Bringing the cozy feel of fall to a Florida porch can be a challenge, but with the right approach, you can create an inviting space that captures the essence of the season. Britteny Scarberry, a designer with Embrace Your Space, shares her expert tips for transforming your front porch this autumn. The photos featured in this article showcase Britteny’s own beautifully decorated porch, highlighting her unique style and creativity.
Essential Elements for a Fall Porch
According to Britteny, a few key items are essential for a fall porch. Start with pumpkins for instant seasonal charm, paired with lanterns to create a warm glow. Add some color with fall florals like mums, and finish the look with a cozy throw in shades of orange, green, yellow, and cream.
Blending Traditional and Modern Décor
To keep your porch both classic and trendy, Britteny suggests mixing traditional fall décor with modern touches. This year, she recommends incorporating pops of color and fun fabrics while sticking to a traditional color palette. Try swapping out a traditional rug for a bright plaid one to instantly modernize your space.
Go-To Fall Color Palettes
Britteny’s go-to fall palette includes sage, rust, mustard, and cream. These soft, warm tones create a cozy atmosphere perfect for the season.
Choosing the Right Materials and Textures
Durability is key when selecting outdoor décor. Britteny recommends woven materials like jute for an instant fall feel, along with velvet and linen fabrics for added texture. To protect your items from the elements, use outdoor-specific products or apply a UV protectant or water repellant. Opt for battery-operated candles to avoid the mess of melting wax.
Budget-Friendly Fall Décor Ideas
Styling your porch doesn’t have to be expensive. Britteny advises starting by shopping your home to see what can be repurposed. Decorating for the season rather than a specific holiday can also extend the life of your décor. For example, use a fall-themed bowl as a planter, and if you need to buy new items, don’t hesitate to paint them to match your palette.
Incorporating Natural Elements
Britteny loves using natural elements like birch logs, acorns, and grapevines in her designs. For a Florida twist, she suggests using Spanish moss in floral arrangements or garlands.
Lighting Tips for a Cozy Atmosphere
Good lighting is crucial for creating a cozy porch. Britteny recommends using lamps, whether floor or table, to extend your interior style outdoors. If power is an issue, try solar or battery-operated bulbs. Candles and lanterns also add a warm, inviting glow.
Personalizing Your Porch Décor
Personal touches make your porch feel like home. Britteny suggests adding a monogrammed wreath, a custom throw pillow, or a rug featuring your family’s initial to give your space character.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes Britteny sees is the pressure to mimic someone else's décor. Your porch should complement your home’s color and style. If your house is painted blue, don’t hesitate to incorporate blue into your fall palette. Another common mistake is ignoring scale and proportion—Britteny recommends working in groups of three and varying the height, size, and shape of your décor items.
Adapting Fall Décor for Florida Climates
Transitioning to fall décor in warmer climates can be tricky, but Britteny has some creative solutions. Try using ornamental grasses instead of traditional wheat, and look for local flowers in shades of orange, yellow, and purple. If you have magnolia leaves, use them to create a wreath or as a base for styling a coffee table tray.
Finding Inspiration for Fall Décor
When seeking inspiration, Britteny looks to southern style—particularly the charming porches of Charleston, SC. She also recommends exploring local areas like old Sarasota or Tampa’s Hyde Park. For online inspiration, Britteny turns to Pinterest and Instagram, and she suggests subscribing to magazines like Frontgate and Grandin Road for great outdoor product ideas.
With Britteny's expert advice and a glimpse into her beautifully styled porch, you’re well on your way to creating a fall porch that captures the essence of the season, even in Florida’s warm climate.
She strives to recreate that cozy, nostalgic vibe in her new home, where the warm climate offers a different, yet equally charming, fall experience.