The vivid colors and cool evenings of Fall signal a return home. After a long summer of trips to the lake, visits to relatives, and vacations abroad, September brings us back to the comforts and familiarity of home. For most of us, the first thing we see on our return is our front porch. As autumn arrives this key space gives us endless opportunities to make a memorable impression. Thoughtfully styled seasonal florals and decorative pumpkins can transform and elevate your entryway into a warm and inviting space that welcomes guests and highlights the creative beauty of your home.
Creating a curated display may seem overwhelming but you can elevate the look of your porch this season using this design guideline.
1. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color. With an ever-increasing variety of pumpkins available, you are no longer limited to traditional orange Jack O Lanterns. If your home or tastes trend more contemporary, look for pumpkins in more modern tones; muted greens or blues, creamy whites, and contrasting grey and blacks. Varietals like Blue Doll and Jarrahdale are excellent choices to bring some blue hues into your display. Mint Prince adds lighter green, while Italian heirloom Marina di Chioggia and Fairytale pumpkins bring rich, deep green hues. Midnight is a small black pumpkin while Thai heirloom Thai Kang Kob is a deep green if not black larger pumpkin. If you are drawn to a more traditional look, varieties like French heirloom, Rouge Vif D’Etampes bring warm red-orange hues that compliment bright white Moon Whisper and Flat White Boer and tan colored Cider pumpkins. For more playful displays, you can experiment with pink Porcelain Doll and yellow Lemonade. All of these varieties are available locally. There is nothing wrong with an all-orange display but know that you are not limited in your creativity.
2. Layer your components to add depth and interest. Fight the urge to line up your pumpkins in a row. Start with larger pumpkins closer to your entryway or around the base of planters. This will anchor your display, and from there gradually transition to your medium sized and then smaller accents. Decorative gourds are an excellent way to tie your display together. Add them on top and at the base of groupings. Move them around, experiment with placing them in different areas of your display. Grouping in odd numbers is an easy rule of thumb to achieve a professional look.
3. Work with the pumpkin you have. Pumpkins are an organic commodity grown in a field. Each one is distinctive and unique. You may find that some don’t want to stand straight or tend to roll to one side or another. Work with what you have. Lay your traditional Jack O lanterns on their sides, stack your flat heirloom pumpkins in twos or threes or place them so their wide surface is facing out. Moving away from the traditional style adds visual interest and encourages the viewer to pause and admire.
4. Incorporate other natural elements. Classic choices would be a decorative hay bale to incorporate a touch of nostalgia while adding volume to your pumpkin display. Or a bundle of corn stalks to draw the eye up. Fall florals are a fresh way to add a vibrant pop of color to autumn porches. Gather orange or red branches, seasonal grasses, dried hydrangea and sedum stems, and create a floral arch around your entry. Or simply style your branches and stems in a large vessel by your front door. An antique crock or a narrow planter are great options for a seasonal floral arrangement.
The best front porch designs reflect the creativity and warmth of the people who live there. Trends come and go and can provide inspiration, but the most welcoming space is one that feels authentic. The principles offered here are a starting point, certainly not a complete blueprint. Play around with your design, get creative, but most importantly, make it feel like you.
Valerie Werkhoven-Warren is the owner and designer for Sky Vale Farm, located in Monroe Washington, where they grow a variety of flowers and a large variety of decorative pumpkins. One of their services is to help home owners style and decorate their porches. They are happy to assist you in picking out your pumpkins and provide a delivery service to assist you in putting the finishing touches on your own front porch. For information and to reserve your spot in their schedule this fall visit www.skyvalepumpkins.com or follow them on instagram @skyvalepumpkins.