4 Simple Tips for Relaxed Summer Style

Summer is finally in full swing here, and I am loving the longer warm days.  When it comes to home decor, summer is the time when I like to keep things easy and no fuss.  Today I’m sharing my home decorated for summer and some simple tips to create relaxed summer style.  

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1. Create a relaxed summer vibe using a simple color palate

For me, nothing feels more like summer than a light and bright home with pops of blue.  I’ve used several shades of blue in my home this summer to create a cohesive and fresh feel throughout.  I simply switched out pillow covers, fabrics and a few accessories to incorporate my accent colors.

Of course, any color that feels like summer to you works just fine.  The pops of blue in my home could easily be switched out for yellow, green, pink, etc.  A completely neutral color palate without any color would be so soothing and summery as well.

2. Bring in nature with fresh (and faux) greenery

I’ve been slowly adding more and more real plants to my home this year. I love to open the windows and blend the garden outdoors with the indoor greenery. 

Don’t have a green thumb?  Absolutely nothing wrong with faux plants.  There are so many realistic looking faux plants to choose from.  And they’re not like your grandma’s fake ivy, lol (although you can still find that stuff around).

Den Sources

PB Basic Sectional in Denim Warm White | Blue throw pillow | rug | coffee table – Pier One (no longer available) | brass candle wick trimmer | beaded chandelier | mirror | Roman shade – SelectBlinds, Classic roman shades in White linen | Bird prints – Antique Farmhouse | faux topiary (similar) |Kubu rattan ottoman – Target, no longer available| Wall paint color – Benjamin Moore “Dove Wing”

I recently shared my home office makeover. I’ve used the same blue and white color palate in our office, along with fresh and faux greenery. 

Office Sources

White upholstered chair | Desk chair – Restoration Hardware | Desk (similar) | rug | Wall paint color – Benjamin Moore “Collingwood” |Window Shades – SelectBlinds, Classic roman shades in White Linen | Curtains – Ballard Designs | Curtain rod |Wicker lidded basket

3. Use fresh flowers and herbs to create simple and aromatic arrangements

I absolutely love being able to bring in fresh flowers and herbs right from my garden.  Lavender and herbs like oregano, mint, and parsley make pretty arrangements that smell wonderful.  Just cut some fresh from your garden (or pick up at the grocery store) and create simple arrangements.  Five minute decorating at its best! 

I found this metal milk bottle carrier at the Goodwill.  I used a few of my vintage milk bottles filled with lavender, golden oregano and parsley for a simple kitchen arrangement.  And the herbs are handy to have close by for cooking, too.

Kitchen Sources

Wall paint color – Benjamin Moore “Dove Wing” | Cabinet paint color – custom, but similar to Benjamin Moore “Cloud White” | Vintage style scissors|Metal milk bottle carrier – thrifted (similar) | striped throw rug | round marble serving board | french market basket | white dutch oven | olive oil bottles 

I added a simple bunch of lavender in a vintage mason jar to the bathroom. 

Bathroom Sources

Wall paint color – Benjamin Moore “Phillipsburg Blue” | Trim paint color – custom, but similar to Benjamin Moore “Cloud White” | rug | vanity – custom | countertop – honed carrara marble | floor tile – carrara marble | basket – HomeGoods |Sconces – Restoration Hardware

4. Switch out heavy linens for soft and cool summer bedding

Summer is the time to store away the heavy velvet, flannel and wool bedding and bring in the soft, breathable and crisp fabrics, like cotton and linen. 

Here in Seattle the nights stay pretty cool for much of the summer.  So, I like to keep a few layers on the bed. Plus, lots of layers just feel so cozy to me.  An additional layer or two on the bed is nice for sleeping in an air conditioned home as well. 

I prefer using simple white sheets for a classic, tailored look.  I have been on the hunt for a great set of sheets for what seems like forever.  I wanted them to be soft, launder well (not a horrible mass of wrinkles out of the dryer), fit my bed well, and be reasonably priced.  

I finally found a set of sheets that meet all of my criteria and I love them! They are the Casaluna sheets from Target.  I’ve had them for a few weeks now, and they are so soft and fit beautifully. I have washed them 3 or 4 times now and they come out of the dryer with only a few soft wrinkles.  Love!

Master Bedroom Sources

Linen wing bed | nightstands | white sheets | flax linen quilt | blue patchwork quilt | linen duvet cover | white Matelasse shams | roman shades – SelectBlinds, Classic roman shades in Natural Linen | White curtains – IKEA Ritva | wood bead chandelier – vintage | artwork – Etsy (similar) | navy throw blanket

I switched out the bedding in Sadie’s room as well.  I’m embarrassed to admit this, but the Christmas decor was up well past Christmas in her room, lol.  You can see it here. As with the rest of our home, Sadie’s bedroom now has an easy relaxed summer style. 

Sadie’s Bedroom Sources

White poster bed (antique) | ticking stripe duvet cover | white quilt and shams | blue throw – Inup Home | buffalo check throw pillow | Window shades – SelectBlinds, Designer Series Woven Wood Shades in Bali Sand | Wall paint color – Benjamin Moore “Dove Wing” |art – thrifted | glass lamps -HomeGoods

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you enjoyed my summer home tour and tips for creating relaxed summer style. 

Susan