A welcoming front step is something I take pride in. It’s an inviting queue to guests, and makes me happy to see when I pull into the driveway. Pride of ownership seems to be a characteristic many in my generation blankly associate with consumerism, but I beg to differ. A welcoming effect can be can gained in any home in decent condition with a broom, paint, and a few thrift or even naturally foraged items. I feel a sense of pride keeping our home, inside and out, looking good. Not perfect, but good.
After buying our house and now having a child, it quickly resonated with me that I want to do everything (in my meager budget) to make it a place that FEELS like the epitome of comfort, and hope my children share the same sentiments. Why does this matter? Fast forward to the tumultuous teenage years, and having kids that want THEIR home to be the hangout spot. instead of a place to escape.
One of the first projects I tackled, (while pretending I wasn’t exhausted from being pregnant), was paining the front door red! I LOVE RED DOORS! They are so rich and warm, and it really makes fall (and winter) decorating especially fun and festive!
Plus, it’s just downright fun to decorate a red door because I take the opportunity to embellish a little more than I would inside (where I definitely don’t go so dramatic with the colours).
My main tip for painting a front? Choose a colour scheme that complements your home’s exterior. Compliments, not matches. A bright yellow door on a soft yellow house may not get the effect you wish!
Let’s have a look at the door situation over the years.
1. The Sad Original
Okay, obviously there is nothing horribly wrong with this, let’s not be unreasonable. However, there’s nothing particularly welcoming either, right? Here are the issues to:
- The grey on grey does nothing to draw the eye to the front door, and it’s a bit depressing combo in my opinion
- The cedar is way too close to the step, and must be pruned. This is a practical consideration as children and elderly visitors will use the handle
- Those pots. Ugh. Yup, they are mine, brought all the way from our condo balcony. The plants are sad, the colour is ugly against the grey, and THEY ARE IN THE WAY! Not very practical at all! Tsk, tsk!
2. The Fall Overkill
Yes, this happened. Don’t judge me.
If you know me personally, you know I am not afraid to use faux floral. I love fresh most of course, but there are certain instances when faux is simply most practical, and outdoor seasonal decor (wreaths and planters) in our zone 3 climate is a perfect example. From September to May I can’t grow real flowers.
I have had most of my fall stems for years. They have lasted well and I expect to get many more years out of them. HOWEVER…what is going on below is not working:
- Copious amounts of STUFF (yes, it was for a photo-shoot, but how did I even think this looked acceptable?)
- Completely unreasonable and completely impractical with no clear walkway
- No rhyme or reason…no balance. It’s all just plunked down.
The pretty handmade wreath and a few pumpkins and stems would have been perfect.
3. The Blush Fall Charmer
Ah yes, this is more like it! Simple and clean yet perfectly welcoming.
The big, beautiful DIY wreath takes center stage, with a few fresh potted mums and the same lantern that is always on the patio. The blush and burgundy of the mums meld perfectly with the same tones in the wreath, and it all just came together nicely. Simple yet charming. Welcoming and functional.
Note, these real mums were on clearance for $4 a container at my local grocery store, so they were a very reasonable addition. Faux would have worked perfectly fine as well.
4. The Just Right Summer
My favorite (of course).
I can almost smell that lavender. Ignore the chipped patio floor and we have a clean, fresh, simple step. Here’s what I love:
- Although not mirrored, there is some balance between the left and right side of the door
- The two small planters and lantern on the left are grouped as a group of three. Individually they are too small and look cluttered.
- The earthy tones of the DIY wood bench, the grapevine on the wreath and the rug.
- The colour pallet is simple: red, green, white.
- There’s just the right amount going on
Now, to get that rotting little deck rebuilt.
I hope you enjoyed my front porch tour! Let me know what you think in the comments below! Have you made any changes to your front step?