Welcome Autumn - Freshen up your front door & porch for Fall

Work worn wood by Magnolia Paint on door / Hinkley Outdoor Porter Fixture via Living Lighting / Schlage Encode Smart Deadbolt Lock with Camelot Trim in Aged Bronze via Schlage Canada / Billy Knit Throw via Tonic Living / Toulousse Chair via Article / Reclaimed Teak Occiasional Stool via Hauser / Mums via Rona / Terracotta outdoor lantern via Homesense Canada / Schlage Custom Century front door handle and Eller Lever with Kinsler Trim via Schlage Canada / Black Crescendo Planter via Home Depot Canada / Purple Fountain Grass via Lowes / Ciao Door Mat via Wills & Prior / Pumpkins via Loblaws / Copper Mailbox via Copper Design on Etsy  / Black and White Number Sign via Schoolhouse / Eucalyptus Wreath via Wills and Prior /

 

A new school year has always been the time for fresh starts in my books, and this year with all the time we've spent at home, I've found that making small changes, little refreshes, makes a difference - not just for the curb appeal but to my state of mind. All this time spent at home has meant that many of us are looking for ways to add a little oomph to our homes and giving the front porch a little refresh can be a relatively easy and inexpensive way to do that. 

I'm drawn to a warm, earthy palette that includes natural materials with hits of black and white. I love terracotta, copper, brass, wood and plants. Which is what has inspired this mood board that I've partnered partnered with Schlage Canada to create, and share some tips and ideas on how to freshen up your front porch for Fall.

Gather ideas and start planning

A walk through your neighbourhood might be a good place to start for a little inspiration - especially when it comes to garden design. I love to use Pinterest to gather ideas. It's a great virtual pin-board of ideas and inspiration. You can take a look at my board for Entryways and Porches here.

Paint

You can make a big impact with a fresh coat of paint on the front door and these cooler temperatures make it a perfect time to take on an exterior painting project. I love Magnolia Paint's Work Worn Wood - a warm terracotta colour with a touch of pink. A good match to this might be Audubon Russet or Georgian Brick from Benjamin Moore although I'm viewing the colours online so always check in store paint swatches and samples.

Update your exterior door hardware and locks

Consider switching out dated hardware for something new like a keyless smart deadbolt lock like the Schlage Encode with built-in WiFi. New hardware can instantly update a door and the new smart lock systems on the market can make getting in and out of your house easy and keyless! The Encode lets you unlock your door using an app on your phone. I love that it's one less thing to juggle as you're walking in the front door. The Encode also allows you to create different access codes for trusted friends and family and lets you lock or unlock your door from anywhere, using the app. No additional hub or accessory is required and it's easy to install.

Lay out a welcome mat

Greet visitors with a new welcome mat just outside your front door. It's a great inexpensive pick-me-up for your entry that you can have a little fun with all the great designs available and if you can't find what you want, make your own. Pick up a plain coir mat, a stencil and a can of spray paint and customize your own welcome mat.

Refresh your planters

Now's a great time to replace summer plantings in urns with something that can handle cooler temperatures.  Purple fountain grass is one of my favourites. I love the soft purple plumes. They look great with some under-planting, perhaps flowering cabbage, mums. Of course, you can always pick up a pre-made planter at a local garden centre or even the grocery store. I love the look of  pots of mums and when you feel ready, add a few pumpkins in to the mix.

and plant for spring colour

This is the time of year to plant spring flowering bulbs. Tulips, daffodils, alliums, crocus are planted in the fall when the soil has cooled. Check the product packaging to see when it blooms and make sure the bulbs are firm, not soft. Most bulbs will need sun, so be sure to plant in the right spot. Always check the planting directions so you know when and how to plant and try to plant them in irregular groupings rather than rows so they look more natural.

A place to sit

If space allows, include a chair or bench. It adds a welcoming touch to your front door and can be a nice spot to sit and chat with neighbbours. Keep a basket with cosy blankets nearby so you can easily grab one on your way out.  Don't forget a small table - you need something to hold your coffee or wine.

Refresh with new decorative pieces

A new exterior light fixture, mailbox, house number, lantern or pretty wreath can also freshen up your entry. If you have room for a bench or porch swing (swoon!) add in some accessories such as outdoor throw pillows and blankets to make it cosy.

Disclosure: I've partnered with Schlage Canada in this sponsored post. All opinions and text are my own.



 


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