After a rainy Winter and Spring, the weather is great here in southern California right now.
It’s time to switch things up for a new look.
It’s time to switch things up for a new look.
Not to say you need to spend a lot of money (I didn’t), just lighten up,
The white convex mirror is a new purchase from Juxtaposition.
Read more about our local store on La Dolfina’s post.
The carved stone shell and ceramic fish (similar to a bigger one I saw at
John Roselli’s) came from Home Goods.
You could even paint an existing mirror frame white for a lighter look.
Clean your upholstery (in my case, I washed the slipcovers)
Add crisp linen and cotton fabrics (I am storing the “winter” pillows).
de-clutter
Re-decorate with
things you already own
by moving them to new places.
Wash your windows
Display summer fruit
And fresh flowers are always a good idea!
Lisa says
May 3, 2011 at 3:33 pmMary Ann! Your house is gorgeous! I love it and want to move in with you, if that's okay, just me and my husband, three kids and dog. Thanks.
I feel like we're shopping at the same Homegoods because I JUST saw that mirrored tray yesterday – is it from there? That is so weird – you're all the way across the country from me!! I had it in my hand and had to force myself to put it back because a tray is not on my list have "needs" – so I'm so glad you have it!
Love all the white and fresh fabrics in your house right now…..so bright and cheerful. Oh happy spring!
lizziefitz says
May 3, 2011 at 3:36 pmGreat tips! Love the convex mirror! I have been washing slipcovers for the past three days:) I have alot. My two youngest " christened " the freshly laundered ll essay cover with a walk by popsicle wipe and a chocolate milk drip:) they keep me busy. As my mother always says, it's a good thing they're cute! " sometimes not cute enough, ha.
Casa Bella says
May 3, 2011 at 3:47 pmAll great tips, Mary Ann. I love that you moved things around and changed your pillows to "summery" ones. The mirror is beautiful. Love it all!
Coastalpines says
May 3, 2011 at 3:56 pmOur weather on the East Coast is breaking too…it's wonderful!
Excellent suggestions 🙂 lightness & simplicity for summer (and less to clean). As always, your home is stunning ~ thanks for sharing!
Courtney Erin says
May 3, 2011 at 4:09 pmI love the sea shell arrangement – such a lovely touch!
xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com
CHH says
May 3, 2011 at 4:13 pmVery inviting!
Teresa at Splendid Sass says
May 3, 2011 at 4:18 pmMary Ann,
This is a beautiful post. I love fresh cut flowers everywhere, and I exchange winter and summer pillows and accessories too!
Hav ea great day.
Teresa
xoxo
Sherri Cassara says
May 3, 2011 at 4:25 pmYES! The sun is out and the skies are blue and I have done the same lightening up in my home! Juxtaposition Home is one of my favorite stores … love going in and just walking around seeing all their fun things (pillows especially!). Your new mirror is fab.
La Dolfina says
May 3, 2011 at 4:26 pmAhhhh, what a wonderful refreshing post!
Love all your suggestions, especially washing slipcovers and windows…
There is nothing like squeaky clean to lift your spirits!
All your fluffing and de-cluttering is so wonderfully inviting and relaxing. Your home is truly a sanctuary :0
Thanks for sharing it and thank you for the mention!!!
I'd love to have you as my weekend guest anytime:)
xo
quintessence says
May 3, 2011 at 4:34 pmLoving all your beautiful new vignettes – so fresh and pretty. That beautiful white mirror just makes your matelscape (new word I think!!)
Marianne {Style For Living} says
May 3, 2011 at 4:44 pmYou have me wishing for summer! Send some of your sunshine here! I love mixing things up for the seasons. And, you just reminded me I need to get my windows washed! xo
FABBY'S LIVING says
May 3, 2011 at 5:20 pmYour house certainly looks beautiful and summery! I love all you did, specially your mantel. I adore changing around my own stuff, without having to buy things and also finding old things in boxes, as I just did! Thanks for coming by and for the lovely comments.
Hugs
FABBY
Leah says
May 3, 2011 at 5:30 pmThese are perfect decorations for summer! Love them all!
Luvs
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
May 3, 2011 at 5:35 pmMary Ann, great suggestions and I still need to do the windows. Love your summer mantel. I adore your hand towel holder!
laxsupermom says
May 3, 2011 at 5:57 pmGreat tips! I need to get outside and wash my windows. I'm always amazed at how much more light comes into the house when I've done them. Your mantel looks terrific! Thanks for sharing.
CalypsoInTheCountry says
May 3, 2011 at 7:16 pmLove your tips and your mantel looks beautiful! I always seem to put off getting the windows washed and then when I do, I can't believe what a difference it makes!
classic • casual • home says
May 3, 2011 at 7:52 pmThe mirrored tray is actually my friend, Debbie's and it IS from Home Goods (I want one, too).
The enchanted home says
May 3, 2011 at 8:30 pmYour home is so beautiful! Just stunning……I love all the new improvements. Great and helpful practical tips that everyone can apply to every day living…….love your green and white pillows, they are so fresh and crisp looking! And your fresh flowers in the blue and white, a special love of mine!!
Blondie's Journal says
May 3, 2011 at 8:30 pmGreat ideas here for de~cluttering and making your home ready for summer! Lighter and breezier! And your home certainly reflects this. How beautiful, Mary Ann!
XO,
Jane
Tiff says
May 3, 2011 at 8:45 pmI think all those tips are spot on! You feel instantly uplifted by de cluttering and fresh flowers! I love those images of your home, they are all stunning! X
Kelle Dame says
May 3, 2011 at 9:52 pmI found it therapeutic to wash my windows! It was like washing the gray of winter away. Love that image of the pink flowers in the bathroom. I can't wait to freshen up our powder room!
Have a great week!
Kelle
xx
Karen@StrictlySimpleStyle says
May 3, 2011 at 10:35 pmI love your attitude on freshening things up without buying all new. Your home looks so pretty for the summer months, you even found summery guest towels!
Carrie @ Hazardous Design says
May 3, 2011 at 11:05 pmGreat tips. Proof that you don't always need to do a whole lot or spend a lot of money to make an impact.
Tammy @BeatriceBanks says
May 3, 2011 at 11:05 pmPretty post! I feel lighter and brighter just reading it. Makes me ready to freshen things up around here!
Julie says
May 3, 2011 at 11:20 pmjust lovely! i just put away my "winter" pillows too.
Claudia says
May 3, 2011 at 11:24 pmHello,
Your house is so inviting and beautiful! Very inspiring!
Take care,
Claudia
Karen says
May 4, 2011 at 3:31 amReally well done. I just love it!
Best~
Karen
designchic says
May 4, 2011 at 11:27 amMary Ann it all looks so beautiful…love the crisp, light inviting feel…gorgeous!!
Beau lifestyle says
May 4, 2011 at 12:07 pmMary Ann, thank you for commenting on my blog, I have enjoyed looking at the pictures of your house, lovely!
xoxo Chantal from Beaulifestyle
SHERRY HART says
May 4, 2011 at 12:19 pmMary Ann…beautiful. I love the pillows…I am actually looking at that same pattern in wallpaper in the gray for my guest bath. And even though I have had my white slipcovers on for a month now they already need washing…..I hate that part! You and I have such similar taste 🙂
Ideezine says
May 4, 2011 at 1:58 pmMary Ann,
Lovely post. Spring cleaning, clearing, storing and reorganizing is so refreshing and once completed I've always felt that my home smiles back at me. I make my lists and work the magic of transition. This year it includes painting, adding additional shelves in closets etc. The energy in you home lifts and you are open for more good things to happen.
Bette
the cape on the corner says
May 4, 2011 at 4:50 pmloving that mirror!
SallyLeeByTheSea.com says
May 4, 2011 at 10:34 pmWhat a gorgeous light & bright transformation! love it!!
Loretta says
May 5, 2011 at 12:53 amLetting the sun inside by washing the windows is the best tip however, I love them all! Thanks for sharing. Hugs!
once in a blue moon says
May 5, 2011 at 1:29 ami am laughing since we share the same fish 🙂
laurie @ bargain hunting says
May 5, 2011 at 2:16 amEverything looks beautiful, and I LOVE that mirror. Thanks for all of the great tips. laurie
Kim@Chattafabulous says
May 5, 2011 at 2:16 amHello summer house! Your place is gorgeous, thanks for sharing!
The Tablescaper says
May 5, 2011 at 1:01 pmI love how you lightened up your home for the summer and you're so right, it doesn't have to cost a fortune. Sometimes the indgredients are right there in your home. I'd love to have you link your post to Seasonal Sundays this Sunday.
I appreciate your comment on my post about the tea pots we used as decortions for our Royal Wedding Breakfast. Do stop back to see the post on the breakfast itself.
– The Tablescaper
Simple Dwellings says
May 5, 2011 at 1:04 pmGreat ideas! I love the ideas of changing things up, rearranging and displaying summer fruits and flowers! I also like to switch out my pillow cases, and my weekend project is window washing!
abeachcottage says
May 5, 2011 at 1:57 pmThanks for sharing great tips! You have a lovely home. The white mirror looks great on your mantle. Thanks for adding your link to Beach Cottage Good Life Wednesdays!
Luciane at HomeBunch.com says
May 5, 2011 at 2:06 pmOh, I just love, love, love your home! Your tips are great. Decorate with what you have. Isn't it that fun? I love finding things in my storage room. 🙂
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
meenal @ maison marigold says
May 5, 2011 at 4:55 pmyour house is beautiful, mary ann..so tastefully decorated..you've got a great eye..the last but one shot with the mirrored tray and blue and white vases is gorgeous..thankyou for visiting my blog the other day..i have shared some images of my daughter's room on the blog today.would love you to check them out! xx meenal
Melissa @ Rooms says
May 5, 2011 at 8:35 pmIt really is the simple things that can make all the difference!
P.S. Thanks for visiting my blog!
laura@luxinteriordesigns.com says
May 5, 2011 at 9:13 pmWhat a beautiful home you have! I love that fresh and "summery" look. The idea of changing pillows is excellent and it works!
Thanks for visiting my blog.
http://luxinteriordesigns.com
Jaime @ La vie...J'aime says
May 5, 2011 at 11:08 pmgreat,inexpensive, easy tips! your home looks lovely! i really like the mismatched book ends… adds such character!
Kathysue says
May 6, 2011 at 1:08 amMary ann, I love all your bright light touches!! The pillows look so fresh and crisp. Green and white is a favorite of mine. I really need to do this too. Now that Easter is over and I just threw out the last of the daffodils that had faded it is time to get going. You have inspired me, thanks I needed that!! Kathysue
Debby says
May 6, 2011 at 11:14 amLove all of your tips. I am searching for some new pillows. It's amazing how flowers and shells make such a big change in a room! Happy Friday! xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com says
May 6, 2011 at 2:30 pmHi sweetie,
I'm just dropping by to wish you a very Happy Mother's day to you!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says
May 6, 2011 at 3:21 pmMary Ann, Everything is so beautiful and I love the mantel display. Did you get my email about featuring your home?
Hugs,
Sherry
Brambleberry Cottage says
May 6, 2011 at 3:36 pmI'm so glad you found me, Mary Ann. Now I know about your lovely blog, as well! I'm following along and will be back when I have more time. I can't wait to explore more here. 😉
I would love to have you join my linky party, too. Just click the link at the top of the page to join.
Have a great weekend!
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
Bringing Pretty Back says
May 7, 2011 at 12:19 amWhat great tips! This is exactly what I am doing right now, and it feel so wonderful!!! Your home looks absolutely beautiful!
Have a pretty day!
Kristin
Ann says
May 7, 2011 at 11:16 amThanks for the lovely images…
You have a very lovely home ♥
Happy Mother's Day ♥
Anonymous says
May 10, 2011 at 12:06 amI think that I recognize a family friend in your Parisian group photo. Could it be Janeen, the artist of KOCO?
Maya @ Completely Coastal says
June 1, 2011 at 2:26 amI'm so sorry I missed your mantel!! Love the antique books and the bookends of course!!
Anonymous says
June 23, 2011 at 12:23 amyour house is just gorgeous – i love it so much!!!!! you are so lucky to live in such a beuatiful place. really, really pretty!!!
joni
cote de texas
kerry says
December 4, 2011 at 6:50 pmmary ann, do you mind my asking what color you painted the vanity in your bathroom? i was just showing my husband your home (it's so beautiful) and was wondering. i know you posted the photo months ago, but…
thank you