Fall is in the air. From pumpkin spice lattes to crunchy fallen leaves, autumn is slowly hedging out summer and taking up residence in our hearts and our yards. Keep up with Mother Nature by outfitting your porch or patio with the rich colors, scents, and textures of the season. If you need a little inspiration to transition your patio or porch from summer to fall, take a look at these nine ideas that are sure to give you the friendliest, most autumn-themed home on the block.
1. Replace summer flowers with fall blooms and ornamental grasses.
When there's a chill in the air it's time for bright petunia blossoms to give way to hardy fall blooms like mums. Add extra texture to your fall porch by trading out summery clay or painted pots for more rustic containers made of wood or metal. Ornamental grasses add another layer of interest and come with the bonus of being low-maintenance. Add them to mossy flower boxes or let them stand alone as sentries flanking the front door.
2. Trade out splashy summer colors for warm fall hues.
Summer is the perfect time for bright yellows and nautical blues, but nothing says fall like warm oranges and soft reds. Pack away beachy cushions and pillows and create an inviting outdoor space with a fall vibe by adding hues that echo the brilliance of fall foliage.
3. Add seasonal produce to your display.
You don't have to go any further than the local farmer's market or produce section to spruce up your fall porch. Everything from pumpkins and gourds to apples and brightly colored ornamental peppers can become part of a fabulous fall display. Make it a little bit country with bales of hay and the addition of dried corn stalks.
4. Create a warm glow with candles.
Give your bistro lights a break and warm up your porch with the cozy glow of candlelight. Add interest by mixing and matching unique candleholders. Place some candles in hurricanes and rest others on shabby chic pedestals. Amp up the fall vibe by throwing in a few candles scented for the season. Look for pumpkin spice, apple pie, and warm vanilla.
5. Replace a summery welcome mat with one suited to the season.
Embrace fall with a welcome mat that celebrates the turning of the leaves. Trade in summery scenes of the ocean and beach balls for images of fallen leaves, pumpkins or shiny, fall apples. If traditional designs aren't your thing, consider a richly textured mat that echoes the season. Go natural; think cork, burlap or seagrass.
6. Add inviting furniture.
Now that the dog days of summer are over the temperature is perfect for lounging on your outdoor furniture. Make sure you have a cozy spot to sit while you greet the day with a hot cup of coffee or watch the sunset over a toasty mug of apple cider. Hunt flea markets for something rustic like a chair made from willow branches or a bench made of knotty pine.
7. Make it cozy by keeping blankets handy.
There's nothing better than enjoying a crisp fall evening on the porch. But chilly nights require extra warmth. Make sure the chills are kept at bay by keeping a snuggly blanket nearby. If your porch is exposed to the elements, choose your fabric wisely. Make sure your favorite throw can stand up to temperamental fall weather before giving it a new home on the patio.
8. Welcome guests with a fall-themed wreath.
Herald the changing of the seasons with a fun, autumnal wreath. Trade out summer flowers and juicy colors for pumpkin-tinted berries and ribbons in rich chocolate. Consider weaving natural materials like raffia or burlap through a wreath ringed with Granny Smith apples or bright red cherries. Add chestnuts or acorns for extra texture. As long as you take your inspiration from fall's bounty, you can't go wrong.
9. Make it easy to transition from Halloween to Thanksgiving.
Create a fall porch that works as a backdrop for the upcoming holidays. Fall flowers and colors work for both Halloween and Thanksgiving. If you have a solid autumn landscape, it's easy to customize for the holidays without having to start from scratch. Add jack-o-lanterns or spooky silhouettes for Halloween. Welcome Thanksgiving with an overflowing cornucopia or a simple pillow embroidered with a word or message that evokes the gratitude of the season. Say goodbye to the heat and sunshine of summer and embrace the crunchy, colorful days of fall with a porch or patio worthy of the season. Which of these autumn tips are you going to try on your porch? Let us know in the comments!
References
http://housemadehome.com/2012/09/14/nine-decor-ideas-to-transition-from-summer-to-fall/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/266416134177814127/ http://satoridesignforliving.com/2014/09/changing-seasons-fall-front-porch/
http://gardenmatter.com/front-door-decor-transitioning-summer-fall/ http://austin.citymomsblog
