Rambling Renovators: exterior and garage

Does it feel like winter where you are? I had wanted to share photos of our outdoor decorations and Christmas porch covered in snow, but the weather has been unseasonably warm. Not that I mind - I'm not a fan of winter so the less snow to shovel, the better.

One outdoor task I do enjoy is setting up our Christmas Porch Decor. I try and create a nostalgic feel with our porch display. There's something joyful about walking by a house and being reminded of childhood memories and festive celebrations of years gone by.

Christmas Porch Decor

My porch decor always makes use of the same basic formula: porch trees + seating + additional lighting + accessories. You can't go wrong with this mix.

The trees anchor this look. I've decorated them with blue and green ornaments which work well with the indoor/outdoor oriental blue outdoor rug (similar rug).

A rug outdoors in the winter can get messy with snow and leaves, but it helps to ground your display and makes it more noticeable from the street.

I've created a cozy cabin look with a few seasonal motifs. I bought the metal plaid picnic basket at a vintage fair this summer just so I could use it on my winter porch. I've filled it with fun faux snowballs from the dollar store.

A galvanized pail with variegated holly branches, gift wrapped presents, and a vintage wool blanket and seasonal pillow I designed create a homey and familiar feel. The red ski poles and the vintage child's sled (Sean's Christmas gift to me last year!) real add to that sense of nostalgia.

I've only just know noticed that some of our tree lights weren't working - oops! It's important to have different sources of light with your outdoor displays. If you want to have them by visable and enjoyed by passersby during the day and night, you'll have to light them up.

Here, the tree lights, porch lights, and lanterns add different sources of light. You can catch a glimpse too of the rope garland which hangs above our porch. The buffalo plaid bows add another touch of coziness.

To complete the porch decor, I've hung a simple red wreath on our green door and laid down the plaid outdoor mat I designed. The DIY organic outdoor holiday planter picks up on the rug with the addition of blue faux berries.

On the other side of the house, you get a great view of the wreaths on the window and the chimney. We hang wreaths on windows every year and they really give our house a classic Christmas look. My favourite detail is the large fabric plaid bow on the chimney wreath which coordinates with the other bows.

christmas wreath on chimney, christmas wreaths on windows

Our Christmas outdoor decor wouldn't be complete without the garlands on the fence and over our garage. Since we have white fencing on each side of our house, adding the garland creates a cohesive and finished look to the entire scheme.

christmas porch decor, outdoor christmas decorations, winter porch ideas

I'm just waiting for a snowfall now to give our decorations that cozy, wintry feel. I hope you've enjoyed this look at our Christmas porch!

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A home's exterior is just as important as its interior, but this is never more true than in the warmer months. From spring to summer, the front porch in particular, is a space that shouldn't be overlooked when it comes to creating a welcoming and beautiful home. Not only does a well-decorated front porch make a lasting impression on visitors, but it also adds to your home's curb appeal, increasing its value and making it stand out in your neighborhood.

home outdoor idea with front porch bench, outdoor rug, plants, and decorative pillows

Note: affiliate links have been included in this post for shopping convenience

Key Elements of Front Porch Decorating

Creating a beautiful front porch design is an easy task you can achieve on a budget whether you have a small front porch, or a grand outdoor space. By incorporating the five key elements of curb appeal - color, lighting, plants and greenery, seating and furniture, and personal touches - you can transform your own porch into a stunning and functional space that enhances your home's overall appearance.

Whether you're a busy mom looking to create a welcoming space for your family and guests, a green-thumbed gardener eager to incorporate more plants into your porch decor, or a DIY enthusiast looking to personalize your front porch with unique touches, I've got you covered. In this post, I'll be sharing front porch decor ideas that are sure to inspire and help you transform your front porch into a stunning and functional space.

Element 1: Color

Color is a crucial element when it comes to creating a beautiful front porch. Choosing the right color scheme can enhance your home's architectural features, set the tone for your home's style, and create a cohesive look that ties together all the other elements of your porch decor. When choosing a color scheme for your front porch, consider the colors used in your home's exterior and surrounding landscaping. You'll want to select colors that complement and enhance these existing elements, rather than clash with them.

There are many decorative items you can use to establish your color scheme. From the color of your seat cushions to a painted wooden bench, from your welcome mat to a beautiful wreath, you can set a neutral or vibrant tone.

Some color schemes that work well for front porch decor include graphic black and white, warm earth tones, or classic black and white. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also incorporate a pop of color for a fun and playful look. To incorporate instant color into your front porch decor, consider painting your front door a bold color and make it a focal point. You can also add colorful plants in coordinating pots, or use colorful outdoor pillows and an outdoor rug to bring pops of color throughout the space. A little color can go a long way in creating a visually stunning and inviting front porch.

SHOP OUTDOOR PILLOWS & RUGS

Element 2: Lighting

Lighting is a crucial element in creating an inviting and safe front porch. Adequate lighting not only enhances the beauty of your porch by highlighting its architectural features and creating a warm and inviting ambiance, but it also provides a sense of safety and security by illuminating entryways, stairs, and walkways. With the right lighting, you can create a stunning and safe outdoor space that you can enjoy any time of day or night.

There are several porch lighting options to consider when designing your front porch, including sconces, pendants, lanterns, or string lights. Sconces and pendants are traditional lighting fixtures that add a classic and elegant touch to any front porch. They come in a variety of styles and finishes, from modern to vintage, and can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. In my own home, we hung black sconces with opaque shades to add simple style to our porch.

home outdoor idea with front porch lighting, porch planters, outdoor rug

String lights, on the other hand, provide a whimsical and festive touch to your porch. They can be draped along the railing, hung from the ceiling, or wrapped around columns to create a cozy ambiance. If you have a seating area with a porch swing or outdoor chairs, consider adding lanterns to sit on the floor or on a small table. They'll make the small space feel more intimate and add accent light to your outdoor display. You can even place lanterns on either side of the door, allowing your front entry to stand out.

When selecting porch lighting, it is important to consider the overall style and design of your home. Choose fixtures that complement the architectural details and color scheme of your home to create a cohesive and unified look.

Additionally, consider the function of the lighting. Adequate lighting should not only enhance the beauty of your porch but also provide ample illumination for safety and security. By selecting the right porch lighting, you can create a beautiful and safe outdoor space that you and your guests can enjoy year-round.

SHOP OUTDOOR LIGHTING:

Element 3: Plants and Greenery

Plants and greenery are essential elements for creating a welcoming front porch. They add life and color to your porch decor, provide a natural barrier for privacy, and improve air quality. When selecting plants for your porch, it's important to consider your climate and the lighting conditions. Some plants thrive in full sun, while others prefer shade. Be sure to research which plants will do well in your area to ensure they stay healthy and vibrant.

home outdoor idea with front porch bench, outdoor rug, plants, and decorative lanterns

There are many types of plants that work well on a front porch, including flowers, shrubs, and small trees. For a classic look, consider planting petunias, geraniums, or marigolds in containers. If you prefer a more modern look, succulents, ferns, or snake plants in sleek, minimalist planters can be an excellent option. Hanging baskets are also a great way to incorporate plants and greenery into your front porch decor, providing a unique and eye-catching display.

Also consider your front door decor. A front door wreath in bright colors featuring real or faux flowers sets a warm welcome. I particularly like the look of a front door flanked with a pair of tall planters. Depending on your climate, a pair of shaped topiaries, trimmed boxwoods, or an arrangement with different plants can be a good option.

home outdoor idea with front porch bench, outdoor rug, plants, and colorful front door

When incorporating plants and greenery into your front porch decor, be sure to choose containers and hanging baskets that complement your overall design scheme. Consider the size of your porch, the shape, and color of the container or basket to ensure it doesn't clash with other elements of your porch decor.

Additionally, be sure to keep your plants healthy by providing them with the proper amount of water, light, and nutrients. Even if you don't have a green thumb, with the right care, plants and greenery can be a beautiful and long-lasting addition to your outdoor area .

Element 4: Seating and Furniture

The front porch is the first thing guests see when visiting your home, making it an ideal place for comfortable seating and furniture. Guests will be more likely to linger and enjoy spending time in your outdoor space if they have comfortable seating or decorative pillows to lean on. Plus, inviting seating encourages people to sit and take in the scenery. So, selecting the right seating and furniture for your porch is an important task!

When it comes to outdoor seating and furniture, you have a variety of styles and unique looks to choose from. When selecting seating and furniture for your porch, it's important to consider the size and layout of your space, as well as your design preferences. Benches, chairs, and tables are popular furniture options for front porches, and they come in a variety of materials, styles, and colors to suit any design scheme.

Benches provide ample seating space and create a relaxing atmosphere while chairs can offer more comfort and may also be ideal for entertaining. Benches are a great option for smaller front porches, as they provide ample seating without taking up too much space.

home outdoor idea with front porch chair, outdoor rug, plants, and decorative pillows

HOT TIP >> See here for how I fluffed up and made these outdoor cushions look brand new

Adirondack chairs and rocking chairs are also popular choices, as they are both comfortable and stylish and provide the perfect place to sit with a good book and cup of coffee. For larger front porches, a combination of seating options, such as a bench (or porch swing!) and chairs, can create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Just don't forget to add the throw blankets!

Tables are great for hosting meals outside or for placing snacks and drinks for guests to enjoy. Adding a small side table or coffee table can also provide a convenient spot for drinks, or for displaying lighting and decorative touches.

Canada Day porch decor with red metal chairs, plants, and flag bunting

No matter the furniture you choose, make sure it’s durable and weather-resistant. Outdoor furniture should be able to withstand the elements, so look for materials that are weather-resistant and easy to clean, such as teak, wicker, or metal.

It should also be comfortable enough that guests will want to linger and enjoy the scenery. Consider adding cushions or pillows to your seating for added comfort and style. With the right seating and furniture, you can create a welcoming and comfortable front porch that you and your guests will love.

SHOP OUTDOOR FURNITURE:

Element 5: Personal Touches

Adding personal touches to your front porch is the final step in creating a unique and welcoming outdoor space. Personal touches allow you to infuse your personality and style into your porch decor, making it feel like a true extension of your home. These touches can range from small decorative accessories to custom DIY projects, and they can help transform your porch into a space that truly reflects your individual taste and style.

There are many ways to incorporate personal touches into your front porch decor. Consider adding decorative accents such as pillows, flea market finds, and artwork that showcase your favorite colors, patterns, and styles. Personalized signs and welcome mats can also add a warm and welcoming touch to your front porch. Additionally, consider incorporating DIY projects such as a handmade wreath or a painted blue ceiling to showcase your creativity and add a personal touch to your outdoor space.

When selecting decor and accessories for your front porch, be sure to choose items that complement your overall design scheme and unique style. Consider the size and scale of the items to ensure they fit well with your furniture and other decor elements. Remember, the goal is to create a cohesive and inviting outdoor living space that reflects your personal style and taste. With the right personal touches, your front porch can become a true oasis that you and your guests can enjoy for the summer months and warmer weather to come.

Outdoor Ideas for Your Porch

In summary, you can create curb appeal for your home's front porch by utilizing five key elements: color, lighting, plants and greenery, seating and furniture, and personal touches. Each of these elements plays a significant role in enhancing the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. By carefully selecting and incorporating each of these elements, you can create a welcoming and inviting front porch that adds value and personality to your home.

But just remember to consider your personal style and preferences when designing your front porch. Your front porch is an extension of your home and should reflect your unique personality and taste. Take inspiration from different styles and sources, but always put your own personal spin on your porch decor!

Finally, don't forget to share your own front porch decor ideas in the comments. I'd love to hear about your creative and unique ideas for creating a beautiful and welcoming front porch. With a little bit of creativity and inspiration, anyone can transform their front porch into a stunning and functional outdoor space.

>> Want more seasonal decorating ideas? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter where I share additional and exclusive content.

>> And visit these posts to see porch decorating ideas throughout all the seasons:

Porch and Deck Ideas

Spring Porch Decor

Fall Porch Decor

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"On a budget" is a phrase I think we'll be hearing a lot now and throughout the holidays. We're all a little worried about inflation, the job market, supply chain issues, and have a general level of uncertainty these days... am I right? Which can make decorating seem unnecessary, frivolous, and wasteful.

I don't disagree. My motto of late has been to 'use what you already have' first, and if you don't have it, invest in something long-lasting instead of something that is cheap, trendy, and will only last you one season.

You can create a pretty, decorated home on a budget. Here's four fall front porch decorating ideas that will have you using your decor in creative new ways.

front porch with yellow mums, white bench, blue and white outdoor rug, and pumpkins decorated for fall

Budget Fall Front Porch Decor

1. Non Traditional Color Palette

When you think of fall, what colours do you imagine? Is it oranges, browns, deep reds, and yellows? That is the colour scheme of the falling leaves, but there's nothing that says your decor has to stick to that scheme as well.

You don't need to invest in new pillow covers in just the right tones or use accessories only "suitable" for the fall season. You can create a seasonal look using any colors you desire. The key is to repeat colours and make it seem intentional.

Fall front porch decor with white bench, plaid pillow, yellow mums, grey, white and orange pumpkins, and a blue and white traditional outdoor rug

I started this year's fall front porch scheme with the rug. I purchased this rug in the spring and absolutely love the traditional pattern and blue and white colour scheme. With no desire to switch out the rug, I just incorporated more blue and white elements into the display.

I used pillows and throws I've had for years. The blue pillow was from Rainsford Company and the plaid pillow was from Indigo, two of my favourite sources for home decor products. The smaller beige pillow is from Zara Home is a great neutral that works all year round.

2. Small Accessories, Big Impact

If you do want to buy something new, make sure it is something that truly love and is something that has personality. For me, it was the orange gingham and blue and white floral fabric pumpkins.

While they're not large, you're bound to notice them wherever they're displayed. I purchased them Buy 1, Get the second 50% off at Michaels (which, if you haven't already, definitely download the Michaels app for great deals!)

front porch bench with plaid pillow, yellow mums, white bench, blue and white outdoor rug, and orange and blue decor for fall

blue and white fabric pumpkin in a black vase. Yellow mums and pumpkins as fall front porch decor

I've paired them with faux florals I already had some real florals I dried and kept from a summer flower arrangement. Mixing real and faux florals is a great way to stretch your decorating budget.

Orange mums flanking a green front door and plaid door mat creating a welcoming fall front porch

3. Neutral Vessels

Another way to decorate on a budget is to keep your vessels and containers neutral so that you can use them season after season.

All of my floral containers, from the matching urns to the round planter, cauldron, and vase, are in a neutral black. Black means they work with any decorating scheme and help create a cohesive look. The wood and black metal lanterns also coordinate. They are timeless and can be used throughout the year.

Painted pumpkins in a cauldron, wood and metal outdoor lanterns, yellow pumpkin, white bench with plaid and floral pillows

4. Sustainable Decor

The disposable elements in this fall front porch are the real mums and pumpkins. You can't deny the appeal of colourful pumpkins in fun hues of grey, green, yellow, white, and orange. Sadly, these pumpkins and mums will be tossed out just after Halloween has passed, but there are a few things I'm doing to make their purchase more acceptable:

Buying pumpkins straight from the farm. I buy my pumpkins at the farmer's market near our country cottage. I feel better knowing that money goes straight to the farmer who grew these pumpkins in their field. As a bonus, you tend to find different varieties of pumpkins in the country so it's worth a drive!
Spray painting dead mums for Christmas decor. I've never done this before but I'm inspired by this post to give spray painting mums a try. It has beautiful texture and shine. Perhaps I'll throw in some sprinkle lights too!
Using reusable or painted pumpkins. You'll notice that I have a few faux and painted pumpkins in my porch decor. It's great to be able reuse these pumpkins year after year for any kind of fall display. See this post for how I took bright orange dollar store pumpkins and repainted them to a calmer grey hue with chalk paint

dollar store orange pumpkins painted grey using kraft paint and barbeque sticks

Has this given you new ideas to try with your fall front porch decor? You can create a beautiful and welcoming front porch without spending much!

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See more porch decorating ideas:

fall front porch decor with black and white plaid blanket, rust pillow, crate with pumpkins

Fall porch decor in cream, black, and rust

Fall front porch decor with yellow and dark green pumpkins, tan rug, and woven baskets

Classic fall front porch decor

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Ready to refresh your patio for spring? Give your outdoor cushion covers new life with these tips.

This post is sponsored by Covers & All. All opinions are 100% my own.

If there is one thing I look forward to every summer, it's sitting out on the porch. We have a screened in porch at our cottage and it is my favourite place to be when the weather is warm. I enjoy everything from early morning breakfasts to chatting with friends to weekend naps, all from the comfort of our outdoor patio sofa and armchairs.

Sadly, those good times come at a price: our outdoor chair cushions have taken a beating and look and feel absolutely terrible! At the beginning of every summer I spend a few days scrubbing and washing our cream-coloured cushions, trying to remove stains and mildew from the outdoor fabric, yet the cushion covers still look dingy. The old cushion inserts are not in very good shape either and the foam has become flat and uneven.

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I never liked the fact that my covers didn't have zippers. These old cushion covers were not salvageable and I would have to find outdoor cushion cover replacements, preferably ones that were easier to clean and came in a darker colour.

I also wanted to fluff up our sagging seat cushions and give them new life without having to replace the foam. Luckily, I found both affordable custom outdoor cushion covers and an easy way to make cushions look like new again! I'm excited to share these tips with you in case you want to refresh your patio sets.

Outdoor Cushion Covers Canada

Trust me when I say I've looked everywhere for new patio cushion covers. I searched Home Depot, Amazon, Canadian Tire, Walmart and specialty patio furniture retailers, and while they do sell replacement patio cushions, most sell the outdoor cushion and cover as a set and not individually. Since I didn't want to buy an all new set of cushions - new deep seating outdoor cushions for our three seater sofa and two armchairs would easily total over $700 - I needed a budget friendly solution.

The outdoor cushion covers I did find were limited in fabric choices, did not come in the sizes I needed, or were pricey Sunbrella color fabric options. There had to be a better solution. With some research, I was fortunate to discover Covers & All, an online retailer of custom outdoor cushion covers.

Covers & All Covers

Covers & All offers all sorts of covers for outdoor use. They sell cushion covers, patio furniture covers, bbq covers, swimming pool covers, custom tarps - everything I could think of, they had. If you are looking for durable outdoor covers, they have what you need!

They had exactly the cushion cover replacements that I searching for. A few key features stood out:

they offered outdoor cushion covers with zippers for easy removal and cleaning
their covers could be custom sized
the covers were made with fabrics that were water repellant, UV and mildew resistant, lightweight, and durable
the fabrics came in a range of colours
the rectangle cushion covers came with welting or piping around all of the edges giving a more finished, tailored look

I went ahead and ordered covers in the Custom Fab - Light Grey fabric option.

I'm really pleased with how the covers turned out. The fabric feels like a quality upholstery fabric and will look quite sophisticated with the cane design of our patio furniture. The heathered pattern of the grey fabric will also hide stains better than our old cream covers did.

One thing to note about the Cover Fab fabric is that it has a PVB backing. This makes it very water resistant and great for moderate and rainy weather, but it does leave the cover slightly stiffer and less form-fitting.

The new covers are a definite improvement. Here's one of the outdoor armchairs from our cottage. We had to bring it home to repair one of the metal brackets in the seat. Seeing it now in the bright sunlight, I'm embarrassed at how sad and dirty the old cover looks. It was as uncomfortable as it seems.

But now, the cushions look clean, attractive and fluffy! Who wants to sit out on the patio and listen to the birds while you enjoy your morning coffee?

I'm especially fond of how the welting along the edges really gives the cushions a great shape. It was a simple change but the new cushions covers have really brought a fresh new look to this outdoor space.

Covers and All Discount

I was extremely happy with the quality of the product, the price, and the shipping. I ordered 10 covers in all - five 24x24 outdoor cushion covers for the seats and five 21x24 covers for the backs - for a total of $231. Shipping was very fast. The product is manufactured in India and only took eight business days to arrive on my doorstep!

I was so impressed by the experience that I reached out to Covers & All to see if we could work together on this blog post to spread the news about their products. Their covers have many different applications for home, such as:

- Custom covers for kitchen bench cushions

- Custom fire pit cover

- Covers for your outdoor wood furniture

- Covers for your RV or camper cushions

- Custom patio dining set cover

It's not always easy to find a place to store larger furniture pieces in the off season. If you need to leave furniture outside, or have an outdoor fixture that you just want to protect from extreme weather, a custom cover is a great solution.

I'm excited to say that Covers & All is offering my US and Canadian readers an exclusive discount.

Use code RAMBLE21 for 21% off sitewide, up to $75 off. Terms and conditions apply, see below.*

Now there's one other secret I want to let you in on.

Does it look like my chair cushions are thicker?? They are - but they are the same cushions! The covers weren't the only improvement I made. Let me share this super easy way to fix sagging cushions!

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A post shared by Jennifer Flores (@ramblingreno)

How To Fix Sagging Cushions

How can you magically fix sagging cushions? With a steamer! That's right, you can fluff up your cushion foam and polyfiber filling by using a fabric steamer.

It's very easy to do. Just let your steamer warm up and then sloly drag your steamer along the sides and top and bottom of your foam cushion. The high density foam and polyfiber filling will instantly fluff up.

You'll be surprised at how much your cushion will expand. Here's my cushion before I steamed it. The cushion core consisted of high density foam surrounded by two outer layers of polyfiber. In total, the cushion insert measured about 4.5".

how to fix sagging cushions, outdoor cushions sagging, make outdoor cushions look new

But after steaming, the cushion insert measured just under 7"! Take note: you'll want to steam your insert before you take any measurements for your custom cushion covers. Also be aware that the more polyfiber or batting you have in your cushion, the more it will compress. High density or standard foam will not compress much so keep your measurements true to size if that's what your cushion inserts are made of.

Knowing that the polyfiber layers in my insert would compress, and wanting a tight fit with my cover, I ordered 6" high covers. The covers are the right size but I can always add additional polyfiber filling for a firmer and sturdier cushion with more support.

I am really pleased with how these replacement covers turned out. They were a good choice and a quick and affordable option. Now all we need is for the weather to warm up. I'm ready for patio time, are you?

* Discount Code RAMBLE21 Terms and Conditions:

Discount: 21% off Sitewide | Max up to $75
Valid only in the US & CA regions
Maximum Discount of $75 per order
Promo not applicable on Gift Cards
Discount percentage may vary on cart value and may change as per the company’s discretion
Free Shipping on orders above $99
Offer Ends December 31st, 2022 at 23:59 EST.
Not valid on previous purchases or in combination with any other offer
Additional charges will apply on taxes and shipping, if applicable
Covers & All reserves the right to amend, rescind, revoke or terminate this offer at any time, with or without any cause.

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Pages

Christmas Porch Decor

Key Elements of Front Porch Decorating

Element 1: Color

Element 2: Lighting

Element 3: Plants and Greenery

Element 4: Seating and Furniture

Element 5: Personal Touches

Outdoor Ideas for Your Porch

Budget Fall Front Porch Decor

1. Non Traditional Color Palette

2. Small Accessories, Big Impact

3. Neutral Vessels

4. Sustainable Decor

Outdoor Cushion Covers Canada

Covers & All Covers

Covers and All Discount

How To Fix Sagging Cushions

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