Can you believe the first day of summer is almost here? It’s time to refresh the house for the season. A few weeks ago I treated myself to a seaglass-colored lamp for the living room. I love its soft coastal hue — it feels fresh and cheerful. It also reminds me of a bottle lamp I made years ago; I still have that bottle, though the lamp parts didn’t survive the move.
This new lamp really is extra pretty. The color is soothing and gives the room a gentle seaside vibe that I can’t get enough of.
Although winter is behind us, we’re still enjoying our fireplace. Last fall we installed a fireplace insert and it remains one of our favorite improvements. It kept the house cozy through the colder months and has continued to be a welcoming focal point on cooler days. We don’t get extreme heat here often, so we may use it much of the year except for the warmest summer weeks.
To give the room a lighter summer feel, we swapped the curtains for a breezier option while keeping the space cozy. These have been in our home for years and I haven’t been able to find an exact match online.
This year didn’t unfold with the big home projects I had planned. I had hoped to add millwork and built-ins, refinish floors, and tackle a few bathroom updates. With so much uncertainty over the past months, it felt sensible to postpone larger projects for now.
I had named this my “year of dwelling well” long before the pandemic arrived, so this unusual season has turned into an unexpected opportunity to practice that intention. With much more time spent at home and two of our three kids back under our roof, life has been full of surprising turns. Still, it has given us a chance to appreciate what we have and focus on what matters most.
New glass lamp (on sale!)
Even though the bigger projects are on hold, we’ve enjoyed making smaller, meaningful updates around the house. I’m happiest with simple changes — little improvements add up and keep a home feeling fresh. I’ve always loved puttering and finding pleasure in small tasks.
Lately we’ve been reorganizing to adjust to our “no longer empty” nest: rearranging furniture, hanging new artwork, adding a candle lantern by the front door, and spending time outdoors enjoying spring blooms. Each small change helps the house feel more settled and suited to how we live now.
We’ve been slowly helping our daughter settle into the lower level and creating a more organized office space. The plan for that area shifted from what we originally imagined, so progress has been gradual, but it’s coming together and I’ll share an update soon.
Have you adjusted any of your home improvement plans this year? I hope you’re doing well.
New glass lamp (on sale!)
White slipcovered sofa (20% off right now!)
Navy plaid tassel pillow
Neutral stripe faux mohair throw on sofa
Oval wood stool
Black wall sconces
Round drop leaf table (by sofa)
Sisal rug
Gray linen sofa
Fireplace details
Similar wooden sailboat
Rattan basket
Similar leather ottoman
Looking for other decor sources?
Click HERE to shop my house and other latest decor finds!
The Inspired Room FAQ