I love Summer! To me, it is about simplifying and lightening up. Although we are spending more daylight hours outdoors, we still want to smile as we walk through our homes with a sense of aesthetic satisfaction. Here are some easy ways to spruce up your summer living room.
1. White or Light Accessories
After being away from home for a while, I felt like doing some “nesting” starting with a summer mantel. I bought these Serena and Lily candlesticks. They have battery operated candles on them on a timer…so nice in the evening! The candles are more expensive but will last a long time.
You can find white and lighter accessories at Target, HomeGoods, West Elm, CB2, World Market and/or…
2. Consider White Spray Paint
You may have some accessories like candlesticks or lamps that could have a new life! That’s what my friend, Debbie did to this vintage lamp base.
3. Minimize Accessories
During summer months, I have fewer accessories out on the coffee and side tables. Easier to clean, too!
4. Lighter-weight and/or Fewer Throw Pillows
I store my velvet pillows in favor of cotton and linen ones in summer. I love the morning light coming in here…
Here I even removed a pillow…
5. Simple Flower Arrangements
In summer, I like the ease of a single type of flower arrangement.
How about these dahlias?! They were grown locally. Apparently, a lot of the flower hothouses in California are being converted to grow marijuana since it’s legal here now. Which means the Flower Mart is importing more flowers (ie. more $$). I finally learned to ask “What’s grown locally?” to get some better deals.
6. Faux and Real Greenery
Plants have made a real come-back! If you are lucky you can clip some branches from your yard and put them in a vase or buy a faux one as I did here…
This cute little live plant was around $5 at Trader Joes. It’s a new one to me so I hope I can keep it thriving!
And that’s it…six easy ways to spruce up your summer living room. I love coming home to ours!
Speaking of Summer, did you happen to check out my last post about how to make Grilled Peaches With Goat Cheese, Thyme and Prosciutto? It’s tasty and you’ll want to pin it to your recipes. I have lots of great recipes on my Pinterest boards!
Please follow me on Instagram! I post something almost every day and would love to see you there!! Thanks so much for following along with me. Enjoy your last weeks of Summer.
I love your home and the beautiful view of the bay that you have! I was wondering if you knew the name of the fabric that your friend, Debbie used for the drapes in the bedroom picture.
Thank you for your time and your lovely blog❤️
Geri
It’s by Raoul Textiles but I don’t know the name.
Thank you so much 😍
Great information. Thanks!
Mary Ann,
It’s nice to change up a few things for each season. It makes one feel the “seasonal change” even though there is little drastic change in weather here in California. Haha. You’ve shared some lovely ideas. Thank you.
xo,
Karen
Thanks, Karen… September will actually be warmer here!
Mary Ann, if I could just move into your house, I’d be soooooo happy. Everything is lovely and feels very stylish and serene, not to mention that beautiful view. All of the summer decore ideas are fabulous and as I look around my house, I could certainly use a refresh!
Thank you for always having the best blog posts! XO
Hi Mary Ann,
I love the built in book cases in your living room…and that view!! I’m sure you never get tired looking at it. I switch out my pillows in the living room and bedroom for Spring & Summer as well. It’s so easy if you already have the same size insert, storage is not a problem!
Can you tell me where you got the abstract painting behind the orchid? My husband and I have been trying to find a couple for our dining room but so many of them are huge!
Linda
P.S. We did end up taking our grand daughter to One Paseo a few weeks ago. It will be nice when all the stores are in. My husband wants to try the Harland Brewing Co. next time. :o)
Linda,
I got that painting at a store in Costa Mesa that is closed but perhaps you can google the artist: Sharon Hutchinson. I’m sure my son and husband will like that brew place too!
Thanks Mary Ann! it looks like Sharon is in the process of setting up a website. I will have to check back later!
Linda
Mary Ann,
Thank you for the recipe, I am going to try it. Please tell us about your black two drawer side table with the bone(?) knobs and also Debbie’s round bamboo table. Lovely!
Debbie, my side tables are from Noir Furniture…not sure if they still carry them. Debbie’s pretty table was from a vintage consignment store. Sorry not a lot of help!