Need ideas on how to style your front porch for fall? Here are some simple and easy ideas from my front porch to yours.
I am knee deep in fall bins.
And in heaven.
My house has three decorating seasons.
Fall.
Christmas.
And the rest of the year.
Just between us? I think this house was made for fall. All the wood and the wood floors and the architecture and texture—they all work perfectly for fall. I have a little challenge with the blue and white, but now that I’ve discovered orange again, the living room is about to be falified.
But right now? I need a little help with the front porch. I’m having a party here on Sunday and I really want to greet everyone with a porch that looks like it’s ready for falling leaves and apple cider.
I went back through all the porches to try and figure out a direction and I came up with my top three ways I’ve decorated before to use as inspiration and I want to take you through a stream of consciousness decorating process. And I would love some input from you.
Plus I have the COOLEST idea (which I’m crossing my fingers that it works) that I’m going to try this year.
Are you ready for a little fall inspiration?
Let’s go.
I want to start with an observation and a point.
This is my front porch from when we first moved back into the house.
Can I point out three things I don’t like:
- Waaaaaay too many pumpkins (what was I thinking)
- I think something over the door is a necessity when it comes to fall and this porch
- I need urns in the front to balance out the planters next to the door
So now?
Let’s take these observations and plan for this year. I’m going to take you along with me on a stream of consciousness journey. I’m typing my thoughts out loud as I look at the pictures to plan.
And I’m using three of my previous porches as inspiration and taking what I like from each one to create a new, (hopefully) better version.
2023 front porch
One of my top three favorite porches of all time.
Orange is the theme of the day. I put orange leaves into urns and added grapevine pumpkins and solar lanterns (I love those lanterns so much—they’ve been on the porch since summer) and orange and white pumpkins.
The monogram planters have orange arrangements, and there’s a fall orange wreath on the door.
Garland over the door. Check.
Urns in the front. Check.
Pumpkins under control. Check.
But what do we think about orange? I’ve used it before. Maybe something similar to this, but more in the purple category.
Maybe purple and orange? I’m just thinking out loud.
2022 front porch
This was the year of the purple.
I think I went with purple because when I went to go find mums the only ones that were available were purple mums. Just between us, I really think that purple mums are the flower girls of fall porch mums.
They always go first.
Same monogrammed planters with purple mums and same grapevine pumpkins with eucalyptus instead of orange foliage.
So here we have purple. But this is purple in moderation. Maybe purple pumpkins and cabbage because the mums don’t have enough color for me? Are there even purple pumpkins?
And there’s no garland over the door and way too many pumpkins.
2020 front porch
I like the concept of this one. Good job, KariAnne. But you should have stopped at six mums and 10 pumpkins.
Just like highlights in your hair—sometimes too much isn’t a good thing.
#calmdownporch
That is a LOT of lanterns, too.
But here is more of the color palette I’m going for. That’s why I’m thinking cabbage.
And I feel like without that garland over the door, the porch feels unbalanced.
I’m showing you a more pulled-back view of the porch so I can explain my idea.
You can see my inspiration board over on my Pinterest here.
There’s a railing on top of the porch and I want to add more garland and fewer pumpkins.
So I could:
- Add garland to the railing on top of the porch (we do that usually at Christmas)
- Or, I found this idea on Pinterest where they added PVC pipe to the columns and top of the porch and then added garland to that
What do we think?
Are you team garland or team more pumpkins?
Before we discuss, I had to show you this picture I found of the twinnies from all those years ago at the farmhouse.
Sigh.
The cutest cowgirls ever. Now they are grown up and helping me run a shop.
Now—back to the task at hand.
What do we think?
Can you help a front porch out? I’ll be reading every comment with anticipation. I have to have it all decorated by Sunday.
A party is waiting. 🙂
I am team Purple and Orange! Wherever possible. Purple mums. Orange pumpkins... A mix in the garland over the door. etc. etc. It is a great color combo for fall! Gotta have some orange to visually signal fall IMO but the purple adds a depth and a nod to the spooky, which or course is associated with fall. So I hope you embrace this color duo and make it amazing!
I agree with Joy! 🪻🎃💜🧡
I like 2023. Yes must have garland over the door. Whatever you do will be amazing
Absolutely the garland over the door is so classy…. and I think it balances out nicely it’s so cozy looking good luck whatever
Yes I think you need the garland to frame the door along with a wreath on the door and mums in the front with the pumpkins
Off the top of my head and observing the 2022 porch (of the 3 I like this best)-here’s what I would change out. I would place garland with orange over the door and take the pink out of the planters and add some orange. A more simplified and understated decor, but yet screams fall. You could also scatter a few orange pumpkins along with the white. Whatever you do, I know it will look great‼️
Personally I absolutely love the 2023 porch!
You have done a beautiful job in years past but what about trying something completely different this year…. simplicity. Less of everything. Less pumpkins, less mums, less everything you have used before. And embrace a new look. Just because you have bins and bins of fall it doesn’t all have to be on the front porch.
I completely agree with Raes. Less is more.
totally agree.
I love fall season. It's my favorite. Thanks for jump starting my creative mind.
I agree with the less is more!
I agree with Raes completely. Less is absolutely more. Too much and the eye doesn’t really know where to look. Embrace Fall with a gentle hand and your vision will shine through!
I like it just as you have it now! Great job!
2023 is my favorite. I’m an orange girl in the fall. Tried all white pumpkins once and it just didn’t bring me joy. I love the textural elements in the 2023 porch. I usually do a mix of pumpkins, yellow or rust mums and any of my summer flowers that still look good in my front walkway. It’s usually the best combo for our barn red house. Fall is my favorite time of the year! Your porches ALWAYS look terrific🍂🎃
Too much stuff. Don’t know where to look! Like the orange pared down with garland over the door.
I do love the 2023 porch! However, I would paint the monogram planters black so they would stand out more. I’d add mums everywhere, especially in the smaller urns and remove some of the lanterns. And MORE PUMPKINS-all different kinds of pumpkins! Happy fall🍂
I love the orange because it just speaks Fall to me, but I also love accents of purple and cranberry. I can’t wait to see the finished idea!! Whatever you do will be fabulous like you!! 🧡🤎💜🍂🍁
2023 is a porch that says “fall”. I like a combo of white and orange pumpkins. I liked the Pinterest idea of pvc piping with the garland as well. You do need either something over your door or use the new idea! Always fun to try something new. 😊
I agree with another commenter — less of everything— looks just as decorated but less work for you— simplify this year… whatever you choose, it will look like Fall…
I love all the pumpkins! It’s my favorite because the pumpkins give you a single point of WOW! I would decorate the door and side planters with the 2023 look. Not sure you need the garland over the door. It may make it too fussy. If you need lighting for the stairs replace the gold/beige lanterns with black-it ties to the door color. With this look it draws all your attention up to the door entrance. Good luck with whatever you decide. It will look lovely.
I agree with Raes & Ellie: simplify. Although I love ghost/white pumpkins, I think the orange ones look better against the white backdrop of your house. Nonetheless, a bit less of everything imo.
Respectfully, less would be better. When you place so many things on the porch and steps, it looks like an entrance to a storefront, antique shop or cider mill. Your interior always exudes good taste and class. It is always lovely, tasteful and peaceful. The exterior should have the same feel.
Oh, boy. I feel awful but I need to be a true friend. Tone it down, pull back, less is more. So, I am team no garland, fewer pumpkins. Sigh, just call me Eeyore. How about team texture? To start--Put the big wire(?) pumpkins in the monogrammed plant stands on either side of the door, maybe with some leaved branches arranged in them? Then 1 or 2 lanterns flanking them with a pumpkin or a small mum at each base. Then perhaps some large baskets holding large mums, smaller baskets holding small mums and/or small pumpkins coming down the steps with a lantern here and there. On the door, a grapevine wreath? If you don't have enough baskets, time to hit the yard sales!
I like 2022. I'm not a fan of garland. It looks messy to me. I prefer understated with pops of color. Your family and your home are beautiful. God bless you all!
2020 is iconic, no buddy does a porch l8ke Buddy! I hope this magical picture is framed in your beautiful home! You had me at Woof! Looking forward to beauty and your pleasing palette for this year's porch. Color combos on that porch will be just right!
LESS is often ‘more’! Garland over the door but not on the top railing. Like the white pumpkins and the purple, plus maybe some green ones. But not so much — too many is not good
Beautiful decorating ideas! They all scream fall and welcome to my home. My thoughts are more garland, less pumpkin and maybe add a little cream or beige or antique ivory with the orange 🍊. Happy decorating!
Everything you do is beautiful. I feel silly even offering an opinion, but here is mine. I love the crisp, clean look of no garland above the door. If you do choose to do a garland, try letting it hang longer on the sides…maybe to the ground. I love the grapevine wreath from your Pinterest board. Something like that would give a beautiful eye catching appeal to the door. I also love the purples and oranges together. They look beautiful with your blue interior. Thanks for posting and writing KariAnne!
I seem to totally be bucking the trend in the comments - I am of the more is always better breed - a maximalist at heart!! I love the lush look - having said that the pinterest garland idea might have some problems. First I can imagine that it is going to take a ton of garland to fill that PVC pipe. Secondly, in my neck of the woods faux garland fades pretty quickly outside - so if you add garland around the front door itself it would draw the eye up to the door itself and would be a bit shaded and less likely to fade. Also I love purple and orange so combining the two for me would be no problem. Hope this helps have a wonderful party!!!! PS it will look great no matter what you decide!!!!
Hi, the decorations on your front porch from 2023 ae my favorite; but if you have something else in mind, it will be great.
Just as many before me, 2023 porch was just so wonderful. But you do you and we will all admire it.
I think a touch of blue with the orange would be beautiful! Maybe in the wreath and garland!
“Falified????” Kari-Anne, you are a wonderful wordsmith! Purple for me. With more natural accents. If you must have garland for the front door, I’d like to see something less floral for a wreath. Maybe a weathered board with a greeting, or a cornucopia spilling gourds and eucalyptus, or a sheaf of wheat with some of your dried hydrangeas? Anything, really, with your imagination I’m sure you have lots of ideas. For sure, I think spreading out across the porch would bring a balanced arrangement.
I love the pvc pipe idea, it looks great on your Pinterest board. I love the grapevine wreaths. I think I’m not sure about purple and orange together but if you see the vision then go for it. I have learned to trust your design ideas.
I’m with the other, no garland, more purple, more orange pumpkins. No to the white pumpkins. Why can’t you paint some pumpkins purple? I think it needs less, edit, edit, edit but needs a little more color and contrast. Your past ones were too busy. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
I’m sorry to be of no help! I love them all! I think I like one best until the next one comes up! They are all beautiful!
I love your orange porch. Maybe add twinklie lights around the garland and maybe down the stairs to welcome folks in...while I absolutely love white pumpkins for me they are classic Thanksgiving. I would say take out some of the orange you have spread around and add orange pumpkins .the all orange might be to much. If you add purple or another color it might be better..this is a hard one..you gotta do what you love
I Like 2023's porch the best. It, to me, looks the most like fall. Its beautiful!-
Team Garland and less is more, tone down the pumpkins.
Make it a little more simple - and do your magic!!!
I like the purple very much, and would add matching PVC garland like illustrated on Pinterest.
Love 2023. Especially, now that your monogram on your planters are black, it will look even better. The purple mums are not my favorite mum color - I love those dark burgundy ones that are so hard to find that sometimes have a yellow center. But, your taste is crazy good, so whatever you end up with will look fresh(y) and marvelous. I can’t wait to see what you decide. P.S. I loved the zillions of pumpkins spilling down your steps when you first moved, in, too. Add urns and a swag over the door to that to make urself happy, but I thought it was perfection as-is.
I'd go with a simpler look. I love orang pumpkins with purple blooming cabbage. Orange and purple go so pretty together. And, I love seeing Buddy and the twins!
I have been seeing a lot of dulled-down color for fall and LOVE the look! Deep tones like burgundy and cranberry, olive green, mustard yellow, rust, deep plum, navy and charcoal. I would love to see your porch in those colors. I also feel it won’t look too much if you end up going a little overboard.
Agree! Agree! Agree! Several others have commented about simplifying as well. With KA’s affinity for blue, why not purple and teal, or, salmon pink and navy? With just touches of rust, tan or orange thrown in. I can hardly wait to see what she does!
Redo the 2023 porch but skip the white pumpkin and switch the planters right by the front door with the wicker pumpkin planters. Done ✅ 🎃🎃🎃🎃
I like 2022 but with less pumpkins and put a garland around your door. Whatever you do will be beautiful.
While I love the enthusiasm I have to respectfully say I think less is more. Maybe try mixing in more colors for interest and impact with less overall items by half.
Why not try a wicker broom flower hanging from front door with orange yellow leaves and flower small pumpkins and few green leaves and pine corn a few babies breath stackable pumpkins on each sides making it simple but beautiful no hanging garnish over door
Forgive me on my spelling I mean to spell garland for the hanging part of the front door
You ask so here goes. 2023 is my favorite porch. What I would change is adding garland over the door, I would pull the two larger lanterns and set them at the end of the steps and place the wicker pumpkins at the top of the steps. Then add a few pumpkins and mums in between. I/m not sure about purple it doesn't really pop like white and orange. Then on the porch I would put the next largest lanterns on side tables (if you have them) and maybe set a mum next to the chair s or table and take another look. I think by consolidating and spreading a few things out it will be great. I'm sure it will be beautiful when you finish.
KariAnne.... do what makes you happy.... because when you're happy we're happy.🙂
I love 2023, that’s my favorite! But, I kind of agree with some of the comments about doing less, not more. I would personally incorporate some of the naturally blue-green looking pumpkins. It would give a different look and goes well with black and orange colors. Maybe sone if those stand up sheafs of wheat on either side of the door too. Whatever you choose KariAnne, it will be spectacular! Happy Fall!
Purple and orange is a stunning fall color combination. I have used velvet purple and orange pumpkins in varying sizes on my dining table with purple hydrangeas and brass candlesticks with dark orange candles. It really brought me joy, so I think your idea of purple and orange for outside is exciting. Maybe you could find some large purple mums too! Have a wonderful time at your party!! Pat Roberts
I’m more of a toned down kind of gal. I think all of your porches are great color wise, but I would just simplify them. Less is Queen in my book these days. I’m sure whatever you decide it will look great. Happy decorating…and enjoy your day! ;)
I have the same tendencies to keep adding...then it's just overkill and begins to look like it's a store. This year I toned it down way simple.
I love that cranberry mums. I don’t like all the white pumpkins . Change out the white pumpkins for orange pumpkins and add a couple of white pumpkins on each side. I would also add in the cabbage. Because it’s got that silvery green with burgundy edges. Maybe if you wanted to add some height, you could put corn stocks at each side by the door with your planters, and put a lantern in front of the corn stocks. I dropped the headers over the door or on the balcony. Maybe you could add in a touch of eucalyptus leaves. I’m sure you’ll figure it out. You always do a great job.❣️
Ginger, Great idea with adding the corn stalks and the rest sounds amazing as well!
What about a blue, cream and shades of amber? I agree with others that less is more. I do like a garland over the door.
So I’m not going to be a popular answer but I love the orange foliage and I love all the pumpkins from the very first picture. The two combined would be my pick. I’d move your large metal / wood (?) pumpkins out of the urns and set them on your cement columns. 🤗
2023 is my favorite of the three - it is the KariAnne version of "less is more" 🙂 I really like the basket on the door for 2022 though - wreaths are very pretty, but I am just tired of the standard round wreath. I am really into baskets and swags for a change. I love your large grapevine pumpkins - never seen any quite like them, and they should always have a place. I am 50-50 on garlands - love them when well done, and you do them well - I am not so good with them 🤪. I would like to see the garland up on the balcony though - there is so much leading up to the porch and on the porch - I agree with you that the garland is needed for balance, but for me that could be achieved with the garland higher up. Now, here is where I go completely off the reservation - color-wise. I adore the white pumpkins and always use some, but not too many. I am curious why you tend to opt for such a limited - for me - fall color scheme. I go on several pumpkin shopping trips around the county getting as many different colors, shapes, and sizes that I can find - there are peach, orange, and red, pale and dark yellow, white, shades of green, and the mini carnival ones are to die for. For plants, I take it easy on the mums because I am lazy 😂 They require a fair amount of maintenance to keep them blooming and looking good. I like to use crotons - wonderful colors and different leaf shapes, ivies for their trailing capabilities, and my summer potted lantanas. Also there are so many different ornamental peppers that call to me... Now, I get that we live in two very different houses. I am in a cape which is not nearly so elegant as yours, and I have a small front stoop which cannot be fully decorated on both sides of the steps. Your entrance is much grander and deserves to be decorated accordingly, but I still would like to see more color incorporated. Well, those are my thoughts - be careful what you ask for 🤣 Anything you do will be beautiful though - it always is!
I like the 2023 orange porch. The others don't say fall to me.
Hi KariAnn! I love 2022. It is so creative, and different. If everything is orange, it is most likely just like all the other porches in the neighborhood. I love your style. Madeline
My colors are rust and purple with a bit of orange and white mixed in. Yellow house forest green porch. Can't put to many pumpkins out because of safety railing.
All of these ideas are gorgeous! I'll just wait for you to show us your final choice and then borrow it.... lol Big Hugs
I love the garland idea. I think it would be gorgeous. I'd like to try that too.
Definitely try the garland on the PVC pipe and less pumpkins. Have fun no matter what you do and I'm sure it will be beautiful just like all those pics above!!
You have a gift! Not liking oversized basket or wired outline pumpkins though. Also, would like to see porch front door decoration for "rest of year" of your 3 seasons to decorate. I am sure to view your Christmas decorations
How about, Cinderella pumpkins, pink mums and a jeweled Cinderella carriage? Oh and the lanterns would add t the Magic. If I didn't have a teeny- tiny porch, I would really do it, unforunately, from the teeny porch I would hear the hubs asking if I had lost it. Honestly, the only thing I could suggest, is to have something, whether garland or wreaths, to pull the eye towards the door, it's a little envious of al the attention the steps are getting. Kim
Love the garland idea but anything you do always looks fabulous
I love the 2023 picture. I don’t think the upstairs garland is necessary but would be very pretty if you do it. You do everything so well. Maybe less is more but I still love that look. Less white more orange pumpkins? Add in a little dark purple for moodiness? Whatever you do will be great!
IK I'm late to the party! My thoughts would be to shorten the garland so it only lays above the door, paint your monogram black, spray paint your large pots black and swap out the white pumpkins with yellow pumpkins. I know whatever you do will be fabulous!! Have too much fun at your undoubtedly fantastic party!
I love yellow! I have done yellow, burnt orange and burgundy together. I like the large the grapevine pumpkins, I would pair those with a garland over the door but do a grapevine one with colors that accents the color of the mums. I have spray painted some of my pumpkins a copper color for orange undertones and also done cream color as well. Very warm and earthy colors make a very welcoming entrance!
I'm not loving the faux leaf garland...perhaps tucking in some dried "real" materials would make it "classier" and more authentic!. I am team "less items"! I do really like many of the elements of each porch... just decrease quantity items but have large focal point.
Hi there Hun,,!!! I'm strait out the country fr fr. I think I mean I honestly think you should take a lil bit out of everyone you have gone and make something beautiful, but minimal. Your house is so beautiful by itself show it off minimal sweet lady it's going to bootiful no matter what
Hi… I love the first porch with the orange garland…..where did you get the monogrammed urns…they are so pretty Barbara
I'm with the "less is more" crowd. A combination of 2022 and 2023 would be my preference. I wonder if there's a way to incorporate a fall plaid somewhere?
Hello! Autumn IS my favorite season! My youngest and I, our favorite holiday is Halloween. What we do is incorporate Autumn and Halloween decorations. I do not like the gore and horror, I am very much into whimsical decorations. I am a big pumpkin and Autumn leaf fan. Artificial pumpkins and of course the real ones. I really like the garland, lanterns, wreath and of course pumpkins. Have a Blessed and beautiful day! Kelly
OK I have been travelling so I am late to the party. And I am going to be super lame and give you a generic "but I like them all, and they're all unique and fun" comment. But I am leaning towards the less is more theory of design - I like the pop of orange on your porch. I loved that brilliant idea on the pvc piping vid so I vote for that, less pumpkins - maybe just less in general. But seriously KA year after year season after season you always deliver. You do you, Boo. It seldom lets us down. ♥
Porch 2023 for sure. It's so gorgeous. I like the placement of the 4 grapeviine pumpkins best in '23, too, incl the larger 2 above and a bit nore apart than lower 2. If you want to put fall garlands on the railings in front, that'd be lovely and cozy to sit on benches behind them, too. An illusion of "privacy" besides widening out the front decor view from near and far. You have great taste, Karianne! Happy fall!
Team garland. It balances the porch! I love everything you do. Surprise me 🤣
I love the fall colors you are using on your front porch... I do the same with the leaf garland over my entrance and a pumpkin topiary and leaf wreath... It looks very cheerful and welcoming. An idea off this topic though... Try doing a showcase of 'all' the wood houses together like a village for a fall or Christmas scene...Maybe on your foyer table. Show folks how they can use them. I think they are adorable.
Well since you asked lol….IMO too much going on! I love the wooded pumpkins and natural looking elements. Your porch is a dream!. I’d definitely do a door garland and either the urns or boxes. Large pumpkins on the stair risers would look great with some fall colored mums …. Just don’t overdo it….then it loses its elegance. Also as an aside when I first looked at the purple I immediately thought it looked like your spring version of a porch. I feel like some black would need to accompany all of that purple for a better fall mix.
Less is absolutely more. Too much and the eye doesn’t really know where to look. Embrace Fall with a gentle hand and your vision will shine through!