Decorating our front porch for fall this year with a mix of decor has been so fun. I typically grab a few pumpkins and a couple of mums but was feeling like I needed to go a bit bigger this year after we extended our front porch during the remodel.
With the extra foot and the removal of the column that rested on our porch, we have a lot of extra space to work with. And, I’m excited to deck it out this year.
Once the dust had settled after our front porch makeover, I grabbed a Coleus Main Street Beale Street and added it to an existing pot and set it on the porch. With the extension of the porch and patio, there is a lot of hardscape and we desperately needed some softness.
Fall was just around the corner and I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to add some life back to the front of our house.
The plant I grabbed was a good start and the color is perfect for fall. It provides a great jumping off point for additional fall decor layered in.
I wanted to create a display that not only utilized all the extra space we had, but would be visually appealing and interesting to look at. By changing up the height throughout the display, adding color, texture and pattern, I’m able to do just that.
Vary The Heights Within Your Display
One of the easiest ways to add layers and create interest is to vary the heights within your display. With our front porch fall decor, I did this a few different ways.
First, I used the stairs to my advantage. Instead of building my display on just the front porch, I cascaded elements down the stairs to add interest. Stairs are an easy way to vary the heights of your decor, and it works great even if your items are all the same height.
The mums I picked up for the front porch are the same size but by adding each to a different stair I’ve easily varied their heights and made it more interesting to look at.
The second way I varied heights within my display is by selecting items in various shapes and sizes. I grabbed small, medium and large pumpkins for our front porch. Stacking some to get even more visual height.
Lastly, I grabbed a small stool from inside to hold one of the ceramic carved pumpkins. Setting it above the others helps to visually draws your eye up to the top of the display.
By adding items in various heights you create a display that keeps things interesting and forces your eye to move through the design.
Play With Color
Color is another great way to add layers to your front porch fall decor. This year I leaned into the colors of the season and used various shades of orange dotted throughout the display.
The rich burgundy Coleus is an anchor in this display and creates a great background and compliment to the rusty orange mum. Visually adding great depth and interest to the display.
Layering in touches of yellow and white, both in pumpkins and flowers, keeps the display feeling light and bright.
My blue-gray Jarrahdale pumpkin adds a striking contrast to all the other harmonious colors going on. Creating another layer and drawing your eye in to this unexpected pop of color.
Add In SOme Texture
Different textures help create depth, add interest, and keep your design from feeling one note or flat.
When styling our porch I tend to grab a couple of different types of plants/flowers. This year I had already picked up this gorgeous Coleus with beautiful burgundy leaves. I wanted to add some contrast and a little bit more color with the mums.
I also love the use of cabbage and lettuces around this time of year. I love the different shades of green and deep purples and all the yummy texture it adds to a display. Making it somehow feel warm, cozy, and inviting.
If you want to see how I used cabbage in previous years and to get tips on creating beautiful fall planters for your front porch, check out this post.
Another way I added texture throughout the display is through the use of faux and real pumpkins in various varieties.
The ceramic pumpkins have a very smooth appearance to them while the real pumpkins add great texture and life to the display. Some have smaller and uniformed ridges while others are a bit lumpy or mis-shapen.
All of these imperfections layered together is what adds interest and creates a visually appealing display for your eyes.
Mix Patterns
Mixing patterns within your display is another way to add layers that create depth and interest.
Striped pumpkins mixed with solid as well as pumpkins with gradient colors are an easy way to layer in some pattern and keep your front porch decor from feeling one note.
You can also introduce pattern in a more creative way. By leaning the white pumpkin to show off the top I’ve introduced another visual pattern to my display.
I’ve also created another focal point to draw your eye in. Creating a sense of movement and encouraging you to linger a bit on this part of the display.
The carved faux ceramic pumpkins are another way to introduce a pattern and add contrast to the real ones I’ve left whole.
Creating Layered Front Porches For Fall
Styling our front porch for fall is always one of my favorite activities. I love the opportunity to change it up year after year. Mixing new with old pieces I’ve had on hand for years.
There are so many different ways to layer with color, pattern , and texture and hopefully I’ve given you some new ideas or ways to approach your front porch decor this fall.
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