When decorating for any season I like to use elements that compliment the existing landscape and the homes exterior. Pumpkins, gourds, leaves, moss and twigs echo the natural surroundings and compliment the look of your home. The pathway to the front door garden beds on either side of our entry are sprinkled with fall color. The concrete sidewalk is stained to compliment the color of the house. Suble landscape lighting lights up the paths in the evening to welcome you inside. Let’s talk about some simple ways to amp up your home’s fall curb appeal for a simple fall makeover.
On the front door I used a grapevine wreath I have had for years. I added some faux greens I picked up at Hobby Lobby, some preserved fall leaves, and a few faux pumpkins. The colors echo those of the front yard area. Most of the elements I already had on hand. I had my glue gun handy but only needed it for a few of the preserved leaves. I forced everything into the grapevine wreath, so I can easily take it apart when the season is over and reuse the materials
I don’t decorate for Halloween but I try to get my fall decor up by October 1 so I can enjoy it for a couple of months.
No one uses our front door. Everyone comes in the side door off the driveway. Every time I go in and out of the door I think it needs something in between the doors. I have had my eye out for an old bench. In the garage we had a large console piece that was in our former wine room. I have been meaning to consign it or sell it. Last Saturday while Steve and I were eating lunch, the thought came to me to use the piece there. The area is completely covered, and the piece It is made of Brazilian ironwood, which actually can bear the elements quite well. Here is what the space looked like before.
Steve and I had a pair of vintage shutters in the garage that had kind of a funky paint job. They were green and white. We decided to give them a fresh coat of paint withe the same color of the shutters in our courtyard. and frame the window with them for interest.
The shutters are not a perfect size but close enough. Aren’t I lucky to have a retired contractor that loves to paint. Here is the finished project.
I need to purchase a simple new welcome mat for the door to the house and the garage door. I think this arrangement creat. charm
I like the symmetry of the two pots on either side of the window. I salvaged branches from my neighbor’s cuttings and will let them dry naturally. I added a few pumpkins from Trader Joes and Grocery Outlet. The arrangements in the pots pick up the colors in the japanese maples on the left side of the driveway.
I need to add some pumpkins and leaves to the front planters and perhaps some pumpkins on either side of the door. You can see how my home’s exterior was decorated last year in the post How to Decorate for fall with Natural Elements, and how I decorated my courtyard for fall in this post Easy Foraged Fall Decor here. I think I am going to keep it simpler this year. Whether your home is large or small you can create an inviting first impression with some simple fall decor.
Thank you for reading Simple Ways to Amp up Your Home’s Fall Curb Appeal. I will post more of my fall decor as it progresses. I will be back on Thursday with Jennifer for our monthy Over 50 Style Edit. I hope to see you then.
Hi Cindy,
You ARE so lucky to have a contractor husband who is happy to help make your home beautiful. I love the shutters and the entry is so welcoming as a result. I so love this time of year and the simple, nature’s bounty brings a warmth and delight to the season’
Enjoy the end of October. We’re barreling to Thanksgiving. Whoa. I want to savor every moment. of the season.
Karen B.
You and Steve make a great team! How welcoming is that entry now – and you guys get to enjoy it every time you go in and out. AND you had the shutters and table just waiting. The front door area is gorgeous too! Love your creativity and inspiration.
It looks so inviting. I have a difficult time getting rid of things. Isn’t it great how you were able to use a great piece of furniture you already had? You will have fun decorating that space for all the coming seasons. Love it!!!!
Hi Claudia
Yes it is. We are slowly but surely empting the garage!! Thankfully it is large!
I love the shutters and the table, great styling.
Happy autumn
xo,
Karen B.
Hi Karen
Thank you so much! Right back at you!
Cindy,
I love your Fall wreath and your new entry. It is amazing what a table and a pair of shutters can do!
I have never made a wreath, but this tutorial makes me think I can.
Have a great day!
Hi Elizabeth
I am sure you could whip up a wreath in no time. Start at the corner and build out from large to small.
Love the shutters and table at window! I can see a black iron piece over window and topiary form not greenery between pots and metal baskets on shelf or sculpture. I can also see hanging orb over table possibly… I love decorating 😂 What color is your exterior?
I hear those wheels turning Nancy!!
Hi Cindy,
I love love love the shutters and everything you created. Steve did an awesome job with the shutters.
Hi Katherine
Steve has such great vision. My ideas would be nothing without his ability to make things work!!
I love your fall decorating! You are an inspiration, Cindy.
Hi Cheryl
Thank you so much!
Oh my gracious! The shutters add more presence to the window. It was a narrow little window that added nothing to your alcove and now it pops! And that console table is brilliant! I love decorating my front porch for the seasons. I would echo another reader who suggested a long runner between doors instead of two welcoming mats. A runner in front of the console will complete your look and hide some of the staining on the concrete.
Hi Joanna
I think you guys may have something with the rug idea. It needs to be very simple and practical though. I have never totally understood the concept of outdoor rugs (I know I know) It seems like one more thing to keep clean! What I would really like is a large simple doormat!
Cindy! I love how your creative process worked with one saved treasure reminding you of another. And, yes, you’re a very fortunate woman to have your Steve who willingly works in tandem with. you.
I look forward to how this area will change for Christmas! Please be sure and share!
Happy Fall,’
Diney on Mercer Island
Hi Diney
How are things on the island?
🍂 Beautiful Autumn inspiration today, Cindy!
Happy October! 🍂
Hi Lynne
I bet you have a million ideas for that space! Would love to hear them!
Fantastic‼️
Hi Eliz
That piece you may rmember resided in the wine room before. It just seemed too busy for anywhere else in this home, but I think it works there.
You gave me a great idea – my front porch is a small stucco/brick space with a small bench. The wall above is bare. I think I’ll buy an old window frame and shutters to paint to match the ones on my upper Tudor windows. I usually decorate the bench seasonally but had surgery so haven’t done it yet, but you’ve inspired me
Hi Julie
I hope you are recovering well from your surgery. Enjoy your decorating!
Thanks sooo much for getting me out of my decorating funk. I’ve a faux Terra cotta soldier at our entry way. I’d forgotten that I usually put a straw hat on his head with fall foliage, plus in his hand I add a metal lantern also with fall colors. Just a bit of levity.
Hi Anne
Trust me I get in a funk too! This blog keeps me motivated!!
I like what you created in the space between the doors. Very nice.
Hi Linda
Thank you! I think it is an inprovement!
I so love how your decorating style looks so warm and inviting. It looks effortless which I am sure it is not. Such a relaxing and peaceful vibe to it. Fun for me just to look at.
Hi Linda
Thank you! All the effort was Steve’s! So it was effortless ha.ha. You know it is interesting, sometimes it is effortless, other times I overthink things! Both of these areas came together in a “minute”
I LOVE it! You ARE lucky – my husband doesn’t like to do anything like that. He’s very handy and paints well, but doesn’t enjoy it.
The new arrangement looks great. I am putting my stuff out asap – my grapevine wreath is completely exposed, so I can’t use any dried elements. And I want it seen from the road, so I use brighter colors than I might, in a more private setting…
Check out the longer skinnier mats from Ballard Designs – they may fit between the table and the doors easier than a standard size. Love the whole situation!!
Hi Gray
Steve is not nearly as interested in these sorts of projects as he once was. He loves quick ones like this. However mention anything large and he is not very interested!! He is retired! Will check out Ballard now. The mat I had there was from Ballard (polka dotsJ). It is a little busy there now!
I love the beautiful simple console with the Autumn pots and pumpkins. so lovely! I love all the Autumn decor ideas and I, too, want to keep things a little simpler this year.
I have an amazing collection of Dia de los Muertos treasures that I love including in October/November decor – not sure where to put them this year ?????🤔🤔
Hi Dianne
I bet you can have fun with your Dia de los Muertos collection!
You and Steve are so brilliant! Do you ever rent him out?? I love how this turned out simply using pieces you already add, then the “Cindy/Midas” touch. As beautiful as this is, would you rather me come to the front door so it gets some use? 🤔
I think I’m recovered enough to think about adding some fall looks to my own home today. You inspire me!
Hi Wren
Ha ha! Can’t wait to hear about your trip!!
Wow! You always seem to have the most fabulous “junk” sitting around in a garage or storage room. Just lovely.
VCB
when Wren comes to the front door for a visit I will tag along!
Absolutely! She is back we need to get together!
Hi Vickie
We had two garages and a barn in our former home! We were borderline pack rats!
Wow, just wow! Aren’t you lucky to have such a charming alcove to work with. That beautiful table will lend itself to many seasonal decorating opportunities. I’m already picturing a small live Christmas tree.
Hi Lindsay
Keep thinking! All ideas welcome!
Your entry looks great! Love the shutters and table that is decorated for welcoming fall. Just enough!! Looking forward to seeing how you use this space at Christmas .
Hi Caroline
Ahhh Christmas! It seems so far away!
Thank you so much, Cindy! You always seem to have an article about what I’m thinking of the time. Now I’m ready to tackle my front door!
Hi Kate
I am so happy to hear that! Happy Decorating!!
Wow, what an improvement and it didn’t cost much at all! I love seeing how people decorate with things they already own. Now your entry looks so inviting. It will be easy to change the arrangements in the pots for each season. It’s amazing how much bigger the window looks with the shutters. I wonder if one outdoor runner in front of the console might be even better than two welcome mats.
Hi Susan
That little alcove needed some love!