DIY Fall Decor for the Front Door {Gwen Moss}

I cannot remember how or when I discovered the lovely Gwen Moss and its thoughtful author, my friend, Leslie. But it has been pure pleasure getting acquainted through her posts, projects, and photos–all of which carry an inherent soulfulness and sweetness. This DIYer moved, downsized, and renovated her current home at about the same time we did, bonding us royally as blog sisters across the miles. I can’t wait for you to hear from our talented guest today! (I’m over on Gwen Moss so do stop by and visit me.)

Calm and organic fall tablescape with simple pumpkins and candlelight - Gwen Moss for Hello Lovely
Blessed pennant banner on gilded mirror in calm dining room by Gwen Moss on Hello Lovely
Fall Inspiration: 3 Ways to Add French Charm to Your Front Door; Photo: Gwen Moss

Hello Lovelies.

 I’ve always wanted to say that on a post. Don’t you just love the title of Michele’s blog? I want to live in a world where every woman wakes up-first-thing-in-the-morning hearing those words. HEL-LO Lovely….and then you would yawn and stretch in your silk pajamas and whisper,”Yes dahhhling….I do want my coffee with cream this morning.” And BAM, there it is, hot and steaming on your bedside table, right next to your fresh flowers.
Blue Cinderella pumpkins, pink mums, and a warm welcome mat by Gwen Moss
Fall Inspiration: 3 Ways to Add French Charm to Your Front Door
 
 In case we haven’t met yet, my name is Leslie and I blog at Gwen Moss–and depending on the day you visit you might find me cutting planks for one of my rooms or tearing up an old pallet to make a rustic Fall tablescape, or I might be talking about your dreams and how you can be your own damn hero.
 
 
I do that a lot on my blog. I start –what I think– are interesting conversations with my readers and then I get totally blown away by their wise and insightful comments.

You know what?

Of all the things I do on my blog I’m actually most proud of my comment section, and all those women who take the time to share their real life perspectives with the world.
 
God I love realness.
 
Ok. This might be the moment I admit that my husband thinks I’m channeling Lucille Ball through my veins although in all fairness he loves Lucy. But this also means I don’t exactly ooze ultra-coolness like those gals you might admire from afar.

Well, maybe if you’re reaaaally far.

Blue Cinderella pumpkins and candlelight in a cozy vignette by Gwen Moss
Fall Inspiration: 3 Ways to Add French Charm to Your Front Door
 
My own background includes a Masters in Marriage and Family therapy but those were years spent primarily working with women who were struggling with their self esteem and their bodies. Eating Disorders was what you saw from the outside, but at its core it was really about identity. About knowing your deepest Self–separate from what everyone else thinks or wants from you and embracing it all. It was also a struggle about “being enough’ that I could personally relate to…and still pops up regularly.
 
Like this time I was in my Yoga Teacher Training class.
 
I tell you all this as a way of saying that—after all those years in the session room, I still carry those women’s stories inside me.
Ornamental kale, pink mums, and Cinderella blue pumpkins for fall decor - Gwen Moss
Fall Inspiration: 3 Ways to Add French Charm to Your Front Door
 
In the same way you’re walking around with your own powerful life stories that made you the person you are today. And so I write because I’m curious about life and you and how we might connect.
 
But that’s a conversation for another time because today I’ve come with a little hostess gift.
 
You know how you get invited to a nice dinner and you try to come up with a hostess gift with a personal touch? Well that’s what I did when I thought about visiting Hello Lovely. I thought, “What would Michele and her readers like?

Hmm…how about something …..French?”

And so today I’m sharing 3 ways to add French charm to your Fall front door.

BEFORE:

Empty front porch before - Gwen Moss
Fall Inspiration: 3 Ways to Add French Charm to Your Front Door
Have you decorated your front door or porch yet? Because I haven’t done a single thing to mine so let’s decorate together, shall we?
Orange pumpkins against blue background
Fall Inspiration: 3 Ways to Add French Charm to Your Front Door
 
 1. First the pumpkins. Instead of the typical orange pumpkins (which I love) I thought we needed something a little more ooh-la-la. So I decided to paint gilded pumpkins with an Old World vibe….
 
Painting pumpkins blue - Gwen Moss
Fall Inspiration: 3 Ways to Add French Charm to Your Front Door
 
Blue pumpkins - Gwen Moss #fallinspiration #cinderellapumpkins
Fall Inspiration: 3 Ways to Add French Charm to Your Front Door

2. Number two on the list is a concrete garden sculpture for my matching urns.

Because when I think about classic European homes I envision those moss-tinged garden statues that add a sense of history and stately elegance. And because I love a good DIY opportunity I thought I’d show you how to make your very own concrete statue.

DIY concrete garden head sculpture for Halloween - Gwen Moss
Fall Inspiration: 3 Ways to Add French Charm to Your Front Door

Of course.

For my French-inspired front door I chose to add a Gothic touch in honor of Halloween, a holiday that brings out the Lucy in me.

But you could pick out a simple Styrofoam ball for your urn.

Spooky concrete head ornaments in planters for Halloween - Gwen Moss
Fall Inspiration: 3 Ways to Add French Charm to Your Front Door

How do you think they turned out?

Spooky concrete head in fall urn - Gwen Moss
Fall Inspiration: 3 Ways to Add French Charm to Your Front Door

My motto for my DIY projects is always, “If I can do it….you can too!” And I really mean that. You can see my garden statue tutorial here.

3. And last but not least…


There is nothing that catches my eye more than those authentic looking signs on rustic wood. And if they’ve got a French vibe I love them even more. So with that in mind I decided to give it a try and make my own sign–my first one ever— and I promise to post a tutorial soon. But just for fun,

here’s a shot of the Before:

Gwen Moss
Fall Inspiration: 3 Ways to Add French Charm to Your Front Door

…this was literally a piece of wood from a pile on the side of my house.

And now the After:
DIY Bienvenue French sign by Gwen Moss
Fall Inspiration: 3 Ways to Add French Charm to Your Front Door

Please if you speak French and my sign DOES NOT say “Welcome friends” do not tell me.

I had to Google a French translation site and my fingers are crossed.

Olive bucket with fall greenery - Gwen Moss
Fall Inspiration: 3 Ways to Add French Charm to Your Front Door

On the door I hung an olive bucket I lined with moss and filled with succulents, ivy and white annuals.

And now…I think that’s my three tips.

Fall decor on charming French inspired porch - Gwen Moss
Fall Inspiration: 3 Ways to Add French Charm to Your Front Door

My French inspired Fall door.

I only wish you could see these muted colors in person, it all looks so pretty for Fall.

Well, I hope I inspired you to add a touch of French to your own entry, feel free to ask me any questions about these projects.

Fall florals on charming French inspired porch - Gwen Moss
Fall Inspiration: 3 Ways to Add French Charm to Your Front Door

And thanks Michele for your invitation, it was so fun to be here today.

Leslie

aka Gwen Moss

You’re amazing, Leslie! Thanks for your creativity and heartfulness. 

p.s.

I’m Leslie’s guest on Gwen Moss — do stop by!

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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17 Comments

  1. October 19, 2017 / 5:38 am

    Leslie is an incredible soul and I am in LOVE with those pumpkins! Beautiful post!

    • michele
      Author
      October 19, 2017 / 9:30 am

      I love how she so thoughtfully considered our tribe and what readers of Hello Lovely would enjoy–she nailed it! xox

    • October 19, 2017 / 10:35 am

      Oh. Thank you Joan. You know I feel the same way about you, my sweet friend.
      xo
      Leslie

  2. October 19, 2017 / 11:16 am

    Adore Leslie. Always a breath of fresh air visiting her blog.

    Leslie, your front entry looks amazing. Love the touch of whimsy the DIY garden statues add.

    • michele
      Author
      October 19, 2017 / 5:26 pm

      Thanks for reading, Lauren! 🙂

    • October 20, 2017 / 2:04 am

      Lauren you’re such an awesome friend, thank you for your kind words on my door… and I’m so glad you like my heads too. 🙂

      xo
      Leslie

  3. October 19, 2017 / 5:42 pm

    Charm Charm Charm….your posts & you…so sweet.
    Love It!

  4. October 19, 2017 / 10:26 pm

    Leslie, your porch looks amazing…I love the sign. And I think you do ooze ultra-cool…

    It’s so nice to meet you, Michele!

    • michele
      Author
      October 20, 2017 / 8:10 am

      Great to meet you, Linda. I’m obsessing now about your white vintage toy truck with the pumpkins! Perfect!

    • October 20, 2017 / 4:06 pm

      Ah Linda! From one cool chick to another, thank you my friend—for your nice compliment 🙂
      xo
      Leslie

  5. October 21, 2017 / 8:17 pm

    Love the turquoise pumpkins. Gold leaf is always fabulous.

    • michele
      Author
      October 21, 2017 / 8:33 pm

      I’m dying to paint some! xox

  6. October 26, 2017 / 10:23 pm

    wonderful post

    • michele
      Author
      October 27, 2017 / 8:31 am

      She’s a creative dynamo! 🙂

  7. October 27, 2017 / 3:35 pm

    Such a transformation on the porch and a fun visit with Leslie. 🙂

    • michele
      Author
      October 27, 2017 / 3:54 pm

      She added so much Frenchie charm!

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing