Fall in love with autumn decor
FAMILY FEATURES — Just because the temperature is cool does not mean the amount of time and attention decorators spend on your outdoor spaces should also drop.
Fall is the perfect time to add seasonal touches and decorations to the exterior of a home. Such adornments not only improve curb appeal but also amplify a homeowner’s personal style.
Consider these seasonal ideas for decorating the patio, porch and backyard, all courtesy of eLivingtoday.com.
• Use bold autumn colors.
Orange is a go-to fall color, but other seasonal shades — such as burgundy, earthy browns and taupes, and various shades of green — can be incorporated to complement those orangey tones of pumpkins and gourds.
Consider using blankets, throw pillows, mums and faux leaves as accent items that can add fall hues to a patio or porch.
• Plant autumn varietals.
Potted plants are one of the quintessential elements of outdoor decor. Taking advantage of your favorite fall blooming plants — such as Nippon daisies, Oriental lilies, chrysanthemum and helenium, for example — can add seasonal greenery and fiery tones to gardens and planters.
• Bring the indoors out.
Create beautifully designed spaces to enjoy year-round by bringing the indoors outside.
Coffee tables, weatherproof area rugs, throw pillows, hanging lights and wicker furniture can be staples of fall outdoor living spaces that provide the same cozy feel as a living room.
• Warm up with a fire pit.
Calming and on-trend, creating a DIY fire pit using concrete blocks, a ceramic pot, or copper bowl and some logs can serve as an ideal gathering place for fall nights. Position the fire pit in a safe spot in the yard or on a tabletop on the patio.
• String some lights around your space.
For outdoor spaces that could use some ambience, a string or two of clear party lights or strategically hung lanterns can improve the look and feel of any patio or yard.
Of course, decorators can also opt to light candles or repurpose leftover outdoor torches.
• Welcome guests with a personalized doormat.
Adding a personalized seasonal welcome mat can add some personality to a porch and provides a simple way to supplement function with a touch of style. With a range of options typically available, swapping out doormats seasonally can keep the front door fresh.
• Hang a leafy wreath.
While lush green wreaths work many months out of the year, autumn provides an opportunity to string together the red, orange and gold hues that can often be found in yards as well.
Simply pick up some faux leaves at a craft store — or pick up leaves from the yard for a more natural look — and attach the foliage to a wooden or metal wreath frame; then hang the wreath with some fall-themed ribbon or rustic twine.