Today, on September 19th here in beautiful Colorado, I know I can look ahead to plenty of nice days left this season under my patio awning. I am giddy just thinking about ways to “autumnize” my patio space, and then be able to sit outside in the milder, beautiful weather and enjoy the rich hues and natural textures of the season. It’s a favorite time of year for me… maybe it’s because I have a fall birthday, and lots of positive associations with the season. Or maybe it’s just because it’s a beautiful time to be outside!
Pumpkins on the patio
Fall is a perfect time to find outdoor decor accents in your garden or yard, with beautiful reds, oranges, golds and browns that get us in the mindset for cozy nesting! Pumpkins and gourds, berries, dried seed pods and grasses all provide wonderful color, texture and shape. And don’t forget mums, which are in their heyday, and sold in pretty baskets at every market. Add candles and accent items, and voila! Fall perfection.
A pumpkin for everyone’s tastes…
Pumpkins and other fall naturals can apply to any design style, from country or rustic to contemporary and elegant. The colors let you choose between understated or spectacular, and the way you embellish or arrange them, or combine with accessories lets you create a vignette for any space.
Do I still need shade in the fall? YES!
During the fall, we get warm days and cool nights here, and as the season progresses, the angle of the sun gets lower. While the temperatures can be lovely, even more so than in the summer, shade is still an issue. A retractable awning or solar screen patio shades , especially if your patio faces west or southwest, can make autumn on your patio magical, so don’t overlook this aspect of your patio space design!