Fall Patio Decor Tips: Transforming Your Awnings and Patios into Autumn Havens

As the air turns crisp and leaves change their colors, it's the perfect time to embrace the beauty of fall by decorating your patio and awnings with warm and cozy elements. Whether you have a spacious patio or a compact balcony, the right fall decor can infuse your outdoor space with the spirit of the season. In this guide, we'll share tips and ideas to help you create a welcoming and charming autumn retreat on your patio and awnings.

1. Embrace the Colors of Fall:

Incorporate the rich and warm colors of autumn into your decor. Think about deep reds, rustic oranges, earthy browns, and golden yellows. These hues can be added through various elements:

• Pillows and Cushions: Swap out your summer cushions and pillows for fall-themed ones in cozy, fall colors.

• Tableware: Use dishes, napkins, and tablecloths in autumnal colors and patterns for your outdoor dining area.

• Potted Plants: Select fall-blooming flowers like chrysanthemums (mums) in shades of red, orange, and yellow to add vibrant pops of color.

2. Cozy Textiles:

Warm and soft textiles are a must for creating a cozy fall patio atmosphere:

• Throws and Blankets: Drape throws or blankets over your outdoor furniture to provide warmth and comfort on chilly evenings.

• Rugs: Lay down outdoor rugs with autumnal designs or colors to define your outdoor space and keep your feet warm.

3. Seasonal Decor:

Evoke the feeling of fall with thematic decorations:

• Pumpkins and Gourds: Place pumpkins and gourds of different sizes and colors on your patio and around the base of your awnings.

• Wreaths: Hang fall wreaths on your awnings or patio doors. These can be made from faux fall leaves, berries, or even mini pinecones.

• Cornstalks and Hay Bales: Use cornstalks and hay bales to create a rustic fall display.

4. Lighting:

As the days get shorter, lighting becomes crucial for setting the mood:

• String Lights: Hang warm white or amber string lights to add a cozy and magical ambiance.

• Lanterns: Place lanterns on tables or around the patio, using battery-operated LED candles for a safe and inviting glow.

5. Harvest-Themed Centerpieces:

For your outdoor dining area, consider harvest-themed centerpieces:

• Pumpkin Planters: Hollow out a pumpkin and use it as a planter for fall flowers or succulents.

• Candle Arrangements: Place candles in different-sized glass jars or hurricane vases filled with small acorns, pinecones, or dried leaves.

6. Scents of Fall:

Enhance the fall ambiance with seasonal scents:

• Scented Candles: Light scented candles with fragrances like apple, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice.

• Potpourri: Place bowls of fall potpourri on your tables or countertops.

7. Accent with Natural Elements:

Celebrate the beauty of nature by incorporating elements like rustic wood, branches, or pinecones into your decor. Use them for decorative pieces or as part of centerpieces.

8. Garden Flags:

Swap out your summer garden flags for fall-themed ones. Choose flags with autumn leaves, scarecrows, or other fall motifs to add a festive touch.

With these fall patio decor tips, you can transform your outdoor space into a welcoming and cozy haven that celebrates the beauty of the autumn season. Embrace the colors, textures, and scents of fall, and make your patio and awnings a delightful place to relax, entertain, and enjoy the crisp, cool days and evenings of this wonderful time of year.

Florida’s Oak Pollen Season

Many Floridians relish the arrival of spring. With the weather becoming more suitable for swimming, fishing, boating, and spending time outdoors, Florida outdoor recreation kicks off earlier than many other states. Unfortunately, that also means that Florida has one of the earliest starts to the dreaded pollen season.

Mighty Oak Pollen 

You may have noticed a thick yellow powder coating your cars, awnings, porches, patios, roofs, and gutters. Or worse, you are suffering from itchy, watery eyes and a runny nose. Oak pollen is a major culprit for collected outdoor debris and seasonal allergies. With over nineteen oak species that are native to Florida, there is plenty of pollen to blame. 

Preventing Negative Impacts of Oak Pollen 

While oaks are strong, attractive trees that provide habitats and food for Florida’s beautiful wildlife, they also have a longer period of pollen production. There are, however, a few things you can do to minimize the negative impacts that pollen season has on you and your home. 

• The pollen count is often highest between the hours of 5 and 9 a.m. If possible, try to stay indoors during this period of time. The time immediately following rain has lower levels of pollen in the air as well. 

• Plan to clean your home’s air conditioning filters more often during the pollen season.

• If you are doing outdoor chores, consider wearing a mask to protect your respiratory system. Eyeware can also help to protect your eyes from airborne pollen. 

• After working outside, shower and change clothes quickly to avoid the spread of pollen throughout your house and on your furniture.

• Use over-the-counter decongestion medication specifically tailored to seasonal allergies, as needed. 

• Don’t forget to keep your furry friends clean too! Your pets can carry pollen into your home and onto your furniture. Using pet wipes and bathing your pets more frequently during this time can really help! 

Cleaning Pollen from Your Retractable Awning

Keeping your retractable awning clean during pollen season can be a challenge, but with regular maintenance, your awning will keep looking fantastic while it protects you and your guests from damaging UV rays and rain. Rinse your fabric awning frequently from top to bottom to remove debris. If your fabric still appears dirty, we suggest using mild soap and a soft bristle brush to protect any coatings on your awning fabric. With more stubborn stains, you can use a stronger cleaner but plan on spot cleaning only. 

Helping You Love Your Outdoor Spaces

While we can’t fix your pollen problem, at Awning Authority, we can help you to love and enjoy your outdoor spaces more. Not only that, but we can also add value to your home, protect your loved ones from damaging UV rays from the intense Florida sun, save you money and energy, and help add living space to your home. For over ten years we have been providing residents in the Villages, Ocala, Leesburg, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas with retractable awnings, storm protection, and state-of-the-art EasyShades. As a SunSetter authorized dealer, we provide the highest quality products. As Florida’s #1 awning supplier and installer, you can also count on us for superior installation and customer service. Contact us today to schedule a free demonstration.

Hosting in the Heat

While Florida’s climate allows homeowners to host outdoors year-round, outdoor celebrations are hosted predominantly in the warmest months. Whether you are hosting a 4th of July party, a baby shower, or a family reunion, preparing to keep your guests comfortable should be at the top of your preparation list. Here are a few ideas to keep your guests cool while they enjoy your outdoor spaces. 

Shade

Guests are coming for fun, food, and fellowship. Skip the heat, damaging UV rays, and sunburns, by providing your guests with ample shade. If your deck, patio, or porch is over-exposed to sunshine it can also cause additional wear on your patio furniture and outdoor decor. Retractable awnings provide an affordable, long-term solution. You can customize an awning to fit the look of your home and the ease of operation that works best for you. A retractable awning will protect you and your guests stylishly, while offering you the ability to close it as needed. For evenings in the outdoors, your awning can provide a beautiful space to hang outdoor lights.  

Hydration

Providing your guests with a self-service beverage station can ensure that everyone stays hydrated. Having fun drink options with ice buckets and drink dispensers can add a flair to your party decor as well. An inflatable baby pool filled with ice is a creative and fun way to store canned and bottled drinks for your guests.  Remember to buy plenty of ice to keep your drinks cool!  

Fans 

Adding fans to your outdoor spaces can help guests to feel cooler and more comfortable during your celebrations. Ceiling fans work well for permanent structures. Pedestal fans, shop fans, and wall-mounted fans will work best under awnings or shade structures. If you are purchasing a fan specifically for outdoor use, consider getting a weather-resistant model. There are also water misting fans that would definitely help your guests to stay cool and comfortable. 

Authority Home Solutions has been providing high-quality, fully customizable retractable awnings to the Villages, Ocala, and the surrounding areas for over ten years. We are authorized SunSetter providers and are passionate about providing you with the best products, installation, and customer service. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and see how we can help you to enjoy your outdoor spaces more!

Don’t Lose Your Cool This Summer

As Florida’s temperatures continue to climb towards summer, it can be challenging to keep your home cool. Achieving a comfortable temperature indoors is possible, even in the hottest summer months. Here are a few small investments and changes you can make to your home that are sure to help you keep your cool this summer.

Fans

Install ceiling fans in the rooms that you and your family use most often. Operate your fan counterclockwise on the warmest days to draw cooler air upwards. 

Window Treatments and Shades

Block some of the intense heat reaching your indoor spaces with blinds, curtains, and SunSetter EasyShades. EasyShades are installed on the outside of your home’s windows and block 90% of sun, wind, and mist. They will help guard your home against intense heat and glare, resulting in lower cooling costs, greater comfort, and decreased fading of carpet and furniture. 

Trees

While it may take a few years to fully reap the rewards of this solution, consider planting more trees around the outside of your home. Trees will help reduce the amount of heat reaching your home through the ceiling and windows. 

Cooking Outdoors

Get the grill going and keep the heat outside. The kitchen can generate a lot of heat when the oven and stove are in use. Try opting to grill outside more often this summer to keep your kitchen from warming up your entire house. 

AC Maintenance

Remember to keep up with the care and maintenance of your HVAC system. With proper maintenance your air conditioner will run more efficiently, keeping you comfortable, and your cooling costs lower. 

Retractable Awnings

According to the Professional Awnings Manufacturers Association (PAMA), awnings can reduce annual cooling costs by more than 25% compared to those with unshaded windows. Installing a retractable awning to your home will provide you with a smart and stylish way to extend your outdoor spaces while keeping your home and outdoor guests cooler. 

For over ten years, Authority Home Solutions  has been keeping Florida families and homes cool! Our dedication to quality products, expert installation, and friendly customer service has made us the #1 awning and shade installation company in The Villages, Ocala, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.