It's July and I've finally finished updating my living room for summer. It's about time, right? A few weeks ago I shared my plan for this room and while I had hoped to get it together earlier, well, summer got in the way.
The more time I spent outside, the less important this room became.
Now that the weather has warmed up and the sun has decided to take up residence in my neck of the woods, being inside is the last thing I want to do.
Even in this pretty room.
However, since I packed up the red curtains and the black sign, I decided to follow through. After all, I do pass by the room every day and a summer style living room is nice to look at.
Even if I don't actually go in it all that much.
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The changes are not as dramatic as I had hoped. During the cooler months of spring, Pinterest got the best of me and I dreamed big. However, like I said, I got distracted by fireflies and ended up going for a good enough kind of makeover.
I managed to hem the lighter valances and swap out some of the darker accessories.
They even tried to eat my fake ones. No joke.
I found a picture in my The Romance Of Flowers book that coordinated with my current decor. I love this book, the arrangements are gorgeous, I have actually copied several, and opened up, it becomes a custom decor accessory. Pictures for every season.
Fabulous.
I hate that creepy black opening.
Sometimes when I am out and I see those full green ferns I am tempted to grab one and pop it in front of the hole, but I know how that will end, so I pass.
To be completely honest, the room is still kind of a work in progress, but what I would like to accomplish does not need to be done while the weather is warm and the outside beckons.
For example, I was going to paint the dark chair and recover the cushions, and I still may, but at this point, I'd rather float in the pool.
I still have the plastic on the new lampshades, because I like them, but I am a collected look kind of girl. While it looked good in the magazine, the matching set isn't sitting well. Which one stays and which one goes?
Haven't decided yet, hence the plastic.
I did manage to make an entire room's worth of valances out of a set of bargain tiers ~ tutorial forthcoming ~ including a tiny valance for the door that leads to the cover porch...but the door itself and the moulding needs to be painted.
My husband is the paint guy and he'd also rather be in the pool.
What I really learned from this whole process is that I love my fall and winter living room. It's bold, dramatic, filled with color and I love looking at it.
I love summer best, just not in this room.
So while I was hoping for a giant wow! kind of living room makeover for summer, I find myself with a nice room instead.
One that I don't really spend any time in anyway, because I'm at the beach, by the pool and walking on the dock at sunset, listening to live music.
Which is the way it should be in summer.
Because real life is about more than decor.
Wouldn't you agree?
I love the room! Love it!
ReplyDeleteIn my fireplace I have candles. All sizes, so in the summer that black creepy hole is alight and pretty but of course without heat. When real life gets busy and I haven't replaced my candle supply I use white Christmas lights stuffed in a basket, or even wrapped around unused logs. Also you are not alone, my family also eats the apples only when I put them out for pretty sake... Dorks. Anyway I think you already know the important stuff, enjoy it don't stress it.
Blessings to you and yours,
Minnie
SO glad to hear that my family isn't the only one who eats the display. Ha! Maybe that's why my grandmother always had rubber grapes on the table! ;) Thank you for the thoughtful comment. I love the candle idea!
DeleteThis is such a pretty room. I love the red and white. Marty
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you, Marty! :)
DeleteIf I had a beach or even a pool nearby I wouldn't stay inside either! You have a lovely room to come home to and I am sure at night it is very cozy in the dark.
ReplyDeleteVery cozy in the dark indeed, AnnMarie! ;) I guess I just needed a little perspective. Thanks!
DeleteHey, Kim. You are so right. Life is way more than decor, but that pesky little thing keeps creeping in, doesn't it? I am really getting tired of the red, white and blue, that I promised myself would last the summer, and it will, but I can't wait for fall decor. Without a pool we have to stay in to keep away from the heat so I'm looking forward to a cooler look. All that aside, I think your room looks beautiful. So cool and refreshing with just enough red to warm up the corners..Hope you are enjoying a great weekend..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteDecor does keep creeping in, Judy. I was all settled with the room, as I passed it on the way outside, and then that darned Pottery Barn catalog showed up today and now I've got the itch to change it up again. I need to close my eyes and get to the pool! ;)
DeleteIt is a beautiful and welcoming room! You did great!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Thank you, Brenda! I was very motivated to redecorate in May, not so much in July! ;)
DeleteIt's very pretty and welcoming, Kim. After all, it has to rain sometime, right? Enjoy your summer!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nancy and yes, it's great in the rain! :)
DeleteI love it! All the lighter accessories really brighten it up for summer. I want to slipcover my couch in a lighter color to give them the same look you have. Everything looks amazing Kim!
ReplyDeleteSlipcovers are a great idea, Karen. I used to have red and white plaid couches in this room. I miss them. I should’ve had slipcovers made, I would’ve had two couches in one! Options!! And thank you!
DeleteKim, I would spend quiet summer afternoons in your 'nice' living room, when the sun is too strong to sit outside. It would be my break from the rays, when I would make myself a cool treat (I'm thinkin' coconut cream pie or cappuccino gelato, or...you get the picture). I see it as a cozy, cool getaway to escape to, to relax and therefore recharge. Enjoy it, my fellow Pisces pal!
ReplyDeletePoppy
Coconut cream pie? Yum. I think that’s exactly what this room needs! ;)
DeleteIt's a delightful space, Kim! But I understand. I feel like I don't do summer decor very well. I've decided my house is a fall/winter house! That's when it looks it's best on the inside!
ReplyDeleteI like to be outside when the weather is nice, so I decorated the deck this year. It's summer on the deck!
My house is definitely a fall/ winter, too, Deanna. So to the patio it is! ;)
DeleteHi Kim
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you for wanting to be outside in the summer. Your summer living room looks great. LOL on the real and faux apples! Have a great weekend
Kris
I know, Kris! Those apples. I always say no fake...but I got tired of the dwindling display pile. ;)
DeleteAre you kidding me? That is one gorgeous room, summer or winter!!!! I just love your cozy home, as I know you do, too!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Debbie! :)
DeleteThis room has such a quaint "cottage feel" to me - looks lovely. As for your "black hole" A friend rearranges her whole room, placing the couch in front of her fireplace for the summer and it looks great, I have also seen a huge framed print just sitting over the hole and that also looks nice..........enjoy your pool and the summer - where I live summer is quite short and goes by so quickly!!
ReplyDeletePatti, after I read your comment, a neighbor was throwing away a huge frame and I grabbed it. I like your framed print in front of the fireplace idea and think I may give it a whirl! Now off to find a neighbor throwing away a print! Ha! Thanks for the inspiration!
DeleteI so agree with you, Kim. We've been in our new house two weeks and we'd rather work outside than unpack boxes. Right now it isn't possible to make that choice but the time is coming.
ReplyDeleteYour cottage living room is perfect the way it is. :)
Thank you, Stacey. I hope that you get those inside boxes unpacked quickly so you get working on that yard. I know that's where your heart is right now. :)
DeleteLove your room Kim. It's the subtle touches that have such a big impact. Love the pillow fabrics and the reds look similar to the red I just used in my bedroom refresh. As for the fireplace. Mine was the same so I added a French iron screen, and to the inside, added candles on timers. So cozy on the evening even though we don't use that room much. Love your room and the cozy cottage style!! Enjoy your pool. I'm doing the same here. Summer is flying by all too quick. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteYour fireplace sounds lovely! Ours is gas, so removing the logs and grill is a big deal, but if I could add candles, I definitely would. :)
DeleteIt's a very pretty room. I really like the two white sofas. Since the room is yellow, why not try some blue pillows and a few seashells? You could put a white basket of faux blue hydrangeas in the fireplace.
ReplyDeleteI do love your blue idea. So pretty. There are a lot of permanent red accents in the room, but you did get me thinking about alternative colors....like green. So thank you!! I love inspiration!
DeleteI think it looks great Kim! Those apples do look real, thought they were. :) I'm hoping to paint my wood floor in my living room white this summer.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Jann
Thanks Jann! They do look real don't they? I couldn't resist them. I just hope everyone else can. ;)
DeleteI love this room from the beams to the wood floor and everything in between! Kudos to you on making the valances. I think windows are there for a reason--to see out. These are perfect. I like that you still have your 'red' touch! Just great, my funny friend and blogger! You did good, as they say up in these parts!
ReplyDeleteJane x
Thanks Jane! And I do love those windows and the view. I’ll focus on that. :)
DeleteKim, your cottage style summer living room is gorgeous. I love your white stoneware pitchers and the little birds. (If you find those missing, they're in my cottage.) Looking at your photos there's one small change you could make that would give this room a big summer punch, and that's swap out the dark red pillows and throw for something lighter. Red and white ticking pillows, for example would be super cute. Either way, your taste is flawless. Beautifully done. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a fabulous idea, Nancy, thank you! I had big plans and then got lazy, but I think with a few stitches or a little Amazon pillow cover shopping spree, I could have a much lighter room without a lot of fuss. Great suggestion! Hugs!
DeleteBeautiful, enjoy your family and summer . I always enjoy your post . Thank you for sharing
ReplyDelete.
Thank you so much for those very sweet words! I hope you enjoy the summer, as well.
DeleteYour summer look is so pretty! It's funny because we're entering our "stay inside" season because of the heat. Lol! Enjoy the outdoors for me!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa!! Stay inside season, huh? That sounds like November to May in my neck of the woods!!
DeleteYou have such a knack for creating warm, welcoming and happy place. Beautiful! I just know you spend great moments in this room with your sweet family.
ReplyDeleteJemma
Thank you, Jemma. We really do enjoy the room, especially when there’s music involved.
DeleteVisiting from Homespun Cottage....
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoyed your photos.
Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
Thanks so much, Laura! I am glad you enjoyed the post! :)
DeleteLove your white pitchers. I have a modest collection and one identical to your smallest one. The others are such beautiful shapes. Fun story about eating the faux fruit. Glad you are spending time in your pool. Sounds like a great way to recharge.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lorri. I love the white pitchers, too. I have a small addiction. I really try to walk away when I see them but occasionally, I get sucked in by their charm. The little one was a dollar at the thrift store. Too cute to leave behind. And yes, the pool is awesome, although last week, when I got out, I realized I had been floating with a mole who must have fallen in a few hours before daylight and didn't make it. I was so grossed out, I showered and shocked the pool with chlorine and now every time I go in, I survey the water first! 😬
DeleteThe pool sounds like a good place to be when it's hot and sunny. Love your pretty room. It looks perfectly dressed for summer.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristi! Of course, the Pottery Barn catalog just showed up and now I've got the inside decorating bug all over again!
DeleteWell, I think it is beautiful. :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree, summer is for outside living!
Time for that summer evening stroll.
xx oo
Carla
And you'd be so proud of me, I am spending lots of time outside tending to my flowers and so far, I haven't killed any! ;) That's progress!!
DeleteI could have sworn those apples were real Kim. In fact, I said to myself, "Kim went to the store & bought red delicious apples for this photo shoot." Well, girl, if you'd rather be in the pool with your family, I say go for it. Life is too short. I spend way too much time inside myself sitting in front of the computer when I should be living life! It's too hot here to enjoy Summer much...maybe I should come to NY & float in Kim's pool!
ReplyDeleteCome on over, Florence, the more the merrier...and I'll even buy you some real Red Delicious to snack on! ❤️
DeleteI love your living room. I pinned the first pic. Very cozy.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!! It is a very cozy room, which can be a challenge in the middle of July, but is great in the cooler months. And I LOVE being pinned! Thanks!
DeleteSpot on Kim, life is way more than decor and having a room that's magazine worthy. I love your living room, it's warm and inviting and looks like a home, even the fireplace is perfect. Enjoy your summer
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Michelle! Enjoy the summer.
Delete