Today I am joining some of my very best blogging pals, Mary Ann, Annie, Kim & Carla. We are talking about fun ways to refresh your home for Summer. In my case Five Simple Ways to Refresh your Home for Summer.
Those of you who are regulars here, know that we just moved into our new home in the Paso area. We are almost unpacked but not nearly organized as of yet. We need blinds, curtain panels, nightstands for the master, and we need to hang pictures, etc., but we are getting there. We just love it here, and can’t wait to get a little more settled. Today I will share (most) of our great room area and our kitchen. You can read about my original concept for the kitchen here. If I were not new to this home and I were refreshing a current home this is what I would do:
SPRUCE UP THE MANTLE
ADD SUMMER READY ITEMS TO YOUR COFFEE TABLE
ADD SUMMER TABLEWARE AND BLOOMS TO YOUR DINING TABLE
LIGHTEN UP YOUR SHELVES
CHANGE OUT YOUR PILLOW COVERS
Let’s talk about the kitchen in our new home. I am not wild about the busy granite counters but they are growing on me. The former owners had very good taste. They echo the colors in the house and stone work used in the outside area. I just need to get used to a busier look or change them down the road.
The beauty of our new home is there is very little that we will need to change. We have made some simple changes to the kitchen. We added new pendants above the island from Savoy House here. I have used these before they have a lot of bang for the buck and look very similar to a pricier one that you may be familiar with. You can see them in the Morgan Winery Tasting Room Refresh here in brass. We also added the great Pottery Barn Hardy Leather Counter Stools (on sale right now) to echo the color of the beams. Aren’t the beams great? We will eventually paint the island either white like the cabinets or a tad darker. We plan to add wood shades to the windows at some point. All things come to those who wait right?
Everything on the counter came from our former homes. Whoops just noticed the clippers in the photo!
We ended up repeating the same pendant above the banquette for simplicity. We recovered the banquette in the same Perennials fabric that we have on our sofa (Perennials In the Rough Paper Bag) removed the back and added pillows for a cushier look. We still need to fill in the holes and the pillows aren’t all here so I had to steal a couple from other areas. The table we used in our breakfast area in Chualar and in Salinas. You can see it in our Chualar home in this post Rethinking a Difficult Space.
FYI don’t be afraid to mix the high and low in a tablescape. The napkin rings are CHEAP from Amazon. The napkins are reasonable from PB. The flatware is from PB as well as the chargers. Tulips are from T’J’s
The dinnerware I have had for years from Anthro. The goblets originally came from Target but now can be found at Bed Bath and Beyond. The vase (which you can’t see very well) was found at a junk shop and is handmade. You can shop all below.
SHOP CINDY’S BANQUETTE
The kitchen, dining, and living area are basically all one big room. This is the living area directly across from the kitchen. Note the missing trim on the right. It just fell off and Steve did not have a proper tool to fix it. We will take care of that this weekend! All of the furniture is from our former homes. Steve’s giant TV (which nearly drove me bonkers in our rental) is less obtrusive here. I would like to see some doors in front of it eventually (retirement project for Steve). Notice the outlet on the floor. If you ever build a home I will guarantee that the floor outlet will not be in the right place. It is the decorator’s nemesis. In our former home, ours was in front of the sofa instead of under it. I am sure the former owners had the greatest intentions but I know their furniture did not cover it either in this home. The beautiful bride’s box on the dropleaf table came from roundtop. Speaking of the drop leaf, I love how it echoes the color of the beams. The little wicker drinks table (similar from Wayfair here) was in Summer’s room in our former room. I don’t think you need to pay a lot of money for these little drinks tables. They can be found everywhere inexpensively.
The doors above the fireplace you have seen in my former Chualar home in my post Simple Ways to Refresh your Home for Spring. I am telling you I recycle and reuse.
Even though this fireplace is not all that big, the ceilings are very high so the mantle called for height in my opinion. The painting next to the fireplace is an early work by Pat Huber. I am currently obsessed with Walter G textiles and pillows, a female owned company in Australia founded by two friends. Many of their pillows can be found at one of my favorite online decor sources Dear Keaton.
On the coffee table (no longer available but similar here) is a vintage pickling jar filled with grape leaves from the garden. If you have access to grape leaves grab them. They last forever. On the left is a pair of vintage child/baby boots that I cannot even remember where we found them. On the right the most amazing (uber expensive) candle in the world a gift from my friend and realtor Sharon Swallow. She is the best fyi if you are buying or selling in Monterey County.
On the shelves art and artifacts we have collected over the years. I added two of my vintage botanicals for a fresher look. I will redo this area come fall. You can find similar botanicals on Wayfair here.
The vintage looking rabbit is a favorite. His ear has been glued a few times over the years. He originally got knocked off the table when my kids were fighting. A comman occurance when they were little! The blue document box I purchased on Ebay several years ago.
SHOP MY GREAT ROOM
Well, that’s it from here. Thank you for reading Five Simple Ways to Refresh your Home for Summer. If you strive for a collected look in your own home, you might enjoy reading, The Collected Look How to Get it, or My Simple Roadmap for Timeless Interiors. I can’t wait to see what my friends have to share. They are all pros so be sure and stop and visit them here:
Love you and your new house. Question..I know you will not be having a fire in the FP but seems the chairs take away from the fireplace and maybe the whole seating setup could be moved back? Traffic pattern is not in view..so not sure how much room in behind the drop leaf table. Also are you planing to have a area rug..Think it would be nice..even though I Love the floors.
Hi Eileen
Thank you so much for your kind suggestions. There is not enough room to move the whole seating arrangement back. It is a great room and the dining area is right behind it. We may use the fireplace in the winter but it is fully enclosed (via code). I don’t really like the look of the firebox and covering so I do not mind it being covered. Yes I am planning on having an area rug, but will not be doing that for a while. The former owners had two sofas and one chair, so the fireplace wasn’t as covered. We could remove the chairs if we really wanted to see the fireplace down the road. Right now we prefer having more seating.
I will be comoing back to refer to this column for ideas etc. I have been incorporating greenery (e.g., leaves and stems) into my vases or even just solo, thanks to you. Really nice. I had to cut off a huge hosta leaf b/c it shaded smaller flowers. I put in aChinese blue-white vase. My husband took pix of it to send to kds as “Mom’s art leaf.” I think it was a compliment – LOL.Thanks for the ideas: love your home.
BTW, did you notice your dog snuck into your LR pix of cocktail tables/
Hi Maeve
I love that! Beau does that! He never poses when I want him to but photo bombs when I do not. Have a great day!
Wow! Gorgeous !! The beams, floors, kitchen…everything. Love all your touches, its simply a lovely space. I’m taking notes, and I’m inspired by all the ‘refreshing for summer’ ideas. As always, thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Barb
Thanks for your sweet comment. Love hearing from you
Such a lovely home! I am enjoying watching you make it yours. I realize you probably bought the book/tv shelf a while ago, but wondering if you’d share where you found it. I’m currently looking for one.
Hi Margaret
The former owner’s had it custom built. We love it.
Cindy,
This home is beautiful and seems as if it could have been custom made for your furniture and style. I love it. I know these posts take time, so thank you for giving us a peek at your progress. It’s such a delight to see what you’ve done, and I appreciate your view on using what you have first and buying what’s needed later. 🙂
Karen B.
Hi Cindy,
Wow your place is really coming along and it already looks so darned good! Your kitchen – those beams and magnificent windows oh my! Just gorgeous!
I like seeing how you’re making all of your things work in your new home, and not starting over with all new.That’s so inspiring, and realistic for most people!
I love all the history and stories in your collections.
You’ve really got the touch Cindy!
Bet it’s hot down there as it’s a scorcher here today.
Xo Heidi
Absolutely beautiful Cindy! The previous homeowner has good taste for sure, but your magic is in styling and making a house a cozy home! I do have a question. Can you tell me the size of your island? I’m looking at the Savoy pendant for a white kitchen. Trying to decide if 2 small or 2 large would work best. Thanks!
Your new house is so beautiful, and inspiring as always Cindy! LOVE your kitchen especially, and agreeing with Mary Ann, it’ll be so fun to entertain there – so light and bright! Thanks for the tips, and hope you have a lovely weekend!
Cindy! Your new home is really coming together and looks amazing. The kitchen is stunning. Those beams. And they way you’ve styled everything … its just wonderful. I think the countertops work, but f they bug you it’s an easy fix. Ha, easy … easy for me to say. Your interior design and styling talent is limitless and I’m completely in love with your new home. Can’t wait to see more. In the meantime, I’ve got some work to do over hear refreshing things for summer … and armed with so many great ideas from all of you talented gals. xo
Cindy, you are a master at creating a beautiful, collected space with character, treasures and memories. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your new space and all that you have done so far. I am looking forward to seeing so much more of your amazing new home.
Love the little rabbit and the Childs shoes, and the bride box, texture, patina and each one has a story and history, yours and the former owners.
My favorite piece is your little eating area table!
Hi Elizabeth
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment. That table was found at an antique shop in Santa Cruz a fairly recent (within the last 10 years) purchase. Needless to say we did not need it, but my husband had to have it. It was an excellent price that he couldn’t pass up!
I just want to say I love your style. Congratulations on your new home. It is beautiful.
Hi Frances
Thank you so much. I am so pleased that you all love it as much as we do.
Cindy,
I have been following you for a few years now and always find something new to incorporate or purchase for myself. I too am a designer and love to see the beautiful rooms and accessories you post. It’s always fun to see how others solve design challenges–there are sooooo many options. I am especially posting because I love your brides box and the history where it was bought. I too have a bride’s box that I purchased at heart of Country, in Nashville over 20 years ago. It is one of my favorite goodies. They are so charming and such wonderful piece of American history.
Wow, just beautiful, you create magic in everything you touch.
Your home belongs in a magazine, along with you too of course.
Congratulations, you are really something.
Hi Katherine
You are always so sweet. Thank you so much. How are the polka roses doing? Mine are small but mighty!
Looks like you’ve been living there for awhile. You have that decorator eye for sure. My house was decorated in antique primitives and folk art for years and I loved the look but then I changed decor to Country French. What type of wood is flooring?
Hi Nancy
Thank you so much. We have tried to mix our antiques. We have a lot of American, but we do have a few European pieces in the mix. I have contacted the former owners to see if they remember the brand and name of the flooring. It is an engineered floor. My husband thinks it may be walnut. I will let you all know as soon as I hear. The house is only five years old, so I am guessing they will remember.
Oh, Cindy, your home is wonderful already and you haven’t even finished yet! Could you tell me a little about the flooring? Is it the same throughout the first floor?
Hi Cheryl
As I told Nancy, I have contacted the former owners. We do love the floors. The entire great room area is that same wood. The entry is stone and the bedrooms are carpet (white) which will have to go eventually. We have never had carpet in our married life. I take that back we had carpet in our game room. The minute our kids were off to college we replaced that with wood! We will replace it with seagrass, which we had in our lake house and loved. It is much easier to take care of.
Holy Cow Cindy you have not showed the house in its entirety yet and it’s stunning. I really love that kitchen – the fantastic windows and the beams !!! Gorgeous. The baguette is perfect and cozy too. Now with the Cindy touch, it’s all even more beautiful. I may need those pendants. I have to get three to replace above my island… Maybe those would work. They sure are classic and chic. Cindy we need more. I love how you live. Great ideas always.. I am just a student hoping some of your magic will rub off on me. xo
Hi Kim
You are so sweet Kim. I am hoping you ladies will come for a mid-week overnite. Let’s get it on the calendar! Those pendants are great. They come in brass as well. As I said I have used the task lights as well. You can see the brass ones in the Morgan Winery Tasting Room.
Beam me aboard, Scottie! Those beams have my heart! Glad to hear you so happy about your new home. Love the texture you have added. Your signature look always says “home”.
Your home looks gorgeous, Cindy, and all your things fit so well there. Love getting to see it here! Great tips for summer decorating too. I think I have the same seagrass chargers!
Congratulations!
You are THE BEST!!!
Xxx
Thanks Pal!
Once again I am inspired to make some changes in my little Arizona Casa. Love how you use items you have collected along the way to make each room interesting and inviting! Anna BTW? on another topic. Collagen for her is amazing. After four months, my hair, nails and skin have truly benefited.
Hi Anna
I never represent companies I do not believe in. FYI Collagen for Her has made a big difference for me as well. With all this moving and hauling, I have fallen, worked long hours and not an ache or pain. I want my husband to start taking it!! Thank you so much for sharing. I am so happy to hear that!
Which collagen for her are you taking? I can’t decide which is the best one, so maybe the thing to do is read about the one you take and try it…
Hi Elle
I am taking Collagen for Her.I really like the bovine one it is completely tasteless and dissolves quickly in my coffee. I ran out and have been taking the marine and don’t like it as well. It doesn’t dissolve as well and I can taste it.
Cindy! I love seeing your new home! I cannot believe that you just moved! It looks like you’ve found a spot for everything you hold dear! The one thing that stands out is the big glass jar of fresh tree clippings. You have a way of making the ordinary look extraordinary! Although, your home is truly extraordinary! I LOVE the banquet and all those gorgeous pillows. The pendants are lovely too!
Hi Annie
Thank you so much. We love it here. I think it was meant to be. It is rare that you can find a home that has so few things that need changing. We feel very fortunate that the former owners had such good taste. I meant to mention those are grape leaves from our grape vines here (table grapes). They last forever. Those are over ten days old.
Cindy! I love seeing your new home! I cannot believe that you just moved! It looks like you’ve found a spot for everything you hold dear! The one thing that stands out is the big glass jar of fresh tree clippings. You have a way of making the ordinary look extraordinary! Although, your home is truly extraordinary! I LOVE the banquet and all those gorgeous pillows. The pendants are wonderful too! xx
Dear Cindy,
What a gorgeous refreshing to your lovely home. Everything says “welcome”.
Are the Alden Pendants old bronze or black? And, is the size SMALL?
Warmly,
Diney on Camano Island
Hi Diney
The pendants are large and they are black. Thank you for asking. I will add that to the description. I have used Savoy House’s task lights too and they are just as nice. Who wants to pay a ton of money for a name…not me!
Very nice post. It is so helpful to read your thinking about how you pulled everything together — like duplicating the color of the beams in the counter stools and the antique table behind the sofa. Your decorating is very very nice!
Hi Elle
Thank you so very much. I always think colors and textures need to be repeated in a home for continuity if possible.
I love your new home. You give me inspiration. Can you tell me where you plan on purchasing your wood blinds? I am about to start this adventure soon.
I also was wondering want plants you are growing in your kitchen?
Thank you so much/
Hi Ilene
I would be happy to. I sold and installed Hunter Douglas (great product) for years. I highly recommend them. However, I used Just Blinds (they do come from China) at my fixer-upper and I plan to here as well. The quality was the same as the Hunter Douglas in our opinion. My husband is the installer and he agreed.
Cindy,
Exceptional, Ya are Simply the. Best❤️❤️
Omg ya ate so right All Good Things come to those who wait. Patience is an Virtue.
Thank you
Hi Karen
Thank you for your support. Patience is a virtue..I keep telling myself that!!
Just beautiful! Your new home is so worth the second move in a year. This post has inspired me to tidy my shelves, fluff the pillows, and light a pretty candle. Thanks for sharing it all.
Hi Holly
We agree. We love the weather, food, wine and the whole vibe here. I will be glad when Steve retires and will not have to commute!
Cindy – you make everything you touch more beautiful, more chic, more interesting, MORE CINDY!!! Thank you for sharing your magic.
Hi Judie
Thank you so much Judie. I so appreciate every one of your comments.
Cindy, your new house is amazing! Looks like Steve’s tv fit exactly into the built in wall shelves….Phewww! (Or was the cabinet brought from a previous home?) Also, those floor electrical receptacles can be an aggravation. Perhaps you could place a suitable large market basket on the spot as I and your fellow blogger Kim from Northern California Style does? Can look casual with an extra pillow, throw or magazines in it.
Cheers! Love your blog!
Hi Susan
Aren’t we lucky that the monstrosity fit? The cabinet was here and it has worked out just great. You are right I need to plant something on top of that receptacle! Thank you so much for commenting. I so appreciate it.
I absolutely love it all so Beautiful!
Hi Teresa
Thank you so much. We absolutely love it here.
You and I are in the same boat with getting settled. In fact, I’m still waiting for what might be the pricier version of you pendants. (It’s been over two months now).
I think it will be so fun to cook and entertain in your new home. It’s so lovely and I’m happy for you and Steve.
Oh and I love your pillow choices!
Hi Mary Ann
Maybe you should cancel the pricey pendants and get the cheaper ones! They will be there in days! It will be fun to entertain here. Hoping you and Howard can take a baby break here in September!!