Do: Use bold colors for statement pieces. In the winter, things can turn gray or white, and while we love the feel of a Winter Wonderland, we also love that it gives us an opportunity to use bolder colors than we can during other seasons. Try velvety burgundy, a candy apple red, or evergreens in your decor. Just one large item (like a blanket or a wreath) can make an impact in an otherwise dreary environment.
Don't: Go overboard. Nothing says tacky like too much, and like the advice of Coco Chanel, take off the last accessory you put on before you go out. It's much better to go for one statement piece than be overwhelmed with a flurry of red or green.
Do: Try budget shopping for pieces and make it your own. Flea markets, online stores and auctions, your neighbor's garage sale. These places are the best to find vintage items that will look great in your winter porch. Velvet fabric that is otherwise too expensive in stores can be bought at a steal at other retailers to make into bows, or throws on a porch chair. Wreaths from last season can still be in style if you take out the elements that make it look dated (for example: sequins and the like terribly date an item). Old wooden photo frames can be finished with inexpensive gold paint and tied with a bow to add an unexpected holiday piece.
Don't: Buy items just because they're inexpensive. Use your eye to pick out the steals from the duds. Always consider, "Is this going to look great five years from now? Can I make small changes to make it look timeless?" Wreaths and garlands are always a nice choice for winter, that poster of your favorite artist's holiday album may not.
Do: Try metallic. Nothing makes an item more luxurious than a finish of metallic paint. Whether you use gold, copper or silver, items that look like they were touched by Midas can make it all the more special. Pinecones brushed with a touch of gold, and wreaths that sport a slight hint of silver on tips can really make your porch a lot more regal than just any other wreath.
Don't: Make everything shiny. Tone your porch down when using metallic hues by complementing them with deep blues, velvety crimsons or an elegant black. This denotes a classic feel and an understated grace that encompasses seasons.
Here are a few of things you can try for your winter porch that will make it look stylish at a budget:
- Wreaths and garlands. Investing in a beautiful garland and wreath can make a world of a difference in your winter porch. Buy a set that is as simple as possible and add your own decor year after year. Pre-lit items that shine with clear lights are also a nice option so you don't have to do the work yourself.
- Small artificial Christmas trees. A fraction of the price of regular sized trees, small ones can become a centerpiece for the winter porch. Just add a few of your ornaments and a few boxes wrapped with gift wrap, and you have an outdoor Christmas scene that will draw people in.
- Baskets. Inexpensive and easy to decorate, large baskets filled with your favorite winter items like pinecones, berries, artificial fruit like grapes, pomegranates and the like, will fill your porch with an atmosphere of abundance, and sprayed with a touch of gold, it'll also be quite regal!
- Heavy fabric. Bought inexpensively at the Salvation Army, your 99 cent fabric store, and outlet stores, heavy fabric like velvet, plaid or flannel can serve as an instant decorative touch to your winter porch. Use a swaddle of red velvet and tie with a ribbon, with the effect of boxes wrapped in Christmas paper to mimic Santa's gift bag. Drape it over your porch swing to not only be beautiful but to help with the cold. Use it as a backdrop for a wreath lain over the porch as table decor. Fabric is a nice, easy way to make it more inviting, and no sewing need happen!
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