Fall wreaths are the best way to welcome guests into your home and set the tone for beautiful curb appeal this season. Before Hurricane Irma, we had removed all of our front porch furniture and it stayed looking dark and dreary until I partnered with Lowe’s to feature their Fall Harvest outdoor decor items, including fall wreaths. Take a look at how I welcome autumn to my porch with their wreaths for autumn, as well as fresh flowers and harvest finds!

(Roll over the picture to find out more details on where you can find these items at your local Lowe’s or on Lowes.com)

I Loved the Fall Wreaths at Lowe’s for my Front Door

As you already know wreaths are a huge part of my life from my How To Make a Burlap Wreath sister site. On that site, I highlight gorgeous wreath tutorials for every season, occasion and also list by materials. The fall wreaths at Lowe’s are perfect for any decorative style and I chose their Holiday Living 22-in Orange Indoor Gourd Artificial Thanksgiving Wreath. The mixture of gourds, pumpkins, feathers, and leaves is the perfect grapevine wreath to celebrate the season. What I love even better? That I can keep this up throughout October and November!

Our “Before” front porch was dark and dreary

Fall Wreaths Pair Beautifully with Lowe’s Pumpkins, Topiary and Planted Flowers

Color and textures are the simplest way to bring warmth to your front porch. After I put my own porch furniture back, I used Lowe’s potted yellow mums flowers and their craft pumpkins in varying sizes around the porch.

I think fall wreaths always look better when they have another element to pull them together. The Holiday Living Pumpkin Topiary with White LED Lights also adds vertical height next to the front door. I love how the grapevine pumpkin topiary also lights up at night.

Here’s the Lowe’s Fall Decorating Pieces I Paired with My Wreath

I couldn’t resist getting these happy yellow mums and playful pumpkins to go alongside the pillows!

How Will you Decorate your Fall Porch this Season?

I encourage you to take a look at Lowe’s Fall and Halloween outdoor decorations. They have a wide array of styles that will perk up your outdoor home.

If you need inspiration ideas peruse through your local Lowe’s and see what ideas they have.

For more wreaths ideas I encourage you to visit the Fall Wreaths category on How To Make a Burlap Wreath.com

Creative Ways to Save Money on Outdoor Furniture

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Save money on outdoor furniture at yard sales

Whether you’re checking ads in your local paper, sifting through items on Craigslist, or using a yard-sale app like Rumgr to find private citizens selling outdoor furniture in your area, this tactic could help you to find amazing deals on the pieces you want for your outdoor space. Sure they might be slightly used, but sometimes you can get them for the fabulous price of “you haul” (read: free). And even if you have to shell out a few bucks to paint pieces or buy new cushions you’ll still save a ton over brand new furniture.

Sample sales can find you deals on patio furniture

Many women rush to sample sales for their favorite fashion designers, but have no idea that furniture stores frequently pull the same stunt in an effort to clear out floor samples and replace them with new stock. So check in with your local patio furniture store to see if and when they are hosting sample sales. The pieces may have a little wear and tear from the showroom, but you’ll pay a fraction of the cost for virtually unused furnishings.

Discount warehouse stores

You may be aware that you can find many home goods at discount stores like Target and Wal-Mart, but you may not have realized that this often includes outdoor furniture. Besides the fact that you can get an entire outdoor setup at a great price, you may also have the option to buy items piecemeal so that you don’t have to overspend for items you don’t want and you can replace a piece that is damaged without having to buy the whole set again.

Online outlets for outdoor furniture

The internet offers a plethora of opportunities to save on just about any product you can think of, outdoor furniture included. And if you can find Cabelas promo codes for your hunting gear it’s a good bet that you can scope out online coupon codes for patio-furniture e-tailers. At the very least you’re bound to find sale items that aren’t in stores and even observe lower prices in general.

Looking for spring outdoor furniture? These outdoor furniture tips can help.

Outdoor Furniture Maintenance Tips:

You maintain your car through regular inspections, your home through regular cleaning, and even your body with a daily vitamin courtesy of coupon codes for Puritans Pride. So why wouldn’t you maintain your outdoor furniture? If you leave it exposed to the elements year-round then you shouldn’t be surprised when you have to replace it. Instead, keep it handy during the times of year when you actually use it and then cover it or move it into the garage the rest of the year. This will save you the time and expense of buying new items every summer.

For more outdoor living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Creative Deck Ideas: #HomeComplement Creates your Dream Patio

Deck ideas are on everyone’s minds, as the outdoors becomes our living room for the summer. Now that the weather is warmer we are all looking for ways to entertain outdoors and extend the days as long as possible! This season why not create your dream patio with creative deck ideas? I’m excited to pair with Clubhouse Decking to feature their decking and railing products that can transform your outdoor space into a relaxing extension of your indoor home. Whether you have a wood deck that you’d like to remove and replace with PVC decking or you want to start fresh and with a composite decking that is 25% less weight than wood, Clubhouse decking could be the answer. Take a look at how Clubhouse can help you create the deck of your dreams and enter for a chance to win a 8’x10′ room of Kleer Trimboard, Bead Board and Moulding for your own home.

Image via: Stagetecture.com

Creating your Dream Patio with a Smarter Deck Material:

I was shipped a box of the Clubhouse Decking and railing samples to see the variety of colors but also to feel the weight and quality of the products. If you are familiar with wood decking it is prone to disease, insects, and has to be stained and/or sealed each season against the elements. Clubhouse Decking and Railing products are made from 100% PVC and contains no wood or wood fillers. It also features:

• Proprietary Korelite technology creates a unique, dense cell structure providing superior strength and a more solid under foot feel than the competition. Korelite also helps keep moisture out and reduces the opportunity for degradation from mold, mildew, freezing, and thawing, unlike composite decking 

• And Clubhouse PVC decking features a limited lifetime warranty with 25 year fade and stain protection backed by Deceuninck— a global leader in world-class engineering with 75 years of industry experience.

Deck Railing Ideas that make a statement for your outdoor home

Another great feature of Clubhouse decking and railing products are their versatility to match a variety of architectural styles and configurations. We loved seeing HGTV Home Improvement personality, Scott McGillivray use Clubhouse products on his home. Take a look at this video to see how he transformed his outdoor space with decking and other building materials to make a truly entertaining-worthy backyard space.

See How Scott McGillivray transformed his outdoor deck with Clubhouse Decking

 To see more deck designs ideas and the video link click here.

What deck material colors complement your outdoor home?

Clubhouse has a variety of decking colors to complement or contrast your home. I love how Scott did the inlay of a darker decking color in the middle of his conversation area, to mimic the look of a rug, or inset tile. This designer approach breaks up the space visually and makes the area feel like a true extension of the home.

Image via: Stagetecture.com

Clubhouse® PVC decking offers a choice of board styles – Solid and hidden fastener board options for picture perfect installation

The Dual-color, dual embossed planks provide multiple design options with one board:

• Ipe/Walnut
• Mahogany/Ironwood
• Sandstone/Clay
• Cobblestone/Brookstone

Transform your outdoor entertaining with coordinating railing and decking materials

Once you have your outdoor home transformed, what about your bathroom and interior spaces? This giveaway offered by Kleer could help you get one step closer to that bathroom makeover you’ve been wanting!

Enter to win Kleer Trimboard, Bead Board & Moulding in this Home improvement giveaway:

Please note the giveaway is only open to U.S. residents

Enter for your chance to win HERE:

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Outdoor Home: Summer Ideas For Your Front Door

Image Via: Snap Creativity

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A Pop of Warm Color!

When I say yellow, I don’t literally mean only yellow! What I mean to emphasize is the fact that bright accent colors are just perfect for front doors during summers. You can use bright yellows, jazzy reds or striking apple greens. The idea is to add color to the dry and lifeless summers. Isn’t it nice if the front door brings a whiff of fresh air into the dull outsides.

Image Via: Preston Lane

A Checkered Pattern

Summers are all for transparency. Don’t we love to use light curtains and see through divider screens in our interiors? Well, the outdoor home deserves some transparency too! Use a checkered pattern as shown in the image below. Let the basic framework be carved out of wood and the square inserts be decked with glass. If you are worried about the door fitting into winter attire later in the year, use frosted or echoed glass instead.

Image Via: Michael Fullen Design Group

Shades Of Vintage

Painting the front door in shades of vintage is another great way to greet summers in style. You can use a pale custard shade of yellow or a nice vintage blue to get the desired effect. ‘Theme Vintage’ complements summers perfectly so you don’t have to worry a bit about greeting your visitors this summer.

Image Via: Rudloff Custom Builders

Create Some Drama With Iron Work

The Mediterranean countries, all known for blazing, ruthless sunny days, use wrought iron in their decor. The reason is simple. Wrought iron is easy to mould into most ornamental and elaborate shapes and blends perfectly with glass and wood to create a delicate, balanced and light effect. Try using the combination of wrought iron, glass and wood into your front door and create magic in your outdoor home!

Image Via: Scottsdale Design Center

Front doors aren’t just mere entryways into your home but also a reflection of your personality and likings. It thus becomes important for your to make a statement with your front door, signaling visitors what to expect from your. If you can blend in your likes with the summery ideas that we have just mentioned, I am sure everyone is up for a visual treat. Do share any more front door decor ideas that you might have. Its always nice to read your suggestions and comments.

Click here for more Outdoor Home Ideas on Stagetecture!

As soon as the sun comes out your garden or backyard literally acts as an extra room to your property. Your outdoor home is where you can find solace or entertain, chill out or party!  If you’re planning on entertaining in your garden this summer, there are some fantastic ways to get your garden “party-ready”. Hopefully some of these ideas might not have occurred to you already….

Outdoor Rugs

Ideal for outside patios or areas without any grass, outdoor rugs instantly update a garden. Made from polyester fibers, they’re stylish, available in all sorts of colours and look just like cool grass! Outdoor rugs are also great for reclining on like a big cat.

Image via: Outdoor Ideas

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The Rainbow Effect

One of the best ways to create an upbeat atmosphere in your garden – especially if you’re entertaining a lot of people – is to create a rainbow of colours that guests can admire. Think of lavender hedges (which smell great!), red geraniums in pots and brightly coloured rose beds.

Funky Garden Furniture

Garden furniture is a great addition to any party – and the type of furniture can determine what kind of party your guests experience. For a laid back vibe, go for solid wood sun loungers or beds, hammocks and outdoor bean bag chairs. For a party vibe, choose modern garden furniture with straight edges or creative design. Curved dining sets are ideal for encouraging dinner party conversation; Paris-style aluminum tables and chairs keep things simple and wicker boxes are practical but look fabulous as seats.

Image via: Southern Home

Outdoor Wallpaper

Who knew that wallpaper outside could look so good? Attached to a wall or shed, laser-cut wallpaper shapes and sheets add an incredible touch of class to any outdoor dining or partying – the guests will love your chic style!

Lighting For Atmosphere

Don’t forget, as nighttime closes in, your guests will still need light and this will really set the mood for the evening. Think about adding fairy lights to the surrounding trees or go for something more modern by hanging pendant lamps – which will look just like an outdoor lounge! You can also add solar lights to create a path to certain areas of the garden – the overall effect can be quite stunning.

Image via: House Experts

Cover Any Flaws

You can hide any unsightly items in your garden with simple storage tips. For instance, a small wooden shed looks quaint and will store surplus garden junk. Wooden screens are great for concealing refuse bins.

Create Features

Standout displays in your garden look great at a garden party. Why not think about creating your own rockery? Or how about a wooden rack that displays pots of herbs? Large pieces of garden furniture like dining tables can be dressed with a centerpiece display of giant roses (or a bowl of floating petals).

Garden Chess Effect

You can make a big impression on guests arriving at your party by having fun with the lawn layout and creating different effects in the grass. One easy way to make an impact is to use individual paving stones to form a chess effect. Paving and lawn squares look fantastic together and can even double as a game for children.

Giant Parasols

A fun garden party isn’t complete without a bright, vibrant, oversized parasol. This not only provides much-needed shelter from blistering heat but also acts as a place for social gatherings. Your parasol’s shade is an ideal place to serve food and arrange a scattering of seats – so make sure it’s big enough to shelter a larger group as you never know who might be hungry…or want to escape the sun!

This season add to your outdoor home with these creative garden ideas! What will you be adding to your exterior home?

Image via: Homes

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Spice Up what’s Already There

Basically, when you are trying to freshen up the exteriors of your home you want to first begin with sprucing up what you already have. Start off cleaning the exterior walls with a pressure washer and perhaps using a fresh coat of paint to help accentuate them. Have the color palette match with the season in which you are re-doing your exterior look. Also replace or fix any accents in the front such as house numbers, porch amenities or even the front door.

Image via:  My Remodeling Homes

Add in Decorative Accents

Another great way to make your outdoor home really pop is to add in some accent pieces for all to enjoy; such as colorful planters or shrubbery, lawn or patio furniture with a bold color, or even some furniture for the porch. Home buyers, especially first time buyers really love the outdoors of the home because that is where they can picture themselves spending time with their growing family. You can even add in some luxury items like an outdoor kitchen, pool, fire pit with a cozy seating area etc.

Image via:  Ezpong

Lighting your Outdoor Home

Adding exterior lighting to your home will not only create an aesthetically attractive view but can also be used for guiding guest in the dark as well as for safety and security issues that might occur. Different homes will use automatic lighting to help with potential burglaries. A couple of wall sconces near the front door, lighting along the curb pathway, and exterior lighting near the patio should suffice for the outdoor lighting around your home.

Adding value to your outdoor home really doesn’t take that much effort. Sometimes it can be just a simple cleaning and removing of unwanted items or it can be as extensive as adding in a luxury pool. Make sure that when you feel that everything is in place to step out into the streets and take a look back at your home to see what others will see. Keeping in mind the objective is to help home buyers visualize themselves living in the home. So take a look at some of the tips above and see how they can help the exteriors of your home.

For more curb appeal tips on Stagetecture, click here.

To gain the most out of a beautiful garden, you have to be able to reach every corner of it comfortable. For this, a pathway is essential. It can lead visitors to the most beautiful inches of the garden or to important structures, like a pavilion, a pond or the barbeque area. A pathway also protects the plants of the garden, since it creates boundaries and limits overstepping onto small plants or seeds. Here are some ideas on how to create beautiful garden paths this year.

Beautiful Garden Path Ideas

Image via: Pinterest

Garden Path Ideas

Choose the way

It is important to have an idea in mind on how the path will evolve around the garden. Sometimes, the garden itself commands the direction of the path, but other times you will have to plan the way carefully, in order to achieve the highest amount of usefulness for the path. Think about what you want to show to a visitor or see at your daily stroll around the garden, and what facilities you have for which a pathway is important. Also, consider if you need a wide enough pathway in order for two people to walk side-by-side or a narrow path is sufficient for your needs. Don’t forget to plan soft curves into your route to make the path interesting.

Go for the suitable material

There are a lot of possibilities on what material to use when making a path. Cost is of course a thing to consider when making the final decision. Also it is important to choose by easiness of building the path in terms of whether or not a professional will be necessary to build it.

Some great pathway materials are flagstones. They can be found in a countless variety of sizes and shapes, so it is easy to find the right one for your needs. Another advantage of those big stones is that greenery, like grass or moss can peak through the gaps, which can add to the appeal of the pathway. Pebbles are also a great material to fill the gaps. Choose some soft perennials to complete the look.

Gravel is also a great way to go, just make sure to have borders that will keep the gravels in place. Those borders can be made out of bigger stones, bricks, wooden logs or even low hedges.

Wood is a beautiful pathway material, although it needs much more work, preparation and treatment in order to make it able to keep for longer. Also, keep in mind that it can get slippery, especially in a more humid environment.

Image via: HGTV

Don’t Forget the Perennials

Perennials are wonderful for marking a Path. They can act like a natural boundary to show the way. You can choose between low or high growing perennials that can be flowering or just stay green. To make the path a stimulating experience for all senses, add some aromatic plants and some with vibrant colors. Perennials have the strength to make even a plain path look exceptional.

Image via: Pinterest

Implement these Garden Path Ideas to take your garden to a new level, making it even more inviting and interesting. So what are you waiting for? You outdoor home is ready for some updating!

For more gardening ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you were inspired by – ‘Bringing Fresh Spring into your Kitchen Design‘ from Lisa Ketz Cross . Today, I feature Adele Baumann Healey Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she helps you get your spring porch ready for entertaining and enjoyment this season.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #69

Olioboard Inspiration: Preparing your Spring Porch for Enjoyment –  Adele Baumann Healey

Now is the time of year to start thinking about preparing your porch for future pleasant days and evenings.  Thank goodness!  Not only is it important to plan your porch so it looks inviting and comfortable, but it can really boost the curb appeal of your home.

Get your front porch ready for spring

First, time to cut down and trim those bedraggled looking plants, and you might consider making a plan to add color to the front of your home by planting flowers, or adding bushes with different leaf colors.  Remember to somehow tie the landscape of you yard to the hardscape of your front porch – whether it be with color, style or a certain “personality”.   Does your porch need to be painted or stained?  Now is the time to do it BEFORE moving the furniture and potted plants to their designated spots.

Front door and lighting ideas

Consider splurging on a special front door, or for less cost, paint your door a color that will draw the eye to the front of the home and guide your guests to the entry.  Also, keep the path easy to maneuver by removing or trimming any overgrown bushes or plants.

Lighting is an important consideration for night time guests.  Whether it be lights along the sidewalk or a bright front door light, help them find their way easily and safely.

A small front porch can still offer opportunity to show your home’s personality by adding a small chair or table, a bright rug, some hanging plants, or my favorite – Morning Glories growing along the roof of the porch.  So easy and so striking!  Also, find a little special spot to share your love of art by highlighting your favorite outdoor piece.

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And don’t forget to make sure your house numbers are easy to spot.  There are so many styles of numbers to choose from that it should be easy to find some that will compliment your home.

Create an inviting outdoor living area

If you have a large side or back porch, use that opportunity to create an outdoor living area for three of the four seasons.  Comfortable seating, tables, rugs, plenty of lighting and possibly even an outdoor fireplace or heater will give ample opportunity to use that often overlooked space.  Have fun designing an area where your friends and neighbors will want to join you and spend relaxing time with you.  Show your own personality through quirky or special touches.

Always consider the size of the area and the ability people will have to maneuver the space of the porch.  So, although you don’t want to crowd the area, an empty porch can make the home feel much less inviting or welcoming.

Time to pull out those photos of your dream porch and making it a reality, and before you know it, the weather will cooperate and it will be time to enjoy that dream.

About Adele Baumann Healey

I am a mother of two and a grandmother of 4. Our family was a member of the military for 21 years and lived all over the U.S and in Europe, moving 13 times in 19 years. While residing in Germany, we travelled constantly (my little kids in tow in our old V.W. camper) and I absorbed, through osmosis, the many historical attributes of architecture and design. Even in the U.S. it was a learning experience to see how the many people I met decorated and used their creative skills, each influenced by the environment in which they were living. Simply put, when you move so much and live in so many types of residences it was always a challenge to achieve a homey place for your family to grow and be nurtured. What was my biggest challenge to make into a home? An old TB ward of an empty, Army hospital building! Follow Adele as Redadie on her Olioboard profile and Facebook profiles.

For more Olioboard ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Everyone knows it; the first impression is the most important one, and decorating your front porch is essential for Thanksgiving. So, your front porch has to be an equal match to the interior of your home, whether it is about being neat and organized, or beautifully decorated. In addition, it might be the one thing visible to anyone that passes by your house, so your front porch’s look is of major importance! Here are a few tips on how to make a great and lasting impression, to both passer’s by and your guests.

Image via: Pottery Barn

How To Decorate Your Front Porch For Thanksgiving

Create a warm welcoming for your guests

By simply putting a cart or a large, nice wooden box outside your door, you can create a wonderful welcoming message for your guests. Fill the box with some material, like heavy duty plastic, branches or logs, to create some support for the decoration. Next, arrange seasonal items, like a branch, berries, grounds, leafs and pumpkins. Put a welcome sign in there, or even write a message on the pumpkins. Also, lanterns are always a nice touch and on Thanksgiving Day, decorate a small table and put a welcoming drink or treat on it, for your guests as they arrive for the feast. It will definitely put them in a cheerful mood!

Image via: BHG

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Use colorful flowers, fruits and other gifts of the fall

It is amazing how many colors there are that you can use in any autumn arrangement. There is not only warm orange, but also green, red and yellow and they can fit so nicely together. For the door, a fruit wreath would be a wonderful decoration and if you can find them, haystacks are definitely great for using them to display other items. Fill some beautiful baskets or buckets with fruit and grounds, add a few leaves and bright flowers, and even a cornstack, and you will have a porch that will be remembered!

Image via: BHG

Decorate even smallest entrances

Not everyone has a large porch or veranda to decorate. But that doesn’t mean that you will miss out on being able to create some beautiful decorations outside your door. Using a nice, large flower urn, pot or vase, you can do magic. Fill the urn, pot or vase with seasonal items or a bouquet of characteristic flowers and goods, even place a little chalkboard sign where you will write a welcome note. Hang an amazing wreath on your door and you will have all the decoration you need!

Image via: Pinterest

Don’t forget about keeping your porch and entrance clean and to use a new, matching doormat and you are all set to welcome your loved ones into your home!

For more Thanksgiving ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

To sell your home successfully it should be sparkling on the inside. Many people forget to walk out the front door and take a critical look at their home from the sidewalk. Making sure that your curb appeal is as high as possible is the key for getting walk-in visitors at your next open house. Here are 10 tips to increase your home’s curb appeal and create a welcoming exterior home.

Image via: Houzz

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10 Tips to Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal

1. Mow the lawn.

An untended, scruffy lawn looks unkempt and messy. Avoid that by keeping the grass trimmed, and raking away leaves and debris in fall.

2. Clean the gutters.

Having water pouring out of your gutters on a rainy day is going to be a real turn-off for potential buyers. Jane Kennedy from ComFree mentions on her blog to make sure that the gutters are completely clear, thus avoiding any potential water damage and keeping your home’s façade looking tidy.

3. Paint the shutters.

If you have shutters on the front of your house, give them a fresh coat of paint (if needed). While you’re at it, do the front door.

Image via: Hursthouse Landscape

4. Pay special attention to the front door.

The front door is the first thing people notice when looking at your house. The area around it needs to be clean & clear of clutter, and the door should be in good condition. Clean off scuff marks from shoes and clean around the door handle to make it sparkle.

5. Clean the house’s façade.

This may sound extreme, but taking a power hose to the front of the house can make a world of difference. If things are looking a little grungy or dingy, give it a blast with the hose and brighten it up.

6. Tend to your landscape shrubbery.

Overgrown bushes and shrubs on the front lawn are sure to look scruffy. Keep them pruned and presentable!

7. Tidy up the walkway.

If you’ve got uneven stones or cracked asphalt, you may want to consider putting a little time & money into sprucing it up. You don’t want potential buyers tripping over uneven slabs when they walk up your garden path. If necessary, remove all stones and simply cover the path with crushed seashells or gravel. Make sure the grass verge of the walk is trimmed.

Image via: Pinterest

8. Paint the fence.

Moss on a fence can look romantic and atmospheric, but you want it to also look well-maintained and solid. So throwing a coat of paint on can really make a world of difference.

9. Pay special attention to the gate.

If the garden gate needs any repairs, get them done. Give it a paint as well, but most importantly: Make sure the latch opens and closes easily. If there is a lock on the gate, make sure it works and that you have the key.

10. Make your exterior have a presence.

Once you’ve got everything in order, you can add some decorative flair that will catch the eye. A tasteful pop of color in the form of a pot on the front porch or a garden decoration in the flower bed can attract the eye and get potential buyers to take another look at your home for sale.

For more curb appeal tips on Stagetecture, click here.