For the last few weeks, Colorado has been treating us to some seriously gorgeous weather. Everyday has been filled with warm sunshine and gentle breezes that practically begs you to throw open the windows and let the fresh air work its magic. This is a super nostalgic feeling for me – and I’ve been loving every minute of it!

And you know what these sunny days have got me thinking? It’s time to update my front porch decor for summer. With warmer weather here to stay, I’m itching to spruce things up and add some freshness to our outdoor spaces. There’s just something about a cozy, inviting porch that screams summertime, don’t you think?

If you’ve been following along, you know that our home has been a serious construction zone for the last few weeks. Our porch has been doubling as the crew’s workshop, and needless to say, it’s been incredibly messy with construction materials. But this week, I was finally able to clean up some of the mess and pressure wash the house.

With the front of the house now clean, it’s time to shift gears and focus on styling elements. I’m tackling this part of our home section by section to make sure every inch gets its moment to shine. Keep reading as I break down my thought process and share the four key factors to consider when selecting your front porch decor for summer.

Tip #1: Focus On The Front Door

Always start with the focal point of your home – the front door. Not only is this an introduction to your personal style, but it also sets the tone for what’s inside. So, why not make this spot stand out?

We recently gave our front door a little makeover and decided on a cool, dark blue-grey to complement our brick exterior. Our neighborhood is big on brick, but ours leans a bit too orange for my liking. Can you believe our front door was red when we moved in? It completely clashed and faded away into the rest of the house. Here’s a look at the original red door:

Doesn’t the dark blue-grey feel so much more impactful? I am so happy we went with something bold to pair with the brick. Eventually, I would like to replace it with a stained wood front door, swap out the entry handleset, and remove the kickplate at the bottom of the door. But for now, I am absolutely loving the change!

Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint or a beautiful wreath, a touch of personality can go a long way when it comes to your front entry. A few weeks ago, I shared this post on my favorite outdoor summer wreaths – including the current one hanging on our front door. I love how neutral this one feels for summer, and I know it will work with any decor style I throw its way.

Tip #2: Create Inviting Vignettes

Here’s a quick reference if you want to create one large vignette around your front door: Start by picking a focal point – like your door or a cute planter. Then, arrange elements to create a “triangle” around the tallest point. Be sure to layer different textures and vary heights for visual interest, and select details that complement the architecture of your home.

You can also choose to focus on the side areas of your front door to create interesting vignettes. Select potted plants, lanterns, or decorative items and layer accordingly. For a symmetrical look, use identical items on each side. Or, if you prefer to add more visual interest, swap out one or two items on either side to really mix it up.

This year, I’m leaning towards cottage-style details filled with tall topiaries and lush florals. Since our home has very traditional design elements, I think adding symmetry on either side of the door with topiaries will really enhance the features of our home. Not only will they bring attention to the front, but they’ll match the entry’s width and really frame it up nicely.

Tip #3: Add Layered Patterns & Soft Goods

If you’re dealing with a brick backdrop like me, the key is to choose prints that complement the lines of the brick. Take, for instance, my current outdoor rugs. They’ve been with us for ages and are showing a bit of wear, but are still boasting a subtle, diamond print. These work great because they don’t have a ton of parallel/perpendicular lines which could end up looking too similar to the brick. And, since they’re a neutral, light hue, their pattern doesn’t compete with the grout lines of the house exterior. As for swapping them out, I think they’ve still got another year or two in them. So, they’re here to stay (for now).

For pillows, I love the organic feel of hand-blocked florals. Since our home’s colors have a lot going on, I’m playing it safe with pillow hues. Too much color might make things hectic, but too little might feel boring. I’m saving the pops of color for our hardscape flowers and keeping the majority of our pillows neutral for balance. (You can find these sweet lumbar pillows here.)

Tip #4: Embrace Outdoor Furniture

What’s a front porch without some comfy seating? Rocking chairs are a favorite of mine for the front entrance – they’re so inviting and perfect for unwinding. We often find ourselves sitting in them when the weather warms up to enjoy some people-watching. The bench doesn’t see as much use, but it’s definitely been handy for slipping off our shoes before heading inside.

We aren’t quite in the market for new furniture this season, so I am reusing the same furniture we’ve had for a few years. It’s still in really good shape minus a few paint chips here and there from the weather. A few weeks ago, we had an incredible wind storm blow through and all of my furniture ended up in our front yard! Furniture touch ups are definitely on my to-do list.

Styling your front porch decor for summer is all about reflecting your personal taste and creating a space that welcomes you home. The key is to have fun with it! I hope these ideas have sparked your creativity for your own front porch makeover. Feel free to share your thoughts or any tips you have about decor in the comments below. I personally like to reuse as much as I can from season to season – what about you?