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The Look of Summer: In the Living Room

I realized recently that I hadn’t shared our living room on the blog since we moved in last year, beyond a few peeks last Christmas. I still have a list of things “I’d like to do” in here, but the longer I let things sit the shorter the list gets. Isn’t that a welcome change?

summer2015mantle

I have also realized, that because I still haven’t found that “perfect thing” for the mantle, I tend to find ways to inexpensively style it seasonally. I certainly don’t feel that it is a necessity, but I have enjoyed giving it a fresh look.

So, now I’ll take you on a little spin around the room.

Summer Mantle

The living room windows face the backyard, which is completely private with a steep sloped yard capped off with woods. I adore the constant streams of light that come in through the uncovered windows. You can see how we handled landscaping that rocky backyard here.

To the right, a pair of antique mirrors flank the buffet and tv. I keep thinking I’d like this wall to look more clean lined and transitional, but I can’t seem to part with either of these key pieces.

widetvwall

A large mural was relocated to the living room when we moved here and fills the wall above the sofa nicely. I’ve seen some quotes on lifehacks that I love so I might frame them and replace the mural with that.

sofapainting

Even though, the painting is a seascape, I’ve tried not to make the room “beachy”. Though, in the summer it’s hard not let a few shells find their way into the room.

To the left, is the opening we enlarged to the kitchen soon after we moved here. And yes, I promise to share all the details of that elusive kitchen soon.

lookintokitchen

Oh, don’t mind the dog on the floor. You can just step over him.

Here are a few closer looks at the vignettes in the room.

orchidchair

To achieve that look of summer without going into “beach house” mode, I’ve focused more on a tropical vibe relying on natural, textural elements.

clockvignette

palminvase

plantandbasketclose

With the deep mantle we have here, I was able to hang a rather large basket on the wall. I love the dimension it adds.

basketonwall

summer2015mantle

Source List: Crewel pillows, deep basket on wall & handled basket in front of the fire place: Home Goods
Wicker frame, wicker lantern, small vase set, flat letter basket: Target
Blue pot on mantle: Andy’s Nursery|| White and cream pot: Leaf & Petal
Furniture: thrifted or had for longer than I can remember

So, tell me…do you find yourself styling rooms based on seasons? Or do you have things you love that are constants?

Here are a few of my favorite looks for living rooms on Pinterest.

Follow Paper Daisy Design’s board Lovely Living Rooms on Pinterest.

Sharing Here: Feathered Nest Friday || Cozy Reading Spot || Intentional @Home Thursdays || Before & After @ Thrifty Decor Chick

Get that carefree, casual summer style.

15 Comments

  • Marissa
    June 25, 2015 at 6:40 am

    Love the color scheme you have… it’s so calming and relaxing, just looking at it. I hope you get to enjoy it too!

    Marissa

    Reading List

    Reply
  • Jennifer DeFrates/Heaven Not Harvard
    June 25, 2015 at 9:51 am

    Leslie, what a fantastic idea to decorate seasonally. I decorated my living room to match our furniture, and it ended up feeling very dark, which is perfect for the cozy months of winter, but feels oppressive during the summer. I have a deep red accent wall and just don’t know how to freshen that up for spring and summer. Any ideas?

    Reply
    • Leslie
      June 25, 2015 at 3:06 pm

      Jennifer,
      I promise I don’t spend much changing it. I have a closet of thrifted things I pull from and then I may purchase one or two things inexpensively at Home Goods, Target or TjMaxx and the like.

      Reply
    • Leslie
      June 25, 2015 at 5:49 pm

      Oh, I realized I really didn’t answer your question Jennifer…. I think natural baskets would look great on a red wall. You could pick them up rather inexpensively at thrift stores or on sale at craft stores. You could even hang them with command hooks, they are generally light weight.

      Reply
  • Pat Fenner
    June 25, 2015 at 10:17 am

    Leslie,
    GAH! Can you re-do my house?! I really love your taste, and the room is just so calm and welcoming. I also love that you have no window coverings on those back windows! Our neighbors are a little too close to go that route…

    While I would really like to decorate seasonally, time and finances right now prohibit it…but I’ve pinned your post for future inspiration!

    Reply
    • Leslie
      June 25, 2015 at 3:05 pm

      Thanks, Pat! That’s exactly the look I’d hope to create. 🙂

      Reply
  • Brandi @ penguinsinpink.com
    June 25, 2015 at 1:59 pm

    You have a beautiful living room. I instantly felt relaxed and calm while welcomed at the same time. Perfect.

    Reply
  • Mary Gilbert
    June 25, 2015 at 2:26 pm

    Love the white walls with the contrasting wood floors and leather furniture!

    Reply
    • Leslie
      June 25, 2015 at 3:03 pm

      Thanks, Mary! That’s where I’ve changed my mind. I had wanted to slipcover the sofa, but agree I think I like the contrast as well.

      Reply
  • Caroline @ In Due Time
    June 25, 2015 at 5:43 pm

    WHOA! Please come decorate my house. Seriously, this is gorgeous and looks like it’s straight out of a magazine! HELP!

    Reply
    • Leslie
      June 25, 2015 at 5:51 pm

      Thank you Caroline. I’m blushing!!

      Reply
  • Victoria @ Creative Home Keeper
    June 27, 2015 at 2:32 pm

    I love the mantle, especially hanging a basket on the wall like that! It’s very creative and I would have never thought to do something unexpected but it looks so good, especially with the light blue accents.

    Reply
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    Reply
  • Shayari Mirchi
    December 13, 2022 at 10:53 pm

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    Reply
  • Shayariwishes
    October 30, 2023 at 7:39 am

    The article beautifully captures the essence of bringing the refreshing vibes of summer into our living spaces. It elaborates on the creative ways to infuse a sense of the outdoors within the comfort of our homes. From incorporating vibrant colors reminiscent of the season to integrating natural elements like plants and organic textures, the piece offers insightful ideas to create a summer-inspired living room.

    By suggesting various decor tips and design inspirations, the article encourages readers to embrace the warmth and lightness of summer in their home environments. It’s a delightful read that sparks imagination and encourages a lively and bright ambiance within the living space.

    Reply

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