Here are simple ways to make your Living Room fresh for Summer. The good thing is they don’t involve a lot of money!
If you are new here, recently we moved from a two bedroom high rise apartment in San Francisco to a four bedroom home near the ocean in Atlantic Beach, Florida. It seems that in every room something is on backorder or in the process of being shipped. Although we are waiting for the ceiling fixture, at least our living room is feeling a bit pulled together.
Here’s what we did to make our living room fresh for Summer:
Edit Your Accessories For Summer “Breathing Room”
Group things together. I especially like accessories that are white. Tattered paperback books can bring down your look so if you can’t part with them, they look fresher in baskets on the shelves.
It’s alright to use faux plants like these ferns (similar) especially where they would be hard to water and you don’t see them up close. These top shelves had cabinet doors and we took them off. But it’s great to have storage below.
Address The Empty Fireplace With A Plant or Basket
The fern is a recent purchase from Whole Foods. It’s placed in an old planter that I already had. You can also see here how the coffee table is edited for Summer.
Bring in Greenery From Your Yard
It’s so awesome to be able to go into our garden and clip branches like these palm leaves. We didn’t have an outside space before.
Add A Grocery Store Bouquet, Plant or Orchid
Orchids are nice all year round.
This one is from Trader Joe’s placed in a pot that I already had. I added moss to it. It almost looks fake!
Wash or Clean Your Pillow Covers and Upholstery
Right after our sofas were delivered from San Francisco, I washed the slipcovers. You could also professionally clean your upholstered sofa. I threw the pillows in the dryer to air fluff and then sprayed them with Febreze. You could also have the covers dry-cleaned or machine washed if it won’t ruin them.
And that is how to make your Living Room fresh for Summer. You may also like Our Serene Neutral Guest Room.
Shop Our Living Room
Let’s see what these other ladies recommend for your home for Summer…
Karen B. says
Mary Ann,
Things in your new home look fabulous. I’ve always loved the marble-topped chest you have, and the shell prints are perfect. It’s so fun to see what you and Cindy are doing in your new homes. Such a coincidence that you both moved around the same time.
xo,
Karen B.
Barb L says
Your living room is beautiful! Such great ideas to ‘refresh for summer’ Your guest room is just beautiful. You’ve done so much in a short amount of time, especially with traveling too. I always learn so much – thanks!
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says
Mary Ann, your new house looks fabulous! I cannot believe how much you have been able to do in such a short amount of time! I feel like a slacker as we are nearing on year in this house and still have so many rooms unfinished as we wait for the renovations to get done. All in good time, all in good time.
Looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful new house.
Have a wonderful time in NJ!
Heidi says
hi Mary Ann,
You have done so much in such a short amount of time! Your new home looks lovely, inviting, comfortable, and very “you”! It’s nice seeing you use things you love in new ways. Like the built ins with the doors off up top, clever and opens the space up a little.
Things will arrive and before you know it you’ll be all settled in and ready for visitors! 😉
It’s so hot today we might as well be in Fla!
Xo Heidi
Melinda says
That is a perfectly shaped orchid. I always feel rushed to pick an orchid or other flowers at TJs because the flower section is at the entrance. They do have excellent prices. The delay on orders doesn’t seem like it is going to stop anytime soon. It was the nerve racking park of my renovation. It will look good when it finally arrives
Juliet says
Great ideas, Mary Ann! I love seeing all your pretty things in your new home. You know how I adore your coffee table. Too bad you wouldn’t let me take it off your hands before the move. I remember years ago you told me to put my paperbacks in baskets … brilliant. And I still have them displayed that way. Thanks for the ideas and motivation to get this placed refreshed for summer. xo
Ava Werstlein says
Its fun to look at your updated room and see the items I love (the planter with the fern in it!) that I have been trying to replicate since you posted it in your CA home years ago- – thanks for sharing all of these details of your lovely home with all of us. In a chaotic world I find my visits to your blog a welcome retreat and source of inspiration. Would love to see a post about furniture placement distance? Your chairs are much closer “in” than I would usually do- why? Perhaps I am just leaving more room for dogs! ha!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Ava, I just read your comment to my sister. We are in New Jersey for a wedding. She agreed with me that you are so thoughtful. Thank you.
Anyway, normally the coffee table should be 18 to 24″ from the seats to make it easy to access for a drink or your feet!
Mary says
Your living room looks so inviting and polished at the same time! You always have great tips! I think I recall you said you used BM Simply White ….did you use for walls AND trim and cabinets? Can’t wait to see more!
Mary Ann Pickett says
The trim is BM China White.
Katherine says
Mary Ann, your home is gorgeous, I can’t believe how much you have accomplished in such a short period of time. You are an amazing “wonder women.” Give yourself a huge hug and a big pat on the back. You are gifted.
Kristen says
It looks so beautiful!!! Can’t wait to see more of your new space!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Kristen!!
cindy says
I just love your new place, Mary Ann. Taking the doors off those cupboards was genius. Your furniture looks lovely and it has that special Mary Ann touch.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Come visit!!
Donna Vallone says
Love the sofa table in your living room….where did u get it?
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks Donna,
I got it several years ago at an antique store in Fort Lauderdale. It’s an old Chinese scroll table.
kim says
Mary Ann, I am so excited too see your beautiful home and this room does not disappoint. Smart idea taking the doors off the lovely built-in! I love the dark console and the glass lamp.. Gorgeous. Good idea about the faux plants. Some spots I just had to go there when they look real and I otherwise couldn’t keep something alive.
Always fun to do this with you all. I get so many ideas. Looking forward to seeing more of the new home. xo
Mary Ann Pickett says
I love all the great texture in your pretty home, Kim!!
Ellie says
The living room looks Beautiful! Your new house is amazing!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Ellie! I just wish some light fixtures for the kitchen and dining room would get here! But some other things came yesterday. So progress!
Gail says
Your living room is so beautiful, but I knew it would be. I love the lamp with the black shade on the, I think new, sofa console table. And the peachy rose colored pillows, it is all so inviting. You always have wonderful ideas for changing seasons in your home.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Gail. It’s always nice to come home to a refreshed space!!
Carla Aston says
I love your new home! So glad to get a glimpse of where you are now. That’s a big change, from the high rise SF place to Florida. I’m sure you will enjoy your new home and I can’t wait to see more of it. So jealous of those palm fronds!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Your tablescape is so lovely, Carla!!
holly says
What a lovely living room! Going to TJ’s today and will pick up an orchid for my entry. Thanks for the inspiration!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Hope you find a good one Holly!
Judy Graham says
I like that you brought the chest with marble top to Florida and you kept the eye catching mercury glass lamp on it. Looks lovely.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Judy!!
Annie Diamond says
Mary Ann! Your home looks so beautiful! I love seeing how you used your pieces, objects, and art in your new home! So exciting!
Mary Ann Pickett says
It’s fun to see it start to come together, Annie!!