galore though!
Your porch is very pretty and simple.Maybe add some pumpkins for a little more color.What’s fall without pumpkins !!
I thought it might be a bit early for pumpkins…maybe in October!
Ann, all wonderful thoughts. I really enjoy changing up my front porch too. I have a classic colonial – white with black shutters, French blue front door, and a full front porch. I own 10 (yes!) wreaths that I hang in my basement and rotate them sometimes monthly. I have several good sized indoor/outdoor rugs, that I rotate as well. My permanent “fixtures” as I refer to them are my white rockers, battery candle lantern on a timer, and an antique wooden table/plant stand painted in the French blue. I add my flowers of course, mums in the fall, and place a bright colored blanket over the back of one of the rockers. I also have seasonal pillows from various sources – I just washed my summer ones and put them in storage for the winter. I also study Serena & Lily, Ballard Designs, Pottery Barn, etc. for inspiration. Just yesterday I washed the entire porch and windows, replaced my summer rug, hung a fall wreath, etc. In the next couple weeks I will be adding my fall mums. Such fun.
What color is your door? Love Blue and Orange together!
Hi Cheryl…the door color is Distance from Sherwin Williams. Thanks!
As usual your porch is gorgeous! I couldn’t resist ordering the Garden planter by Polywood in black, so pretty. Happy Fall!