Ahhhh….summer is here at last! I’m so glad to put away the coats and boots and pull out the swimsuits and flip flops. We love spending time out of doors enjoying warm weather. I’ll be honest with you, though, in my part of the world that warm weather usually comes with humidity. It’s no fun to be hot, sticky, and miserable, so I’m as thankful for air conditioning as I can be. Even in a climate controlled house, though, I really like our rooms to reflect the seasons. While browsing Pinterest, I came across this gorgeous room that seemed like a perfect reflection of summer.
Things in this room that make me think of summer are the painted woodwork and furniture (so beach cottage), the bright pastel textiles, and the flowers that look like they just came in from the garden. The light, airy decor makes me think of cool ocean breezes and sunny mornings. Isn’t it lovely?
The wonderful thing about this room is that many elements of it can be DIYed. I’ve found some excellent tutorials to share with you, so that you can recreate this pretty summertime living room.
1. Wall Color
One of the summery touches in this room is the barely-there-blue of the walls. It’s a soft two-tone effect that adds just the tiniest shade of contrast to a room that has a lot of white. Try Behr’s Glimmer, as shown on this bathroom wall at Hazardous Design.
2. Bright End Table
I found a table similar to the one in my inspiration photo at Mom 4 Real, where a roadside rescue drop-leaf table was painted a pretty turquoise hue.
3. Slipcovered Ottoman
Beneath the Magnolias offers a pleated slipcover tutorial for an ottoman. Check out the before pictures, and you’ll be confident that you can make any old ottoman look tailored.
4. Colorful Cushions
A neutral couch plumped up with colorful throw pillows–like the one in my inspiration pic–is a fantastic way to bring seasonal colors into your home. Follow the easy tutorial at The Happy Housie to make your own.
5. Fresh Flowers
Nothing says summer like a vase of fresh cut blooms. Fox Hollow Cottage has some great ideas for keeping pretty blooms fresh and long lasting so you can enjoy them for weeks on end.
Which element of the inspiration room is your favorite? Is there anything that you like to do to give your rooms a more airy feel for summer?
That’s a gorgeous room, Beckie, and you’re right! Many of the elements that are so beautiful and inviting really do lend themselves to DIY! Thanks for the inspiration!
These are really nice ideas! This living room breathes summer!
XO
http://preppyandfunny.wordpress.com/
The inspiration room is so pretty! I’ve always wanted to change the look of my house with the seasons, but have never followed through. The DIYs gave me at least one idea I hadn’t thought of. The slip covered ottoman could just as easily be a slip covered table! Hmmm….
So glad you enjoyed it, Richella!
Honestly, I am not a huge seasonal decorator but do usually add a few touches here and there. I love the idea of a large ottoman doubling as a coffee table. It would be especially great with a slipcovered one since you could remove the cover to be washed.
Definitely! I love how light and airy it is.
Beckie–Thanks for this post! I had just mentioned how I love these posts because you make it easy and do the legwork for us 🙂 I love the ottoman (have always longed for the PB version). I checked the site and will be making this for our lower level family room ottoman. I also found a tutorial on the site for the cutest table covering with the burlap/linen look and pleats–doing that too! I have made a small ottaman/stool covering similar to this years ago so it should be easy peasy! And I didn’t think your parts were hot and humid? Here in MO is ridiculous BUT this spring/summer has been fabulously cool–as I have heard is similar in most areas–a late Spring and Summer (about 2 months behind I was told!).
Wanda,
The site has a tutorial for the idea you are speaking of! http://www.beneaththemagnolias.com/2011/10/how-to-make-burlap-tablecloth-with.html
Beckie, that room is like a sip of cool iced tea! Just lovely. I’m crazy for that ottoman too- thanks for the links to all the great tutorials.
Oh I love decorating for Summer, thank you for always inspiring me Beckie, sharing this on FB today 🙂
xo, Tanya
twelveOeight
Awesome! Thanks, Girl!
You’re so welcome, Bettsi! Love the analogy! 😉
Surprisingly, it is quite hot and humid. I am glad you are enjoying the layout of the 5 Ways posts. I’m all about making things a little easier for ya!
Beckie this is such a cool post! I love how you saw a great way to duplicate the elements in the room for less. That table that Jessica did is a dead on match, and I sure am tickled to have my floral post included. Thanks so much for that 😉
Fabulous post Beckie, you make it look so easy for us 🙂
XO
Kristin
Ack! Thank you so much for including my little table! What an absolutely gorgeous inspiration room…just beautiful!!!
You are welcome!
What can I say… I try. 😉
You are welcome my friend. 🙂