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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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June 16, 2016

Five Ways to Add Summer Style to Your Home

You have no idea how badly I wanted to give this blog post a different title. In my mind, it really should be called, “Stick a bunch of seashells in bowls around your house and call it good!”. But, I was afraid that it didn’t sound quite blog-title-ish enough. So I went for the more ‘professional’ route instead and today I’m going to be sharing with you some of the most easy-peasy ways to add summer style to your home.

Five ways to add summer style to your home atthepicketfence.com

1. Seashells, lots and lots of seashells

Perhaps the easiest way ever to welcome summer to your home is with the addition of seashells.

Simple summer decor with seashells

Over the years, I have found that I do myself a huge favor by simply changing up existing decor seasonally. This vintage scale had a nest on top of it in the spring and now it holds a white bowl filled with seashells.

Vintage inspired summer style

 And this reproduction balance scale received a similar treatment. Seriously friends this all only takes minutes!

seashells on vintage balance scale

2. Nautical Touches

Summer decor doesn’t necessarily have to be overt and obvious. Decorative pieces that have rope trim are always a great way to add a little nod to the nautical.

metal lantern in a wire basket as easy summer decor

A blue and white ticking stripe pillow behind my toile pillows gives the sofa a fresh look.

Bosporus toile and ticking stripe pillows atthepicketfence.com

And, of course, it’s always ok to go for the obvious if you want. 😉

wooden sailboat on mantel

3. The Colors of the Sea

It’s been said that every room should have a touch of black somewhere in it. Well, I think that in the summertime every room should have a touch of the colors of the sea.

It can be as simple as blue napkins tucked under a stack of bowls…with seashells in them of course.

Stacked bowls with seashells

Or vintage books in colors reminiscent of the water placed on a summer mantel.

seashell and vintage books

4. Fresh Flowers

I know what you’re thinking. Duh, right? Of course fresh flowers are an essential component of summer decorating!

Vintage inspired summer decorating idea

But, I’ve had it confirmed to me this summer just how important it is to be strategic in your landscaping. Think about which blooms will go with the color palette in your home and plant accordingly.

hydrangeas in wicker vase holder

And if all else fails, hit up your local farmer’s market! Because this season of having fresh flowers available and affordable goes by way too quickly.

lisianthus flower arrangement

 5. Citrus

Summer and citrus go hand in hand.

lavender topiaries on dining table

And whether you use the real thing or the ‘faux’ thing, adding pops of bright color here and there is a great way to welcome summer to your home.

farmhouse style shelf decor

Now, I realize that none of this is really rocket science. I won’t ever claim to have the latest and greatest of home design to show you.

My hope is that it will just be that gentle reminder that it takes so little time and energy to add simple summer touches throughout your home which is really how it should be.

Because we should be out enjoying it, right? Not spending time decorating for it.

So get out and enjoy it sweet friends…and maybe bring a little bit of it back inside with you.

I’m so glad you could meet me at the Fence today,

Vanessa signature

7 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas, Summer Tagged With: budget decorating, decorating, summer, summer decorating

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Comments

  1. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    June 18, 2016 at 6:59 AM

    Just beautiful Vanessa! You are spot on and your home is stunning this summer! It really reflex the beauty within you! LOVE you!

    Reply
  2. Julie says

    June 18, 2016 at 8:05 AM

    Gorgeous summer inspiration! I forget about using shells, so that’s actually a great tip! 🙂 Thank you, ~julie

    Reply
  3. Gwen says

    June 18, 2016 at 3:28 PM

    I was going to skip right over this. I’m glad I did not. I’ve got oodles of sea shells. We don’t live far from one beach with great shells. I have a clear ocean roar looking square bowl that looked just like a famous artist I’d eye every time I went to an upscale shopping experience across from this world famous hospital id go to weekly. My gift? To look at these world famous designers of glass and I think it was not perfect so they sell to Ross or TJMaxx. I’m getting that out to put some shells in as it will go with my bottles. Time to get out my galvanized tray from magnolia market!! Add my lantern and a bit of rope!!! Hmmm do I have that Bobbsey Twins book?? Ohhh my creative juices are flowing. Birds away. Get out a few driftwood logs. I’ll search now for something to show off layers of black sand from one favorite beach and regular sand from another!!!
    It shall be. But first I’ve got some Bible reading to do and praying. My husband just has not felt well at all for so long. Not an easy path for him. Plus he takes care of me. I’m handicapped. God sees. God knows. God loves.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      June 20, 2016 at 7:23 AM

      I’m so sorry that your husband is dealing with health issues Gwen! Praying for both of you and I so appreciate you stopping by. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Julie says

    June 19, 2016 at 1:53 PM

    What an inspiring post! Sometimes the simplest things are the best. When things are too complicated I tend to glance over it. But, when things are simple and easy, I think I could do that. I just put out a few shells in my family room. I tend to use the shells only in my outdoor decor. Why not bring it in! I have really been enjoying your blog. I like your decor posts and your thought filled ones as well. You have a gift for sharing your thoughts. Keep up the good work!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      June 20, 2016 at 7:23 AM

      Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words Julie! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Emmie says

    June 2, 2018 at 2:42 PM

    What is the source for the Lord ‘s prayer ?

    Reply

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