Hey there! I don’t know about y’all but I love a good Summer Home Tour. You saw the 3 Bedrooms at the Farmhouse Tour last week but today I’m sharing a tiny bit of our everyday home. I’ve joined Kelly at The Tattered Pew to bring you so many summer decorating ideas your finger will go numb from all the pinning! And since we’re already wasting time, let’s get to it with a living room refresh using everyday decor to keep me feeling cool this summer!
A Living Room Refresh Using Everyday Decor To Keep Me Feeling Cool!
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Summer bicycle print as inspiration
Have you ever heard the phrase – it’s so hot the hens are laying hard-boiled eggs? Well it’s only the middle of June and we’ve been in the triple digits most of the week. Need I say more? That being said, I want my surroundings to have a refreshing vibe. Here’s how I do that.
First I choose a theme or an inspiration piece. I had this bicycle print in the closet from a couple of years ago. I love the size and the deep blues and greens. Plus it gives me all the summer feels which is perfect for a starting point.
Bring in vintage blue bottles and jars for color
Step 2 is digging around, pulling from closets or other rooms and gathering all the same colors as my inspo print. And because my walls and large furniture pieces are neutral, it’s easy to change accent colors so I don’t have to worry about anything clashing with something else.
Summer living room refresh 2022
The next thing I like doing to refresh a room is to rearrange the furniture. The living room is difficult to say the least. I don’t want my furniture on the walls because then we’d have to holler at each other for conversation and that’s not only bad manners but very annoying to me. During fall and winter we had a gray and white deep pile rug in here. That was the first thing that changed. Then it was furniture placement.
Since we don’t use the fireplace in the summer, I treat it like a wall. If it were up to me, I’d rip it out altogether. It’s a big fat waste of gas. I like being able to turn it on with a flip of a switch but 9 months out of the year, it’s just taking up valuable square footage and it hinders my creativity. 😉
Rearranged sofa, gray chair and sofa table
Part of gathering things from closets and other rooms is bringing in collections and accessories in the chosen colors. The vintage blue bottles are a staple around here. They work in so many places. And since green is also part of my color scheme, both real and faux plants are an everyday item and a must.
View from living room to kitchen breakfast area
Last of the steps to refreshing a room is spreading out the colors/accessories so your eye moves around the room. In my opinion, throw pillows make the biggest impact and are an easy change-a-roo. Pillow covers are even better but these full pillows came from Target and are so cute!
Since we have a somewhat open floor plan, you can see the breakfast room from the living room. I used to keep everything neutral because one day I had a ferocious wild hair and had the kitchen painted bright blue. It finally grew on me (much like a fungus) and now I’ve embraced the color. Moving on is much cheaper than painting it again.
So as I drag myself in from the heat, turn on the ceiling fan, plop down and look around at this living room refresh using everyday decor to keep me feeling cool, I start to calm down. Trust me, my family appreciates the coolness. I get so grouchy when I’m hot. In my defense though, you can do something about being cold. Like adding layers or exercising. But if I’m hot, I can’t run around naked as a jaybird.
Now it’s time to see more summer tours! Just click on the names below the images. Up next is the ever-so-sweet Emily at Le Cultivateur. You are going to adore her patriotic tour and unique decorating style!
Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tours
Monday’s Tours
The Tattered Pew / Cottage On Bunker Hill / She Gave It A Go
Cottage In The Mitten / Stonegable / My Wee Abode
Tuesday’s Tours
Thistle Key Lane / Midwest Life & Style / White Lilac Farmhouse
My Thrift Store Addiction / Willow Bloom Home Blog / Dabbling and Decorating
Wednesday’s Tours
Bricks ‘n Blooms /Amy Sadler Designs / Peacock Ridge Farm
White Arrows Home / Pasha Is Home / The Ponds Farmhouse
Thursday’s Tours
Simply2Moms / Country Peony / Southern Home and Hospitality
Shiplap and Shells / Eleanor Rose Home / Cloches and Lavender
Friday’s Tours
Le Cultivateur / Lora Bloomquist Create & Ponder / Noting Grace
My Family Thyme / Vintage and Grace Living / County Road 407 – You Are Here!
I LOVE the pretty blues, Cindy!! It reminds me a cool lake or pool…so refreshing!!! I always laugh out loud when I read your posts! Stay cool!
Author
LOL Rachel, I just say what’s on my mind. Gotta check the filter every once in a while but there’s no hiding with me around. Thanks for the sweet comment and visit today. Happy summer
Hi Cindy! I hear you about the Texas heat! I am up early watering plants or getting a walk so I can be indoors by 8:30! You shared some great ideas and I love that charming bicycle print and those pretty throw pillows. I couldn’t agree with you more about changing throw pillows or covers for the season but I have to restrain myself from buying more than I can store, haha! Pinning! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Author
I’m not sure being back home by 8:30 is even okay. I’d have to get up at the crack of black to even think about a walk. When the hubby walks they go to Lowe’s or Walmart. It’s rare he doesn’t bring something home. I was told not to walk in the stores for fear of spending too much money. 😉 And I feel you with the pillows. I have got to start finding more covers. I had to buy those vacuum bags to help. Thanks for the pin Cecilia! Stay cool!
It’s all just beautiful Cindy! I love your bike print and the way you’ve tied in all the summer colors. So inviting! I am so behind this year but you’ve inspired me to get moving. Thank you!
Author
Glad you were inspired today Denise. I love hearing that. I was in a slow decorating mood as well but when I chose the inspo piece, it got me motivated. A deadline doesn’t hurt either. LOL!
We’re not quite that hot but, I do sympathize with you. You have done a great job of making your home cool but so pretty. I love the blues, it does seem to make things cooler, never noticed that. Your a “smart cookie” aren’t you! lol!
Author
LOL Marlene. My grams used to say I was to big for my britches. Stay cool!
You’re so right…I always say you can add layers, but you can only take so much off! We’ve had a beautiful last couple of weeks, but are heading to triple digits next week; I don’t know how you do it! But I think your cool blues and greens with white sounds like the perfect answer. So pretty and love how you used the bike art as your launching point! Stay cool!
Author
The heat makes me grouchy! Someone needs to invent a head antiperspirant because that’s the first thing to start dripping. And having black hair in the sun is most unpleasant. Stay cool Lora!
Cindy, I love your summer living room refresh. Isn’t it amazing how just a few simple changes can really make it feel like a new space? My favorite is your mantel. It is styled so beautifully. Happy to be joining you on the tour this week. Pinned!
Author
The mantel is my favorite too. I get excited to style it each season. Mostly because I love change but also because I actually have a nice mantel there to decorate! The mister did a great job making it. Thanks for the pin and visit Jen. Have a great weekend!
Cindy your summer home looks beautiful! Love the bicycle print. All your blues are very pretty. I laughed at not having the furniture against the walls. Why do paople do that?
Pinned
Author
Thanks so much Cindy. The only reason I can think of for putting furniture on the walls is because the room is tiny. But I’d still move it away from the walls a bit. To bad they don’t ask us, right?!
Your home is beautifully styled for summer Cindy! That bike print is gorgeous and such a great centerpiece for your living room. I enjoyed your home tour, I hope you have a great summer!!!
Author
Thank you Heidi! The bike print hangs right across from the sofa so I get to see it all the time. I like it too. 🙂
It’s been hot and humid here in Maryland but probably not as hot as it is in Texas. We are getting up at 6 a.m. to water the plants. Your home looks so beautiful for the summer with the pretty blues.
Author
Thankfully, the hubs has taken care of the plants because getting up at 6 is in no way how I want to start my day. :0 Stay cool Tammy!
Cindy,
Your home looks so inviting and I love the summer touches you’ve added. Such a fun hop.
Author
I love walking in that room now. It was getting messy looking having all 3 kids home again. I enjoyed seeing everyone’s beautiful tours. Thank you Rachel!
Cindy, you always bring a smile to my face when I read your posts! I love your inspiration artwork and how you created such a welcoming and comfortable space to retreat from the hot, summer sun! Happy Summer, my friend!
Author
Happy to hear that Lynne. I like keeping it real. Hope you have a wonderful summer.
I usually don’t complain about the heat until August, but this year is a different story. Love the new art work and the changes on the mantel look so pretty! It’s all so cool and inviting! If we have any brown outs this summer I may ring your doorbell so get ready! 😉
Author
Um, we may be in trouble then because I was thinking of coming to your house. 🙂
Cindy thanks for the giggles! I loved reading your post and I really enjoyed your living room refresh! I’m sorry it’s been so hot there…hopefully you will have some respite soon. Thankful you could join me this week. Happy summer!
Author
Happy to do it. Hope you have a great summer and thank you.
I love your pretty blues Cindy, and that bike print. I hope things cool down for you soon. We are the exact opposite with temps in the low 60s and rain. You have created a beautiful retreat, my friend.
Author
Oh wow, I’d trade weather with you in a heartbeat. Although I’d complain about that too after a while. Guess that’s the Lord telling me to be content with what He gives me! Thank you Kim. Happy Summer!
Hi Cindy, your home is so LOVELY! Thank you for the beautiful inspiration always…pinned!
xoxo,
Brendt
Author
So sweet, thank you Brendt!
The colors in that bicycle print are perfect to bring in some cooling relief in this ridiculously hot weather in Dallas! The vintage blue bottles are so pretty…where do you find them around here…Canton? Enjoyed visiting your home and touring with you again. You always make me chuckle!
Author
Yep, Canton is where I got a few. Round Top, Navasota and Anderson TX are also places I can find them. Fun hopping with you as well. Thanks Kate!
Cindy, your home is so beautiful! I love it. The blue walls are so pretty. So much fun hopping with you this week. Hugs and blessings to you.
Author
I’m ready for a change on the blue walls but I don’t dare mention it. I have to pick my battles and the bathroom is next on the list. 😉
I really enjoyed seeing your everyday house. I’ve been trying to figure out which is which in the posts so now I have a better idea. I adore the blue kitchen! Taking it up and over the ceiling is gorgeous. I also like the fireplace but probably hard to work around for you. Great tour.
Author
I’ll put a tour of both houses on the blog eventually. Finding the time is hard. Thank you for visiting and I’m happy to hear you adore the blue kitchen. It took some getting used too. Hope you have a great week.
Oh Cindy – I just love your home and all the vintage touches you add. I love those blue bottles! And your kitchen is so fun!
Author
Very sweet of you to say, thank you Jennifer. I actually love walking into the living room and kitchen these days. Hope you have a great summer.
The greens and blues in your home just shout-out ‘summer’ to me, Cindy! Always love your home tours and, of course, your sense of humor! Hugs!
Author
Always love your comments as well Julie. Thank you!
I love so much here Cindy! I have never heard the hard boiled egg phrase so thanks for the laugh to start my read and believe it or not, it’s that hot up here too today! I love your green pillows, your stone fireplace, those buffalo plaid chairs and bicycle print! Stay cool!
Author
Say whaaat?! You, a Texas girl, have never heard that?! I can hardly believe it. Guess you learned something new. LOL. Thanks for the sweet comment and visit. And at least you have a nice cool lake to jump into! Our community pool already feels like a tepid bath. Bleh.