The cozy blankets, the ambient lighting, the warm autumnal hues, the dreamy fall movies — everything about this season invites us to channel our inner hermit and spend a little more time at home. So the somewhat-primal urge to throw all of your summer decor into storage and bathe your front porch in fall vibes is one we can definitely get behind.
But the possibilities a la Pinterest are endless and overwhelming. So, to make the task of curating your porch decor a tad easier, we turned to interior decorator, blogger and expert DIYer Breanna Bertolini of Brepurposed Design for her top autumnal styling tips. Her first piece of advice? Grab your broom.
"When it comes to any space, the best thing to do first is to start with a clean slate," she says. "So take everything off your porch and slowly start adding fall touches back in."
As to what exactly those fall touches are, Bertolini says you can't go wrong with her signature style of neutral earth tones and natural elements. But, of course, decorating is an act of self-expression. So playing with color, texture and pattern is a great way to make your porch decor an extension of your personal style.
To help get your creative juices flowing, we've rounded up 20 different tips from Bertolini and other bloggers on the internet to bring your porch's fall aesthetic to the next level.
Opt for White Pumpkins
Credit: Brepurposed
According to Breanna Bertolini, pumpkins are the easiest element to use to spruce up your porch and give it a little fall warmth. "Stacking them or placing a big group of them together instantly transforms your space," she says. While orange is a fall classic, the white pumpkins she typically uses are a great way to add sophistication.
Bring in Natural Materials
Credit: Brepurposed
The beauty of the season is all about making your porch feel cozy and inviting. So why not add a few touches of nature to bring in an undeniably warm feeling?
Bertolini suggests leaning into warm earth tones and textures as well as dark-toned wood and natural materials, such as the dried grass she's styled in her planter above.
DIY a Wreath
Credit: Laine and Layne
"Wreaths are always a great way to incorporate a DIY project into your front porch," says Bertolini. "The creativity is endless, and there's really no wrong way to do it!"
While we're all for going rogue in Michael's, this step-by-step tutorial for a forged wreath from Laine and Layne is autumnal perfection.
Give Gourds Their Moment
Credit: Liz Marie Blog
While everyone goes pumpkin crazy come September, Bertolini suggests giving another fall staple a place in the sun: gourds.
"I feel like they get totally overlooked because everyone is going crazy for pumpkins," she says. "But they are so fun and beautiful and can be used in so many different ways!"
Whether you're lining them on your front porch steps or giving them a place in your planters, the vibrant oranges and deep purples of gourds are sure to give the space an autumnal kick.
Go Big With Flower Baskets
Credit: Studio McGee
If you want to add a bit of height to counterbalance the short pumpkins and gourds, opt for larger flower baskets filled with some fall-inspired flowers and greenery. A hot tip from Bertolini: Flowers don't have to be fresh.
"Look at some of the wildflowers and weeds that are starting to die," she suggests. "They won't look dead and droopy, but like beautiful dried stems you would find in a store — except they're free!"
Turn Your Faux Pumpkins Into Planters
Credit: Brepurposed
Real pumpkins can be tricky depending on the climate you live in, but placing overly plastic-looking faux pumpkins on your front porch can take away from the autumnal warmth. So Bertolini suggests giving them a makeover with some paint and baking soda.
And if you're feeling extra crafty, she also has a DIY tutorial for turning those painted faux pumpkins into planters. Top them off with some easy-to-maintain succulents for the perfect fall porch accessory.
Add Some Lighting
Credit: Jenna Sue Design
No porch is complete without some soft lighting. Whether you string some hanging lights around your awning or stagger some vintage-style lanterns on your steps like above, lighting is a great way to add some flickering warmth to your space.
Go a Little Overboard With Pumpkins
Credit: Liz Marie Blog
When it comes to decorating your porch for fall, there's no such thing as too many pumpkins. We love how decadent and eclectic this almost monochromatic display from Liz Marie looks.
Play With Symmetry
Credit: Blesser House
If you're not into the whole maximalist thing, opt for a more symmetrical approach. By arranging garlands of greenery with pumpkins and matching flower baskets on either side of your door, you can achieve a clean and modern look that still screams autumn.
Frame your front door
Credit: Peacock Ridge Farm
Fall garlands don't get near as much attention as festive wreaths, but they can be the perfect way to frame your front door and give it a bit of warmth. Peacock Ridge Farm put together this simple DIY that makes putting together this statement piece a total breeze.
Update Your Doormat
Credit: Palmetto Highway
Nothing says "Welcome to my home" like a festive doormat. While there are tons of adorable options on Amazon and Etsy, this "hey there pumpkin" DIY from Palmetto Highway is too cute not to try.
Add Some Subtle Halloween Touches
Credit: Remington Avenu
If you're not one to go all out with ghosts and ghouls, opt for some subtle touches to give your porch a hint of Halloween. Some levitating witches' hats or a few spiders in the corners can be just enough to give your porch that seasonal feel without going overboard.
Throw Some Pumpkins in Your Planters
Credit: Finding Lovely
Need your pumpkins to not be tripping hazards this year? Take a cue from Finding Lovely and stack them in the planters on your front porch. It gives your porch an instant autumnal upgrade without having to worry about pumpkins tumbling down your steps.
Repurpose Fallen Branches
Credit: 29 Design Studio
Bertolini is all about bringing nature into your fall porch decor. She tends to decorate with whatever is growing in nature — and what she can find on the "side of the road." You know what's always on the side of the road? Branches.
Whether you stack them up in an urn or lean them against your walls, the natural wood tones of fallen branches add an autumnal flair to any outdoor space.
Play With Height
Credit: Studio McGee
When styling your front porch for fall, don't forget to play with height. Stacking pumpkins on top of wooden crates or adding a simple stool can be the perfect way to add an extra dimension to an otherwise-flat display.
Go Green
Credit: Me and Mr. Jones
Sage and olive tones are definitely having a moment — and that moment can be replicated via green gourds and pumpkins. They may be hard to source, but it only takes a few to make a statement.
Embrace Some Brighter Fall Hues
Credit: Modern Glam
While everyone and their mother may be leaning into the natural earth tones of fall, go totally against the grain and embrace some brighter autumnal hues. Think oranges, pinks and yellows — all of which can be found in abundance during this season.
Decoupage Your Pumpkins
Credit: Jennifer Rizz
There are so many cute pumpkin DIYs this year that go beyond a simple spooky carving. We're currently obsessed with this pressed flower decoupage from Jennifer Rizzo. It's so romantic and ethereal — the perfect way to give your porch a bit of character.
Add Some Vintage Elements
Credit: Liz Marie Blo
We'll take any excuse to hit the thrift store, and fall is no exception. If you're looking for a way to add some vintage vibes to your porch, search some resale shops for old rakes, metal buckets and watering cans.
Less Is More
Credit: The Mama Notes
It's easy to get carried away with porch decor this time of year, but Bertolini reminds us that a few simple pieces can be just as impactful. "You don't need to overdo it either; simple is better," she says, adding that "a wreath on the door, a new doormat, some pumpkins, and a couple of pots of flowers" can go a long way.
