Wishlist Wednesday: 3 Things That Will Save Your Porch from Looking Sad in September
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September in New England is a funny month. The mornings are sweater weather, the afternoons are still clinging to summer, and your porch… well, your porch might be caught in a bit of an identity crisis. The once-cheerful summer flowers are looking tired, the doormat has seen better days, and the lighting that felt magical in June now leaves things looking a little dark and dreary.
But here’s the good news — you don’t need to overhaul your entire entryway to give it fresh curb appeal. With a few thoughtful updates (and some Amazon Prime magic), you can turn your porch into a warm, inviting space that welcomes neighbors, friends, and anyone who drives by and secretly envies your style.
Today’s Wishlist Wednesday is all about three simple swaps that will instantly elevate your front porch, keep it looking polished through September, and make it feel like a mini New England getaway every time you walk through the door.
1. Layered Doormats for Instant Style
The “layered doormat” look is an easy designer trick that takes less than two minutes but makes a big impact. Start with a washable patterned outdoor rug for a pop of color or texture, then top it with a fresh coir doormat for that clean, structured look. This combo instantly says, “I care about my home’s details — but I also have coffee to drink, so I keep it simple.”
Why It Works for New England Homes: The layered look gives you flexibility for seasonal swaps — plaid for fall, stripes for summer — while the coir mat catches dirt from boots and keeps the inside of your home cleaner.
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2. Statement Planters That Work Year-Round
We all love mums in September, but when they inevitably fade (usually faster than we’d like), the last thing you want is an empty, sad-looking pot. That’s where tall, all-season planters come in — they look just as good empty, with faux greenery, or with a seasonal arrangement. The right planter acts like an anchor for your porch decor, pulling the whole space together.
Why It Works for New England Homes: A quality planter is weather-resistant and timeless in style, so you can reuse it with different plants or fillers throughout the year — from evergreens in December to ferns in June.
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Lighting That Works Overtime
As the days get shorter, your porch lighting becomes more than just a design choice — it’s essential for safety, security, and style. A combination of wall lanterns for structure and battery-operated candles or string lights for warmth creates that welcoming glow you want in the early evenings.
Why It Works for New England Homes: Proper lighting not only makes your home look cozier but also enhances curb appeal after dark, which is especially important in neighborhoods where fall evenings are made for strolls and porch chats.
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Final Designer Tip
Updating your porch for September doesn’t require a huge investment or a complete redesign. Sometimes, it’s the small, thoughtful touches that make the biggest difference — a fresh mat, a pair of statement planters, and lighting that says “Yes, I’m ready for fall, but I’m still hanging on to summer’s charm.”
At Melissa Pasdon Interior Design, I believe in helping clients create spaces that feel both beautiful and practical — whether that’s a full renovation or just the perfect seasonal refresh. If your porch (or any space in your home) could use some designer love, I’d be happy to help you turn “sad September” into “style all season.”