Happy Thursday all! I am joining my besties Mary Ann, Annie, Kim and Juliet for a little summer home refresh. I have to be honest. I was planning on sharing one of two really great collabs (for my outdoor space) that I have coming up. However, the goods did not arrive on time. It forced me to search for inspiration in what I already own, and to update it to make it summer friendly. Let’s take a look at Five Simple Ways to Refresh your Family Room for Summer.
You can view my post How to Create a Cozy Inspired Global Den to see what my den looked like before the summer update. I didn’t buy anything new except for the throw. I repurposed and rearranged things I already own. It’s very easy to update your home’s decor by decluttering and without spending much. Here is how I did it.
SWITCH OUT YOUR THROW PILLOWS
This is possibly the easiest of the best summer refreshes. Lighten up your fabrics. Think about switching out your heavy velvet or tapestry for linen or cotton pillows. These pillow covers were in my stash. They were used elsewhere previously.
BRING IN SUMMER CANDLES
I am a longtime fan of Votivo candles. Their prices have not gotten out of control, their scents are still amazing, and they are a great company. My long time fave is red currant, but for summer I love, clean crisp white, and bamboo leaf.
FRESH FLOWERS OR GREENS
This is a no brainer. Again my plan was to run to TJ’s and grab some flowers. They have great prices and a lot of variety. Instead I foraged my own yard. I added fresh privet to a fun Anthro pot that I move around a lot. It looks good everywhere.
I added one of my favorite polka dot pots and filled it with delphinium on the top of my blanket chest. The antique French Brides box was purchased on eBay many years ago. I found the bird in a junk shop.
ADD SUMMER ACCESSORIES
I left the goose decoy on the twig console, but filled the basket with reproduction fishing floats (you could also fill it with seashells) for summer. Anything from the ocean will add summer vibes to your space. The pillows on the chairs were also changed out. I haven’t used them since we moved from Chualar. The shades are a welcome addition during summer’s hottest month. The painting on the wall is by Patricia Huber Fine Art. The Chinoisere (rattan) chairs were sourced while “junking”. The twig console was made by a local artist. This table has always been a focal point in each of my homes.
For a summery vibe, I filled the shelves of our little hanging cupboard with shells, coral, and a hide box. I hung a favorite Brixton hat on the door. Less clutter is more appealing this time of year.
SWAP OUT YOUR THROWS
I switched out my favorite Libeco throws for this great knotty throw from Pottery Barn. All of the pillows I already owned (the same or similar) are linked at the bottom of the post.
We purchased our leather chairs and our loveseat from Pottery Barn. I think they have really stepped up the quality of their upholstered pieces. in the last few years. I have so far been very happy with our pieces. The rug is also from Pottery Barn. The stump side tables were purchased locally at Habitat Home and Garden but I have linked similar at the bottom of the post. The basket is from Paulskiart on Etsy.
The shades are from Just Blinds. I need to purchase them for the rest of the house!
SHOP MY DEN
SUMMER BANQUETTE
You will be seeing more of my house and garden in the coming weeks but I also set the banquette for summer and changed out the pillows for a more summery textural look. I swapped out the windsor chairs for the antique thumback chairs to freshen up the look. Some of the pillows were in Summer’s room in our former home and some were in our former primary bedroom. You can see more of Summer’s room in my post How to make a Guest Bedroom Child Friendly. You can see our Fixer Upper Bedroom Reveal Here.
The peony bouquet on the table is from Trader Joes. I put them in one of my French pots. The napkins and placemats are from Pottery Barn. The napkin rings are from Amazon. All of the tableware is linked at the bottom of the post. You can see what my banquette looked like before in my Spring refresh post linked at the bottom of the post. The fabric on my banquette is a natural linen look fabric from Perennials. Because it is neutral, I have the option of switching out my pillow covers.
SHOP MY SUMMER TABLESCAPE
Thank you for reading Five Simple Ways to Refresh your Family Room for Summer. I hope you are inspired to declutter, and diy what you already own. Enjoy this perfect time of year. without breaking the bank. You might enjoy this article Nine Summer Decor Ideas to Make Your Home Feel Cool and Fresh, or my post Nine Simple Ways to Refresh your Home for Spring. Now let’s pop over and visit my friends to see what they have to share.
CLASSIC CASUAL HOME
MOST LOVELY THINGS
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE
Light blue polka dot pot source please?
Hi Marilyn
I would try Patine in Santa Cruz or Atelier de Champagne. I cannot find them online anywhere. 1st Dibs has them occassionally as well.
Cindy, everything you touch turns to magic. Your home is spectacular. You are so gifted. Everything is warm and welcoming.
I love love love Peonies.
Thank you for sharing your home.
Hi Katherine
If only that were true, but thank you so much for your confidence in me! I adore peonies too!
You’re simply the best!!!
Hi Judie
I feel the same way about you! Thank you for being so supportive!
Cindy! Your home could not look more beautiful and summery! I love the subtle changes in colors that are perfect for summer! And it’s so beautiful how the pale blue, brown, tan is all through the house. I love your banquette!!
Xo
Hi Annie
Can’t wait to have you ladies here!!
Love all of your suggestions Cindy! The house looks amazing, as always!
Hi Eliz
Thank you so much! Have a great weekend!
Such great inspiration here. I am ready for summer and will trade out some of the spring things for more summer items this weekend. I love your post and the items you add for each season always inspire me.
Karen B.
You always inspire me. I love how your home tells a story. Nothing looks deliberate or contrived. Adding the soft blue gray is a beautiful addition. You definitely have the designers magic touch. I’ll be switching my spring looks to summer. I love adding cool blues and greens for our hot summers. I’m like you, this season I’m going to use what I have! Can’t wait to see more of your beautiful home.
Hi Kathy
I always enjoy seeing your beautiful home as well.
Hi, Where can I find the two pillows at the beginning and end of your post? Thanks!
Hi Deb
If you click on the widget that says shop my den you will find both pillows!
Declutter?!!!
Not ME!
Ha looks Great!Cant wait to see new space!
Cindy, Love the addition of the light blue/ grey tones to your home. Looks very fresh and pretty for summer. I am so envious of your banquette! I have always wanted one. The table setting is so pretty too. All the spaces in your home are so comfy and chic. I am always inspired.
Loved doing this with all of you and it got me in gear to freshen up for summer! x Kim
Boy Cindy, everything you touch turns gold! Such interesting pieces, textures, calm colors and it sure is fresh. Ahhhh, goals!!! Great inspiration.
Since you mentioned swapping pillow covers… I buy my pillow covers on Etsy! They generally come without the inserts to save on shipping and are amazingly inexpensive and well-made. My summer ones are quilted cottons and linen, with invisible zippers. Love!
PS. I should add — if anyone is just starting out with swapping covers, remember to measure your existing cover (off the pillow), rather than trying to measure a pillow. You’ll get a far more accurate size this way. (Trial and error!)
I finally got around to try to lighten up my living room. The gray weather had me feeling bah humbug about doing that but we are now having some sun! I love the idea of using privet inside. If I can be brave enough to cut some while the bees are buzzing in it, I might try that. Also, the white peonies are gorgeous – I don’t usually see white. As always, I love it all!
Lovely summer touches, Cindy. You’re ready to welcome in the season. Your yard foragings are so pretty … my garden needs to step it up. And your banquet … you know I have banquette envy. And those peonies!!! Thanks for organizing this today. So many wonderful tips and ideas for summer. xo
Small changes make such a difference in how a room feels. Your room has an entirely different vibe – fresh and light – instead of warm and cozy and all it took was swapping out pillows, adding flowers and lightening up the space with coastal collectibles. Moving things around between rooms, like your chairs, also makes everything feel fresh. I do this type of redecorating four times a year. It’s always fun to rotate my treasures. I think I appreciate them more because I don’t see them all the time.
Hi Susan
I completely agree. I sometimes get lazy about changing things out. If it weren’t for this post I would have been dragging my feet! It is fun to rotate our treasures and see them in a different light.
LOVE your summer touches – especially on the table. You pivoted nicely there! 🙂 Thanks for this glimpse into your lovely home!
Hi Barbara
I had to pivot quickly!
SO SO pretty! I love your pillow selection! I just mixed mine up too (nothing new). I wish I was at your banquette right now! Thanks for organizing this, Cindy.
I wish you were at my banquette right now as well! Thanks for forcing me to make the most of what I have!!
As usual, a great post! I think I noticed slipcovers on a sofa? Can you recommend any for a sofa that would really fit well? My sofa is in excellent condition but I would love to cover it in white or off white. Thanks!!
Hi Carol
My PB sofa is slipcovered in a performance fabric. The only way to get a slipcover to fit properly is to have it custom made, unless yours is from Pottery Barn or similar unfortunately. I love the option of slip covers!