Welcome to autumn in New England.
I’m happy to share a glimpse of our fall front porch today. There is something about this time of year that brings out the best in New England homes. The crisp air, the vibrant foliage, and the sense of change inspire cozy, welcoming decorations. Our front door is no exception.
We live in a small, picturesque town in Massachusetts, about halfway between Boston and Providence, Rhode Island. Seven years ago, we bought a colonial-style house that needed updating. It was one of those classic “project houses” that had great bones but needed some love and care to bring it back to life. We’ve been working on it ever since, bit by bit. Renovating a house isn’t an overnight process, but the journey is rewarding.
One major project on our list was painting the house. This year, we finally did it. After much debate about the perfect color, I chose classic New England white with black shutters. We love the result. It feels timeless and fits perfectly within the character of our neighborhood.
I believe in decorating with what you have. Don’t wait until your home is perfect to appreciate it. Too often, we get caught up in waiting for everything to be just right before celebrating our spaces. Renovations take time, and I’ve learned to enjoy the process and be grateful for the progress we’ve made. There is beauty in every stage, and it’s important to embrace that.
Our front steps are original to the house. The concrete is crumbling, and the iron railings were rusted at the base. I wasn’t upset when one railing fell into the bushes and the other came loose easily. It was a sign that the steps were ready for an upgrade. We plan to replace the concrete with bluestone and stone veneer, inspired by a post from This Old House. I’ve always admired the classic look of bluestone, and I think it will complement the colonial style of our home beautifully.
However, we discovered the steps had sunk and pulled away from the house. We decided to replace them entirely and make them wider. In preparation, we relocated some shrubs. The front now looks a little bare, but the old steps needed some color for fall. I didn’t want to wait until the new steps were in to make the entryway feel inviting. Fall provides the perfect opportunity to add warmth and charm.
Thankfully, autumn in New England brings plenty of natural beauty.
After seeing my friend @sixtyfifthavenue Instastoried her gorgeous fall planters online, I became determined to find mini-kale plants. They look great with mums and ornamental grasses. I love the curly leaves and how water droplets sit on them. It adds texture and interest to the front door area, making the space feel alive and dynamic.
I recreated the look of a large coir mat by duct-taping two mats from Target together. The pattern isn’t a perfect match, but it works. Sometimes you have to get creative with what you have. Small hacks like this help achieve the desired look without spending a fortune.
The front door hardware was worn when we moved in. I painted it brushed nickel until we could replace the door. Seven years later, we still have the same door and hardware. I recently painted the hardware black, and it blends in nicely now. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference in the overall appearance.
The bright autumn colors at the front door make the entrance feel welcoming. I love the way the oranges, yellows, and purples contrast against the white house and black shutters. It’s a simple but effective way to celebrate the season.
Thank you for visiting our front porch. If you’d like, take a look at the stone fire pit and pea stone patio I built in the backyard. The fire pit has become a favorite gathering spot for friends and family. There’s nothing better than sitting around the fire on a crisp autumn evening.
Or stop in for a chat. I always enjoy connecting with others who appreciate home improvement and seasonal decorating.
Be sure to check out the other fall porches featured in this tour. Everyone brings their unique style to the season, and it’s inspiring to see how different people decorate their homes for fall.
Thank you to Dawn at Creative Cain Cabin for organizing this event. Enjoy your week and take some time to appreciate the beauty that autumn brings.
SOURCES:
Iron egg and dark urns – local nursery
Whale’s tail door knocker (painted black)
