Fall is in the air – from the brisker weather to the first signs of golden leaves, we're so ready to start decorating for the season. And where better to start than your porch? After all, it's the first thing people see when they arrive at your abode.
There's so much variety with fall porch decor ideas, including a few displays you can't get away with indoors. Whether you go all-out with a pumpkin patch to rival a farmer's harvest or something more subdued, it's the perfect time to start planning your outdoor fall decor.
If you're not sure how to decorate this year, interior designer Shea McGee has just taken to Instagram to share her 2024 fall porch decor, and it's a more pared-back design than we've seen from her before. Read on to see her fall porch decorating ideas.
Shea McGee's fall porch decor for 2024
Known for her pared-back, warm neutral schemes, Shea McGee, the designer behind Studio McGee, has brought her signature style onto her front porch for fall, but with a few seasonal colors you might not have expected. Here, we break down the decor she says are must-haves for your fall porch decor scheme and share all the pieces she's included.
A fall-themed wreath
'Fall is finally here and there is no better way to celebrate fall than with a harvest look on your front porch. The star of the show is always a wreath,' says Shea in her reel.
This year, she's opted for a very on-trend deep red wreath, which features only leaves, rather than a traditional floral option. It feels decidedly natural and of the season – and it was inspired by her own outdoor space.
'This new piece is really beautiful because it has these gorgeous tones that were actually inspired by a branch that I cut from my own trees in my yard,' she explains.
Be inspired by Shea's fall porch design with this faux grapevine wreath – after all, it's the most coveted color trend of the season.
Dried flowers are a great alternative if you like to incorporate florals into your fall wreath. This one features subtle fall hues.
Just because fall has arrived doesn't mean you can't still opt for a luscious wreath. This one is filled with greenery with hints of deep purple flowers.
Faux pumpkins
Once the wreath is chosen and hung, it's time to look to the floor decor. 'And of course, a fall front porch look needs pumpkins. We designed these to have a weighted bottom so that they don't blow over and I love that we're getting a very natural faux look,' explains Shea.
The pumpkins have been scattered around the edge of the porch, offering plenty of coverage without impeding the walkway space. The variety of fall colors gives the scheme a more interesting feel.
'We get some variation in the tones. I love soft neutrals but I didn't want our front porch look to be all white pumpkins, and so we have this grey-green, there's a hint of orange with the green, and then creams,' she says.
'We've kept it minimal but you've seen my front porches over the years. I just push and pull – sometimes I might bring in those pumpkins down all the steps, and then sometimes I will just keep them to the corners.'
Perhaps a more unexpected color to choose for your fall porch decor, Shea has introduced this rustic green pumpkin, which pairs beautifully with classic hues.
You can't go wrong with neutrals. This white faux pumpkin is the perfect addition to your porch, and works well in any design.
How pretty is this green and orange faux pumpkin? It's a classic fall color palette and adds a warming hue to your decor.
Outdoor floor lanterns
Fall evenings get darker much earlier, so having some sort of illumination on your porch adds function and a cozy vibe. And this year, Shea has chosen floor lanterns in varying sizes.
'We just launched these outdoor lanterns. I was inspired by antique hanging lanterns and we translated that into a floor lantern. I love that you get this dark metal tone, which is a nice contrast on the porch, a square handle, and they come in two sizes,' she explains.
Shea has opted for three lanterns: one medium and one large paired in the back corner, and another medium-sized one at the front to light up the pathway and add dimension to the decor.
Available in medium and large, these lanterns are the perfect addition to your fall porch decor, offering a light source and a great layering piece.
For a more rustic design, these antique-inspired lanterns are a great choice. They're perfect for farmhouse or cottage porch decor.
If a floor lantern won't work for your porch decor – especially if you're decorating a small porch – opt for a hanging lantern instead.
There are plenty of fun ways to decorate your porch for fall, but we're obsessed with Shea's design this year. The earthy color palette feels in keeping with the season with its own unique appeal. Simple seems to be the winner this year!
