As the weather cools and the days start and end in darkness, it becomes obvious that fall is upon us. While this season brings an array of golden and yellow beauty like no other it also brings more evenings inside and chilly weekends.
Getting your home ready in small ways can make a big impact now and as the snow rolls in too. Coats and boots are surely beginning to come out, and leaves are trying to make thier way in. Keep reading for a few of our favourite simple ways to get your entryway ready for fall.
1. Refresh the Front Door
Start with a good cleaning. Wipe down the front door, clean the handles and glass, and wipe the frame. If you’re thinking of repainting the door or trim now is an excellent time to do so.
Most of the time a gentle soap and hot water will work great, but if you want to be sure….
Wood Doors: Use warm water mixed with a small amount of mild dish soap or specialized wood cleaner like Murphy Oil Soap. Wipe gently in the direction of the wood grain. Avoid bleach or heavy scrubbing that can strip the finish.
Metal or Steel Doors: Use a mixture of hot water, a cup of white vinegar, and a squirt of dish soap, or a heavily diluted all-purpose cleaner. Clean around the rubber seals and hinges with an old toothbrush.
Fiberglass/Manmade Material Doors: Use a solution of warm water and a cup of vinegar with a non-abrasive sponge or nylon brush.
It’s also a great time to ensure your house numbers are attached well and wiped down, and your outdoor lights are clean and the bulbs are working.
2. Refresh the Doormat
A new doormat can make your entrance feel new with little effort and a lot of fun. We’ve really enjoyed the layered-mat look, where you place a larger thin outdoor rug underneath a smaller doormat. It adds a little personality without requiring much decorating.
If your having trouble with the mats laying flat or being flipped up in wind or from feet you can purchase outdoor rug tape from many hardware stores! Just ensure it’s suitable to go onto the material under the mats. Some stone can be effected.
If you have room on your front step or porch, you could also add a small pumpkin, a lantern with a battery-operated candle, or a planter with seasonal greenery. These little details can make the outside of your home feel ready for the season without going overboard.
3. Make Space for Snow Gear
Snow and cold brings out the coats, hats, and gloves for the whole family. Getting the closet ready with a deep clean and declutter is a great way to feel ready for the next season.
A few of our favourite simple storage ideas to help get your front closet ready:
Wall hooks: Great for everyday jackets, backpacks, and bags, especially when closet space is limited. Adding small hooks inside the closet walls can also help things like hats and keys have a spot that can be hidden away but still accessible.
A shoe tray: Keeps wet or muddy footwear in one spot instead of spreading dirt across the floor.
Baskets for gloves and toques: A simple way to keep smaller winter accessories together.
A storage bench: Provides a place to sit while putting on boots, with extra storage underneath. Also useful in the warm months, but can be used to store winter gear during the summer if needed.
You don't need to buy all new storage furniture. Sometimes, moving a few things around or adding a couple of inexpensive baskets is enough to make a big difference.
4. Clean Your Windows and Let the Light In
Fall is a great time to clean your entryway windows, sidelights, and glass panels in your front door. As we approach the dark seasons making sure we get enough sunlight is crucial!
If you have curtains or blinds near the entrance, give those a quick clean, too. Open them during the day whenever privacy allows to make the space feel brighter and to lift everyone’s mood. One great thing about Medicine Hat is that we get sunshine even on those -40º days. Sorry we mentioned those.
5. Refresh the Inside Entryway Without a Full Makeover
Low effort, big impact is what we’re aiming for. Here are some of our favourite updates that do just that.
Here are a few easy updates to try:
Touch up the paint. Scuffs and marks around doorways are common, especially in busy households. A little touch-up paint can make the walls look much cleaner. If you don’t want to bring out paint a magic eraser can really help clear up walls and baseboards that soap and water won’t remove.
Add a mirror. A mirror can reflect light and make a smaller entryway feel more open.
Add a small lamp. If you have a console table or a little corner with an outlet nearby, a warm light can make the space feel more inviting in the evening.
Bring in a little texture. A cushion on a bench, a woven basket, or a simple seasonal arrangement can add warmth without creating clutter.
If your entryway is small, keep things simple. You want enough room to open the door, take off your shoes, and move comfortably through the space.
And if you're thinking about selling your home, this is an especially worthwhile area to tidy up. A clean, organized entrance helps visitors focus on the home itself rather than the everyday clutter.
7. Keep Your Fall Décor Simple and Easy to Maintain
If you enjoy decorating for the seasons, your entryway is a great place to start.
You don't need to fill every available surface with pumpkins, leaves, and fall signs. A few thoughtful details often look better and are easier to maintain.
Try a wreath on the front door, a small arrangement on an entryway table, or a couple of pumpkins on the porch. Inside, you could add a vase with dried branches, a warm-toned runner, or a simple decorative bowl for keys.
A Little Fall Refresh Goes a Long Way
A fresh doormat, a clean front door, better storage for coats and boots, and a little touch-up paint can go a long way. And while you're at it, taking care of small maintenance tasks now can help you feel more prepared for the colder weather ahead.
Whether you're refreshing your home for your own enjoyment or getting it ready to welcome potential buyers, the entryway is a great place to start.
After all, it's the first space you see when you come home. Why not make it one you love walking into?
