Summer Home Tour (Easy Breezy Decorating Ideas)

As the warm summer days approach, many of us start thinking about how to refresh and decorate our homes for the season. If you’re looking for some inspiration, you’ve come to the right place! This week, I’m thrilled to be participating in a Summer Home Tour alongside 15 other talented bloggers, hosted by the lovely Marty at A Stroll Thru Life.

Over the next four days, we’ll each be sharing our own unique takes on summer decorating, showcasing everything from coastal chic to traditional charm and beyond. My contribution to this tour is all about embracing the carefree spirit of a coastal retreat – think light, airy spaces and effortless elegance. As you explore these pages, keep in mind that I’ve included affiliate links throughout for your convenience.

If you make a purchase after clicking through, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Summer Home Tour 2024:

As we dive into this blog post, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to those joining us from Stonegable. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of following Yvonne’s blog and being inspired by her stunning homes, including her lovely summer features that I’m sure you enjoyed.

Now, let’s get started with my summer home tour:

Welcome to my traditional style foyer…

As we embark on our journey through the home, we find ourselves standing in the foyer – a space that is bathed in the warm glow of afternoon sunlight at this particular time of year. From here, we have an unobstructed view into the adjacent living room, where we’ll soon be exploring every nook and cranny.

Living room with a British Colonial aesthetic…

To infuse the room with a refreshing coastal feel, I drew inspiration from the island vibe that this space always exudes. For summer, I brought out an assortment of shells, coral, and wicker accents to complement the existing cane pieces. The new addition, the scalloped edge rattan bowl, has become a stunning focal point in the room, perfectly capturing the essence of a seaside retreat.

With the coffee table taking center stage, I aimed for a light and airy atmosphere that would evoke the carefree spirit of summer. Stacks of decorating books and coral pieces add a touch of elegance, while the starfish-adorned boxwood and woven spheres bring in a delightful splash of color. As the seasons change, I might fill the bowl with larger shells, but for now, the subtle hints of greenery provide a lovely contrast to the warm summer days.

And, as an added bonus, I’ve been able to enjoy the sweet morning breezes by opening my windows – a rare treat here in New Jersey where the mornings are still cool enough to do so.

Blue and white coastal decor in the kitchen…

There’s something timeless about blue and white for summer decorating. When refreshing my kitchen for the warmer months, I wanted a light and airy feel that would complement my existing blue curtains. Stripes are a classic choice for summer decor, providing a perfect backdrop for a table setting. In fact, this particular tablecloth has been a staple in my home for many occasions.

Its laid-back vibe reminded me of Nancy Meyers’ iconic rug from the movie Something’s Gotta Give – a style I’ve always admired. For the place settings, simplicity was key, with crisp white plates and napkins doing the trick. Recently, we hosted a pre-prom party for my son, and I had leftover peonies that I decided to repurpose on my summer table. The coastal vibe was easy to maintain by loading up on seagrass and shells.

I believe this aesthetic could work just as well for casual dining as it would for a more formal dinner party. And why not bring the beachy table setting outdoors? It would be perfect for a patio or beachside gathering! In addition to the blue and white table, I added some coastal touches throughout my kitchen. On my island and stove mantel, I placed white pitchers filled with grasses from my backyard bushes, evoking the feeling of sand dunes at the beach.

To keep things simple, I focused on neutrals like wooden candlesticks and cane candle holders. For more ideas on decorating with white, check out my post – Decorating with White for Summer. My go-to round wooden tray was used to create an easy vignette on my island, featuring a collection of coastal pieces. And if you’re looking for ways to decorate with trays, I’ve shared some tips here.

In the warmer months, I like to keep my kitchen clear and clutter-free, allowing its natural beauty to shine through. Sometimes, all it takes is a pretty view.

Peek into our summer family room…

As our open-concept kitchen and family room share a seamless visual flow, I opt for a harmonious decor scheme that ties both spaces together. The blue and white palette I’ve established in the kitchen is thoughtfully continued into the adjacent family room, creating a sense of cohesion.

Thanks for visiting and I hope you enjoyed my easy, breezy summer home tour!

Summer Decorating Takeaways:

To create a visually appealing space that embodies the essence of summer, consider incorporating simple yet effective decorating ideas. One approach is to stack books with varying heights to add depth and visual interest to the room. Additionally, bringing in fresh flowers or greenery can instantly infuse the space with life and vitality. Incorporating natural textures such as seagrass or cane can also add warmth and coziness to the area.

For a coastal-inspired look, display shells and other ocean-inspired accessories thoughtfully throughout the room. If possible, bring in elements from your own yard, such as flowers or branches, to create a sense of connection to nature. Finally, don’t overlook the power of color – a blue and white palette can be particularly refreshing for a summer setting.

And when the weather permits, take advantage of the warm summer breezes by opening the windows and allowing the fresh air to fill the space.

Shop the Look for Summer:

If you haven’t decorated for summer yet, I hope our tours inspire you!

A huge thank you to Marty from A Stroll Thru Life for hosting this fantastic summer home tour! If you’re eager to take the full tour, start by exploring her lovely blog. For those following along in order, From Farmhouse to Florida is next on the list. Today, Kim is sharing inspiring ideas to get you ready for the 4th of July celebrations! Make sure to visit her beautiful blog and don’t forget to check out the rest of the summer home tour participants from the list below.

Click on any line to catch up or see any tour.

For your convenience, we’ve listed all the participating bloggers and their respective dates: Monday, June 10th – A Stroll Thru Life, My Thrift Store Addiction, Decor To Adore, Our Southern Home; Tuesday, June 11th – Calypso in the Country, From Farmhouse to Florida, Thrifty and Chic, StoneGable; Wednesday, June 12th – Whispering Pines Homestead, Worthing Court, B Vintage Style, Chalking Up Success; Thursday, June 13th – Bluesky at Home, County Road 407, Pasha is Home, Bungalow 47.

Enjoy the tour!

How are you decorating your home this summer?

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