September is one of my favorite months of the year… the waning of summer into fall, cooler mornings and evenings but still delightfully temperate enough to spend plenty of time outside. This week I tackled my front porch… and oh how it needed a post-summer refresh! So it’s a great time to share how to get your own porch and patio ready for fall.
Clean it up! This is the not-fun task, but it is so necessary! I scrubbed the walls, railings and doorway with a diluted bleach solution. Once that dried I swept every square inch, including the ceiling. Dust and pollen has a way of collecting everywhere! I then cleaned my light fixtures… no more dusty glass. Don’t forget any furniture you have. A simple hose-down and wiping was all mine needed, but it made a huge difference.
Set the framework.
Even the smallest porch can accommodate a piece of furniture. Treat your porch or patio like another room of your house. A simple bench or occasional chair can make your stoop the most welcoming on the block.
Pottery Barn via Hooked on Houses
Layer in the cozy.
Once you have your furniture piece(s) in place, add textiles for texture and coziness. There are a wealth of outdoor fabrics for pillows and if your space is covered a throw adds the perfect touch of warmth.
Add fall foliage.
Here’s where your mums and pumpkins come in. Fill baskets with elements of nature — gourds, wheat stalks, pinecones, and pumpkins. Even a planter of branches from your yard can add that simple fall touch.
What about whimsy?
I always like to add a fun touch or two to my porch… just a bit of whimsy to personalize the space.
Don’t forget the final touches.
These are sometimes the most important. And I’m talking about your front door. Add some fall door decor and a fresh welcome mat and you can’t go wrong.
Mohawk Home has some excellent choices of welcome mats to freshen up that front (or back!) door.
Mohawk Home Modern Spice Bouquet Doormat
Mohawk Home Stone Weave Doormat
Mohawk Home Rectangular Monogram Coir Doormat
It’s amazing how my entire home feels refreshed when I spruce up my outdoor spaces! Now we are all set to enjoy some gorgeous fall weather on our porches and patios. Make the most of it!
Find more home decor inspiration and DIY on my blog, Decor & More.
