front porch refresher

Welcome, January, in all your blustery cold glory!  I wrote this post with the intention of sprucing up your front porch and beating the after holiday decorating blah’s once the Christmas decorations have all come down, but that was well before I realized it was going to be one hundred degrees below freezing!  I’m going to post it anyway because, now that the wreaths are all down from my windows and front door and the cheery pillows and lanterns are put away, the porch looks bleak and empty.  And also because, no matter how beautiful the inside of your home is, making a good first impression at home really does start outside.  Here are a few picks that can make a big impact; whether you pick one, two or all, they will be sure to freshen up your porch!

Myrtle Wreath / Brass ring door knocker / Metal garden orb / Brass house number /

Planter / Woven door mat / Lantern lights

Paint is the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to make a dramatic impact on a budget.  If you only do one thing to change up your porch, painting your front door a bold color in a high gloss finish is the way to go!  Glossy black is not only timeless, but is a gorgeous backdrop for an emerald green myrtle wreath (which is festive all year long!)  The combination is stunning! 

A shiny brass door knocker like this one is divine.  I also love this one and this one, too!

I scored a pair of metal garden orbs like these on clearance last summer at Target and they’ve been such a beautiful compliment to my porch and deck!  I set them in front of my ferns and now the leftover tree clippings (which are still going strong!)

These 6 inch brass house numbers make an elegant statement!

These fiberglass planters look like zinc; a pair flanking a front door would look gorgeous!

Something as simple as swapping out your door mat is a fresh way to make a change. I love this one (and I love the price, too!)

Nothing makes a dramatic statement as much as lighting.  And for the front porch, I’m a firm believer that the bigger, the better.  I bought these lantern lights last summer (see my post here) – they are 27 inches and not only do they make a dramatic impact, but, at around $100 EACH, they are super easy on the wallet, too!

How do you freshen your porch after taking all your decorations down?  I’d love to know!