It’s the dog days of summer and the final few weeks before the kids go back to school. It’s hotter than ever, and we feel it (so do our grass and flowers!). But there’s still a good month left before it’s time to pull the palms and start thinking about pumpkins. With a few simple tricks, you can keep your late summer porch décor looking fresh and inviting without spending more on seasonal updates.

Stretch Your Outdoor Décor Through the Rest of Summer

I consider most outdoor décor “disposable per season.” This includes inexpensive pillows that have faded, outdoor rugs, faux palms turning a questionable shade of blue, and faux florals that were once vibrant but now look a little more like pastel.

To extend the life of your outdoor décor for a few more weeks here are a few budget friendly tips:

• Revive faux flowers with 303 Protectant. This UV protectant helps bring life back to faux florals exposed to heavy sun.

• Use Sunguard on pillows and cushions. If you didn’t pre-treat at the beginning of summer, a mid-season refresh can still make a big difference and help prevent further fading. 

Speaking of 303, don’t forget your outdoor furniture. A quick spray on wicker or metal instantly restores color and shine, making your pieces look almost new. And here’s a surprising alternative: WD-40. As crazy as it sounds, it works wonders on restoring outdoor furniture and other hard surfaces. Just spray, wipe, and watch the color come back to life.

Keep Outdoor Rugs & Fabrics Looking Fresh

If your outdoor rug is starting to show mold or mildew, try Wet & Forget. It’s designed for fences, siding, and other outdoor surfaces, but it also works wonders on rugs. Dilute as directed, spray, and within a week you’ll see a noticeable improvement.

Clean

Take a few minutes to give your space a deep clean: knock down spider webs, wash the windows, and blow off patios and porches. I even vacuum my outdoor rugs—simple, quick, and it instantly revives them!

Have you ever tried to throw your outdoor cushions in the wash? It's the perfect time - do a cycle on cold with detergent and a bit of Oxy Clean and let them air dry. This will keep them looking great through the rest of summer and into fall.

Pull the Pesky Weeds

By late summer, it’s amazing what’s growing where it shouldn’t! I’ve got vines taking over my front berm, weeds creeping up everywhere, and grass sprouting in all the wrong places. Pick a day after a good rain to make pulling easier, or resort to chemical warfare if necessary. And honestly, even if it’s not technically a weed, but your landscaping is overgrown and out of control, don’t be afraid to trim it back. A quick clean-up can make your entryway look instantly tidier and more intentional.

Heat-Proof Your Outdoor Décor

August heat can be brutal on plants and décor. To avoid scorching, water potted plants early in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation. If possible, rotate planters or move them to partial shade during the hottest part of the day to protect both live plants and faux florals. Little adjustments like these can help your entryway décor survive the last stretch of summer.

If your live plants have passed, you can have an instant refresh with Perfect Planter Fillers by Entry Envy. Our faux floral planter kits fit 12–16” pots, look fresh in any weather, install in under 2 minutes, and transition beautifully from summer into fall with our auto-ship option.

Check Your Solar Lighting

Late summer is also the perfect time to assess your lighting. I replace my solar lights every two years for uniform brightness, but when I see flickering, I know I’ve hit year three. Solar lighting adds subtle beauty to porches, landscaping beds, and walkways - and it’s one of the most affordable ways to refresh your entryway décor. Just make sure all of your outdoor lights are the same color hue - either all warm or all cold white. I prefer warm for what it's worth. It just feels cozier to me sitting on a patio with a glass of wine.

Some of my favorite styles:

• In-ground solar puck lights

• Modern post lights

• Uplighting spots for planters, pillars, and trees

Make the Most of the Season

A few simple steps can help your porch look polished and welcoming well into September. Clean, protect, and refresh what you already have—it’s the easiest way to keep your home’s entry looking beautiful without spending more.

Enjoy the last days of summer, both in your décor and in your personal life. And when you’re ready to embrace autumn colors and cooler weather, our Perfect Planter Fillers for fall start shipping August 15. These faux floral planter kits make it easy to welcome the new season without the hassle of watering or replacing plants.