Front Door Paint and Hardware
The front door is the focal point of a porch, so we'll start here to create the fall vibe. Paint is the easiest way to create instant change and impact in a space. For this project, we used Autumn Spice by Valspar® Paint + Primer in a satin finish. By using this paint, you can skip the primer step making it a great timesaver. Doors typically need two to three coats for full coverage.
Once the paint dried, we added oil-rubbed bronze door hardware to give the door a fresh new look.
Watch this video: How to Paint a Front Door.
Valspar® has several other autumn-inspired hues if you'd like to try another color. We suggest Fabulous Red, Rugged or Green Tea.
Lighting
Another easy way to add some curb appeal is with new light fixtures. We swapped out plain white builder-grade lights with larger oil-rubbed bronze caged lanterns that provide a rustic feel. They also have glass all the way around, which provides better illumination on the front porch.
Add a dimmer to your outdoor fixtures to create ambiance when relaxing on the porch.
House Numbers
House numbers are an underrated way to add curb appeal to your home. We chose a clean-lined style that will add a modern feel to the house.
Placement of your numbers is important to get maximum impact for your space. Hang them on your front door, house, mailbox or a column. We coordinated the finishes of our door handle, lights and house numbers. They don’t have to match exactly, but a complementary finish results in a polished look.
Plants and Planters
Plants can add curb appeal and texture while bringing life and energy to a space. We selected a few different styles for the planters. Tiering the heights adds depth to the design and looks more visually impactful.
When you’re choosing your planters, go for some small, medium and large sizes — as long as the heights aren’t too spread apart, they’ll all work together. Also, consider hanging baskets for a boost of fall color.
Plants are a great way to add some color to your design, especially if your porch is a neutral color backdrop.
Fall Accessories
What’s a fall front porch without some festive accessories? We added autumn-themed throw pillows and faux pumpkins. They're a great alternative to the real thing because you can reuse them for years to come. Add chunky throw blankets to snuggle under on cool evenings.
Door Mats
A door mat is a great place to add some fun or personality. Try layering your door mat over a larger outdoor rug. You can mix and match all kinds of patterns and styles to create a custom look that’s perfect for your home.
Fall Wreaths
A fall wreath will be the finishing touch for this festive front porch. Depending on the size and style of your wreath, it can be hung with a door hanger or an outdoor adhesive hook. This wreath has wheat and raffia in different autumn shades. But there are plenty of other types adorned with leaves, mini pumpkins, flowers and berries. If you want to go with a Halloween theme, there are several varieties ranging from fun to frightful.