HHello everybody! I’m so glad you’re here. I hope your Monday is going well. I’m excited to be part of Gina’s Summer House Tour. If you’re stopping by from Nester’s, welcome!
Although summer isn’t officially here yet, I’ve started a gentle transition to warm-weather decor. It isn’t all leisurely, though—between daily life and preparations for an upcoming move (catch up on the news on my blog), I’ve been juggling a lot. Still, nesting is both my hobby and my therapy, so even during busy seasons I enjoy taking time to refresh at least one corner of the house. Restoring a bit of order and prettiness in the midst of chaos helps me breathe and keep going.
I’ll admit I’m sad at the thought of leaving this home. We’ve poured years of care into making it feel like ours. Even though it may not be our forever home, I’ve grown attached to it. After six years of improvements and personal touches, each room tells part of our story. Moving will mean leaving pieces of ourselves behind, but I’ll take the lessons and memories with me wherever we go.
For now, let’s talk summer decorating—imagine the sun is shining! I found this little green table at a local flea market and immediately knew it would come home with me. I love the unique legs and the color. While dusting the entry, I tried a Turkish towel I keep in the dining room over the table and loved the fresh, summery look—the green stripes and rope tassels are perfect for the season.
A few weeks ago I moved the giant shell from the family room to the entry table and it makes a bold, welcoming summer statement right inside the front door. Even when the weather is gray and a sweater is still necessary, bringing bright accents indoors—like yellow pillows—instantly lifts the mood.
My peonies are in bloom, which is a small dream come true now that I finally have a cutting garden. I’m growing roses, peonies, hydrangeas, daisies and more—I’ll share more of the garden and yard projects soon. You can spot a sneak peek outside the family room window in one of the photos below.
I did a little furniture rearranging for summer. Over the holidays I moved white painted rattan chairs from the kitchen into the family room to provide extra seating, and I decided to keep that lighter, airier arrangement for the season. The trellis wingback moved into the kitchen, and while I didn’t snap a photo in time for this tour, it looks really charming there.
I also like versatile pieces like these stools—great for extra seating or as impromptu end tables. My leather loveseat, which I chose for durability and comfort, has been a lovely addition to the family room.
On the mantel I’ve framed a few inspirational quotes created for my book Love the Home You Have—little reminders that inspire me to keep creating a home I love. Small touches like these make a space feel personal and encouraging.
I added color to an antique bowl with a few well-chosen books and cleared the kitchen windowsills to showcase potted herbs and fresh-cut flowers. For several years I’ve trained wisteria outside the kitchen window as a privacy screen, and this year it’s finally blooming—the scent drifting in is heavenly.
Outside, we’ve been tackling backyard projects and slowly transforming what started as a typical new-construction yard. One corner in particular has turned into a cozy spot I love. I’ll continue sharing updates as the garden and outdoor spaces evolve.
While I enjoy decorating indoors year-round, summer is when I spend the most time outside, soaking up sunshine and working on the garden. I’ll be sharing progress on my secret garden soon—stay tuned for more photos and ideas.
Before you go, follow me on Instagram—I’ll be hosting a book giveaway there today. Have you read Love the Home You Have? It’s a small, heartfelt book about appreciating the home you have and finding joy in it, whether it’s temporary or forever. I’m also excited about my upcoming coffee table book, The Inspired Room, coming this November. Thank you for the warm support you’ve shown for my work—it means so much.
Want to create a home you can’t wait to come home to? I can help!
Check out my decorating, organizing, and homemaking books on my site.
Shop my house and favorite decor finds on my shop page.
I’ll be back with more summer decorating, projects, and updates for our family. Thanks for stopping by!
Now head over to City Farmhouse, the next stop on the tour—enjoy the preview below!
Commonly asked sources:
Tufted ottoman, Gray Wingback, Dip-Dyed Stool, Family Room Wood Mirror
Paint Colors in My House
Lighting Sources in My House
See more of my home on my House Tour page; the full tour will be featured in my coffee table book, The Inspired Room.