Drive By: Gathering Autumn Porch Ideas
When looking for autumn decorating ideas for the front porch, ideas are often just around the corner. Ideas and inspiration can be found simply by driving through your own neighborhood. Today, I toured the local streets to see what seasonal touches caught my eye.
The house color is the first thing that caught my eye in the photo above. The rusty red contrasts so nicely with the yellowing foliage nearby, it seems as if this homeowner designed with fall in mind.
Sometimes it is the potential that is most noticeable. On this house, the annuals in the terra-cotta urns have been removed, leaving a space crying out for seasonal touches. A pair of large white pumpkins, a pyramid of gourds, a display of branches or berries, or even two globes of grapevine would fill the space perfectly.
This homeowner cleverly tied accents to home color, with the orange pumpkin similar to the door color and white ghost reflecting the house trim. Now, the accents can stay small but still be noticeable.
When your entryway is far from the curb, choose one big item rather than several small items. This large, decorated pumpkin in a witches hat is perfect for grabbing attention.
Of course, a welcoming feel at your entry is always the right idea. On this porch, the pumpkins lead you up the stairs to a cozy bench, perfect for a visit with your friends and family.
If you look, you can find ideas and inspiration for seasonal decorating everywhere, even right next door.

This post is a part of the Front Porches: A Fall Drive By sponsored by Melissa at The Inspired Room.
Note: All photos have been taken either with permission or from public property, however house numbers have been blurred or altered as a courtesy.









Comments (27)
Wow, I love that front porch in the last picture, such great architecture. And I love how they put that star above the porch on the red house, a homey touch. Great tips and decor, thanks for playing along! We did it! Phew! What a day!
Happy fall,
Melissa
Posted by melissa @ the inspired room | October 19, 2008 9:31 PM
Posted on October 19, 2008 21:31
Beautiful pictures!
Know what I noticed? Your fall foliage is much better than ours. Your trees are changing colors, bringing in those Autumn shades. Sadly, most of ours around here are still green.:(
Happy Fall!
K-
Posted by Kim | October 19, 2008 9:31 PM
Posted on October 19, 2008 21:31
Love the porches- they all have such a welcoming feeling to them- you must live in a wonderful place.
Thanks for sharing
Posted by teresa | October 19, 2008 10:18 PM
Posted on October 19, 2008 22:18
I love the simplicity of just a few arranged pumpkins.
Posted by Maya | October 19, 2008 10:45 PM
Posted on October 19, 2008 22:45
These are all so cozy and homey. I really like the first one, with the simple little pumpkins. Thanks for sharing them. :)
Posted by Ms. Tee | October 19, 2008 10:53 PM
Posted on October 19, 2008 22:53
Sorry, but I think this is a daft idea.
I would hate it if people took pictures of my house and then published them. It sounds like intrusion to me.
Unless one contacted them beforehand and got permission.
The next step could be to look through the windows and take pictures of the inside rooms. Where do you draw the line? Outside rooms OK but inside out of bounds? Very tricky.
Posted by joco | October 20, 2008 3:08 AM
Posted on October 20, 2008 03:08
What beautiful pictures & great tips!
Thanks for sharing!
Posted by Jinx | October 20, 2008 3:57 AM
Posted on October 20, 2008 03:57
It looks like the houses in your area have so much character. Love them all!
Posted by Jen @ The Cottage Nest | October 20, 2008 4:01 AM
Posted on October 20, 2008 04:01
Great tour! Love that last house with the big front porch and the bench. :-)
Posted by Julia @ Hooked on Houses | October 20, 2008 5:30 AM
Posted on October 20, 2008 05:30
Very nice doors and porches...love how you describe them and how we can put some ideas to good use.
Posted by Vee~A Haven for Vee | October 20, 2008 7:44 AM
Posted on October 20, 2008 07:44
Man, oh man... does my "entry" need help!
I really want a red door. but right now I'd settle for new plants and some glorious pumpkins.
I'd love some advise on how to keep the squirrels from chewing them up!
Anyone?
Posted by bethany | October 20, 2008 8:17 AM
Posted on October 20, 2008 08:17
Love all of your pictures...especially that last one. The pillars are beautiful.
Posted by Kimba | October 20, 2008 11:14 AM
Posted on October 20, 2008 11:14
Man, I really heart that last house, I would love to just make an offer and move right in ;) I have a soft spot for those bungalows:)
Bella
Posted by Bella Casa | October 20, 2008 11:20 AM
Posted on October 20, 2008 11:20
PS: Nice tour!!!
Posted by Bella Casa | October 20, 2008 11:21 AM
Posted on October 20, 2008 11:21
Beautiful tour, Angela! This was such a fun project, wasn't it?
Posted by Emily@remodelingthislife | October 20, 2008 11:48 AM
Posted on October 20, 2008 11:48
I love that first picture. That is a home I could move right into :-)
Nice to meet you. It's fun visiting all of these front porches.
Posted by Maven | October 20, 2008 7:27 PM
Posted on October 20, 2008 19:27
What a lovely neighhood! Loved viewing all the porches!
Enjoyed!
Blessings to you!
Claudia O.
Posted by Claudia | October 20, 2008 8:03 PM
Posted on October 20, 2008 20:03
Very nice porch pics Angela!
Posted by Dawn-Hydrangea Home | October 21, 2008 6:52 AM
Posted on October 21, 2008 06:52
I enjoyed your tour and loved your tips and hints. The red door was my favorite and the urns would be perfect filled with the white pumpkins and berries ect.
It was fun visiting all the homes on your tour and being part of this, another of Melissa's fun parties!
Beth
Posted by Beth | October 21, 2008 8:07 AM
Posted on October 21, 2008 08:07
What pretty porches! I love the red house, that is really cool. My porch looks like the Doug Fir Lounge - stacks and stacks of firewood! Not very decorative. :/
Posted by Renee | October 21, 2008 11:21 AM
Posted on October 21, 2008 11:21
I loved your tour! There is just something wonderful about seeing all the porches decorated for Fall. It just makes you happy! I just did a post about the *entrances* here and what fun it was to drive around and spot them!
Posted by Sue | October 21, 2008 12:45 PM
Posted on October 21, 2008 12:45
Great tour of your neighborhood. The homes are lovely. Enjoyed your post!
Posted by Elaine | October 21, 2008 6:30 PM
Posted on October 21, 2008 18:30
Hi Angela
I'm glad to see you're back blogging again! Thanks for the tour of your neighborhood.
Hugs, Rhondi
Posted by Rhondi | October 21, 2008 8:00 PM
Posted on October 21, 2008 20:00
Love your porches! I just love Fall, it instantly makes me think of Family. Not sure why, maybe all the get togethers and holidays:)
Posted by Melissa Lewis - Off The Wall | October 21, 2008 8:22 PM
Posted on October 21, 2008 20:22
Hi Angela,
Thanks for taking me on your autumn porch tour!
Posted by Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio | October 22, 2008 8:33 AM
Posted on October 22, 2008 08:33
I love this time of year!
These charming homes look so wonderful in their fall attire.
Thank you sharing. Love your blog!
xo
Brooke
Posted by brooke Giannetti | October 23, 2008 7:07 AM
Posted on October 23, 2008 07:07
I like to see how others decorate. Thanks for the tour.
Donna
Posted by Mother Nature's Garden | October 31, 2008 5:10 AM
Posted on October 31, 2008 05:10