It’s that time again, and not only am I styling my own fall porch, I’ve already started some fall design work at Balsam Mountain Preserve, so my head is full and overflowing with ideas to welcome this beautiful and colorful season.
For me, the key is to think a little bit outside the box, as in ‘big box store” so I can put my own unique and authentic twist on things. There are a lot of trends, but one size does not fit all so think outside those trends when designing for your space.
This outdoor space at Balsam Mountain Preserve is fabulous as is, with all the rustic wood, stone and a fab fireplace. I wanted to keep things traditional and appropriate for the western NC mountains, but also give it a little bit of interest that would make people notice as the drive by. The addition of faux fur, kilims and native printed pillows gave it just the right accent.
For my own porch a few years ago, I went way outside the box and used clippings from the yard, pine cones and squash from my mother’s garden.
I made the grapevine wreath and picked the wildflowers and left them to dry naturally.
I used wood, antique watering cans, and worked the green ferns in from summer.
This porch at Balsam Mountain Preserve was decorated with cabbages, ferns, mums and an assortment of pumpkins and Indian corn.
I added the outdoor lanterns so it also looked pretty and welcoming at night as guests entered the Boarding House.
I love corn stalks, and here in rural NC, they are everywhere. I cut these from my dad’s corn field and added in some maple branches and strips of calico fabric tied into bows.
Instead of lining up the pumpkins, I placed them in garden containers for height and interest.
I love to place squash, pumpkins, gourds, etc., in baskets. I add a layer of burlap or straw just for interest and to fill in any empty spots.
Of course flowers are always a great fall accent and can be placed in any kind of outdoor container.
Any kind of basket adds wonderful texture to outdoor fall displays and can hold either fall produce or flowers.
And you don’t even need pumpkins as apples are a wonderful, and tasty alternative and easily available to place in baskets or galvanized containers.
Always take into consideration the area you live. I want my porch, and those I decorate for clients, to authentically reflect the North Carolina mountains and the rich Appalachian harvest heritage here. I would not use any of these elements if I lived in south Florida, so consider your location and culture when planning your outdoor spaces.
Are there any decor traditions that define the area where you live? I’d love to hear about those in the comments if y’all would share them.
Here is a sneak peek at the start of a client’s porch at Balsam Mountain Preserve. I love getting the chance to do something different and try to work with the homeowner’s style and achieve something unique just for them.
Thanks so much or stopping by! I hope you are inspired to step outside the box and do something unique on your fall porch this year:-)
I’ll be joining:
Wow, they are all stunning. I love everything. Tons of fabulous ideas.
Thank you Marty!!
WOW, I love everything too. Just beautiful.
Thank you so much Betty!!
This has got to be the tops of fall porch beauty I've ever seen! I would love to visit the Balsam Mountain Preserve someday, I always enjoy seeing your seasonal work there. And your own porch is simply gorgeous in these pictures. I love looking at all the autumn ideas on blogs and can appreciate everyone's unique style but my favorites are using nature's bounty the way you do, mixed with your baskets and flower pots and pillows, etc.
Being from TN, I don't think our local style is much different from yours. When we lived in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL last year the fall and Halloween yards in our neighborhood did reflect a more regional beach look, which was appropriate. Pretty, but I sure am happy to be back home for autumn in Nashville and where I'll see pumpkins that don't melt in the heat!
But I have to declare you Queen of Autumn, Anita!
Oh Dewena, that made my day:-) Thank you!! I know I definitely gravitate toward a more mountain/country look. Even when I lived in middle Georgia, it's just not the same.
Such beautiful decor! I'm from Alabama and a farm girl through and through, we love to use corn stalks from our fields and of course, when cotton time rolls around I have to use cotton stalks to decorate too!
xoxo, SS
Southern and Style
I can't pick a favorite, they're all amazing. I live in Virginia Beach but still a GA girl at heart. Want to use a fews of your ideas for fall decorating here.
This is absolutely glorious!!!!!!! Who wouldn't want to pull up a chair with a cup of something? Wow!
Both your porch and the one at Balsam Mountain are beautiful I love fall here in NC!
I love all the natural elements you use in decorating for fall. Nature gives us so much beauty and you style it so well. We are planning to visit Maggie Valley next week and I am looking forward to soaking up as much NC beauty as possible! How blessed you are to live there.
It's hard to pick one thing I like – I love it all – your style, the warm, rich, authentic fall colors… Here in Minnesota, at least at my home, we decorate very similarly using natural elements and through in a little whimsy too.