Hey, sweet friend! Plop on down on our porch for a visit and help yourself to some lemonade.
Can I tell you something? And you pinky promise not to tell anyone else? My house is never this tidy in the summertime. Just so you don’t think we have it totally together around here or anything.
Normally, while my daughter Olivia is out of preschool for the summer, my husband Robert and I along with both sets of grandparents are soaking up the sun every chance we get- swimming and having road trips and running around making memories.
But since we’re opening up our home for the Simply Summer Tour with Country Living Magazine, Birch Lane, Nina Hendrick, and 29 incredibly talented bloggers today, I figured I’d hide the wet swimsuits and dirty flip flops for a minute.
I had a lot of fun playing around with some color this summer with blues and yellows that always make everything come to life in our very neutral home. Those two colors always say “summer” to me.
I gave our porch a little refresh with these navy print outdoor pillows and gray striped throw from Birch Lane (who generously gave me a gift card for this tour), so sitting out here with Robert and Olivia on stormy summer evenings to watch the rain fall has become one of my new favorite things to do.
Even though I have the blackest thumb on the planet, I couldn’t resist picking up these sunny flowers the other day. They make our porch smile.
Since we live in a “cookie cutter” subdivision with a strict HOA, I can’t make very many changes to the exterior of our house. But Robert and I made these DIY wooden shutters that at least give our front door some “oomph”.
Porch Sources: Wicker (similar) | Navy Pillow | Stripe Pillow | Gray Stripe Throw | Blue Moroccan Rug
Our foyer doesn’t change much day to day, but it pretty much always has a summer quality to it with these DIY botanical print frames I made (you can download a set for yourself by signing up for my design e-course too).
Pretty much everything in our foyer has been thrifted and madeover. I found these chemist bottles for just 25 cents the other day that are now the cutest vases.
Our foyer table was a Craigslist find too that was a simple flip just by using some paint and a few planks nailed on top. It’s made a great spot for tossing our keys when we walk through the door and storing items in the drawers that are easy to grab on our way out.
Foyer Sources: Table (similar) | Lamp (similar) | Runner Rug | Light Fixture (similar) | Candle Holders
We turned our hallway into a makeshift mudroom where we can toss jackets and shoes too. (Can you tell we just toss things around here? If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. And do your best to corral the mess.)
I found this bench on Craigslist for $35 a year ago and it is my favorite! We installed DIY board and batten to brighten up our dark hallway and I made this Irish blessing sign a few months ago to greet friends and family as they walk in.
I picked up this lemon wreath a few weeks ago that has made this spot extra sunny and cheerful
And I made this botanical print pillow cover this spring that is still right at home in here.
Hallway Sources: Lemon Wreath | Yellow Pillow | Olive Bucket | Wire Baskets
Our kitchen has just seen a massive transformation in the past few weeks and we are very close to having it 100% finished! This space finally feels like it belongs with the rest of our house now since it used to be so dark and cave-like before.
During the hot, humid months (which let’s be honest is most of the year here in the Carolinas) I drink lemon water like it’s my job, so I keep a constant lemon stockpile. Since planting our backyard garden a few months ago, we have loved cooking with herbs and making mint mojitos this month too.
Kitchen Sources: Glass Canisters | Cup Drying Rack | Berry Basket | Cutting Board | Pitcher
Our kitchen table is right between our kitchen, our back patio, and our living room, so it sees a lot of action in the summertime. We eat all of our meals here and sprawl out with craft projects and coloring and Play-Doh when it’s unbearably hot out.
And every now and then, we set it all pretty to have family and friends over for a cookout. My husband would grill out every day if he didn’t actually have to go in to work at the office.
Fun Fact: (Maybe you should ignore this one if you’re slightly OCD) Only two clocks on our wall actually tell the correct time. Usually because the only time I think about changing the batteries is when I’m taking pictures of them. Oops.
Breakfast Room Sources: Table Runner | Placemats | Driftwood Chargers | Glass Pitcher | Cake Stand
One of my favorite architectural DIYs we’ve done is our wood beam doorway that we installed last summer for $80. It opens right up into our living room and makes a massive statement in here. I still can’t believe how easy it was to do.
But the DIY that started it all in our house was really our oversized faux fireplace. It never really gets cold enough for a real fire around here anyway and definitely not in the summer.
That ceiling fan though… it gets a workout. Don’t ever tell a Southern girl she can’t have her ceiling fan. Wink wink.
Our living room is home to a lot of thrifty finds, like that card catalog coffee table that keeps all of our DVDs super organized for our summer movie nights.
And our mantel mirror that I found for $10 and gave a distressed makeover.
And our media cabinet we found on Craigslist and gave a Restoration Hardware inspired flip.
I actually have plans to change this space a bit in the near future for a little refresh, but it’s amazing what some fresh grocery store flowers can do for a room all by themselves.
Living Room Sources: Ceiling Fan | Rug | Wicker Chest | Curtains | Coffee Table (similar) | Boxwood Wreath | Lanterns | Woven Tray | Slate Pillows (similar)
In the past few months, our master bedroom has seen lots of changes too since it was hardly more than a white box not too long ago. And yeah… I went all flower-happy in here too with a few clippings from our hydrangea bushes. I really can’t help myself.
About once a week, Robert gets a hankering for bacon and fries up a batch, then brings me a little surprise plate of it in bed. (Then Olivia usually steals half of it.) Bacon is basically the social equivalent of flowers, am I right? It’s currency in our house.
I wouldn’t trade our lazy summer mornings together for anything. I love how the sunshine streams through the windows to wake us up every day.
On mild summer evenings, we’re known to invite over our nearby family for impromptu cookouts on our back patio that we gave a makeover this spring.
Growing up, my dad was a grill master and he’s passed on the love of the grill to Robert. Together, they could give Bobby Flay a run for the money. Being the barbeque judge is hard work, but somebody’s gotta do it. (Ha!)
Olivia’s favorite thing out here though is devouring s’mores and playing on her playground. She runs barefoot through the backyard every chance she gets.
Not much has really changed out here since the last time I shared it, except maybe I’ve killed another plant or two. Shhh… I’ll never tell.
Patio Sources: Metal Tray | Barrel Table | Outdoor Rug | Throw Pillows | Green Stripe Throw | Lanterns | String Lights | Chairs | Firepit
Thank you so much for stopping by to visit our little wannabe suburban farmhouse!
I owe a huge thanks to Nina Hendrick, Country Living Magazine, and Birch Lane as well for hosting this beautiful tour! You can follow all of the tour happenings on Instagram with the hashtag #SimplySummerTour.
And you can catch up on all of the other summer tours in the lineup here:
Monday
Nina Hendrick | Maison de Pax | Cherished Bliss | AKA Design | A Burst of Beautiful | Liz Marie Blog
Tuesday
Migonis Home | So Much Better With Age | Zevy Joy | Just a Girl and Her Blog | Shades of Blue Interiors | Making Home Base
Wednesday
Rooms FOR Rent | The Wicker House | Bless’er House | Love Grows Wild | Finding Silver Pennies | Design, Dining + Diapers
Thursday
Craftberry Bush | Jennifer Rizzo | The Wood Grain Cottage | Ella Claire | Tidbits | City Farmhouse
Friday
Kindred Vintage & Co | The Blissful Bee | The Happy Housie | House By Hoff | Nesting With Grace | Life on Virginia Street
Hi Lauren,
I have been following your blog for about 6 months now and I really, really like your style. It is very similar to mine 🙂 I love that you make it look accessible and that you are honest with what the reality sometimes looks like. I’m not into renovating, thrifting etc…BUT, I want to learn!
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us and sending new inspiration my way!
Happy Summer to you!
Thank you, Audrey! I’m so glad to hear that! Definitely all for the “real life” style. Stuffy is pretty but it wouldn’t last a minute around here. 😉 Hope you have a beautiful summer too!
Wow!!!! I just love your home! It may not look like that everyday, but I’m totally impressed with your “summer best!”
You have mad styling skills! I’m prob going to be coming back to this post for styling ideas myself. Thanks so much for sharing your home. It looks beautiful!
>> Christene
Thank you so much, Christene! So glad it could be a source of inspiration to you!
Your home is absolutely stunning. It looks like it belongs in a magazine. I’m new to the blogging world, and just came upon your blog. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home tour!!!
Thank you, Shannon! And welcome to the blogging world. 🙂 The more the merrier.
Great pictures of your home outside and inside. Love the shutters on the sides of your front door!
After all that’s a visitor’s First Impression!!
Enjoy the Summer!!!
Cheers,
Cindy
Thank you, Cindy! Enjoy your summer too!
Fairly new follower here! Your home is beautiful! Seriously love every inch!
You are so sweet, Denise! Thank you!
WOW!!!! WOW!!!!! Love the simplicity yet elengance of your home. As a realtor in Central Florida I see homes all day it seems, but your style is AWESOME and EYE CATCHING!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!
Thank you so so much!
I’d like to just take a moment to say, you are quite a talented lady… I looked at several other tours and yours is by far the best… thank you for sharing and inspiring!
Wow! Thank you so much, Stacy! That is a HUGE compliment! Hope you have a lovely weekend.
It’s looking like a perfect summer at your place!
Thanks, Shannon! If you were closer, I’d invite you over for a real visit. 🙂
I love the chandelier on the ceiling fan in your bedroom. I wanted something like in my bedroom renovation. Haven’t found one though and my daughters say they bet the fan makes noise by moving the light when running. Is that a problem?
Thank you, Nancy! Ours doesn’t make a sound and doesn’t move at all. We bought it as one piece- the fan with the light kit attached. It’s unfortunately been discontinued though.
Thanks so much for the tour of your home. I really like Farmhouse Style so it’s a joy to my eyes.
Thank you, Bonnie! 🙂
Love your bedroom ceiling fan! But no mention of where to find one like it…please share where you found it
Thanks! I wish I could provide a link but it was discontinued shortly after installing it 2 years ago. I originally got it from Lowe’s. It was called Angora by Harbor Breeze. Maybe there’s a chance it can still be found on Ebay?
Lauren, it’s all gorgeous! Love the table setting! You always do such a great job.
Hugs, Jamie
Thanks, sweet friend! That table setting lasted all of 5 minutes before my kiddo tore into those cupcakes. 😉 Hugs!
There are a ton of blogs out there but yours always has the right mix for me. I love how you use wood, black and white and just a hint of color. My kind of décor!
Aw thank you so much, Amy! So glad you’re enjoying it!
Your home is gorgeous Lauren. I love your style . You have such a good eye & have made some great finds. Do you want a lodger for summer?
Thank you so much, Shirley!
This is all beautiful, Lauren! That tablescape- oh my goodness, perfect! Thanks so much for joining me on this tour! xx
Thank you so much for hosting, Nina! Loved your gorgeous tour!
So, so pretty, yet not “too” pretty (if ya get what I mean). Love the styling on your dining table especially. Absolutely beautiful work Lauren 🙂
I totally get what you mean. 😉 Thank you, Kristine!
You are so talented and inspiring! Your home is simply beautiful. It looks like the perfect place to create wonderful summer memories with your family.
Thank you so much, Lynne!
Beautiful and very inviting! You have given me a lot of great ideas and we have the same taste in décor. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Elaine!
One of the best and prettiest summer tours that I’ve seen, Lauren! Great job! Looking forward to meeting you at Haven!
Thank you so much, Suzy! Looking forward to giving you a big hug when I see you!
Hi Lauren! quick question… where did you get the metal planters on the siding? I LOVE them!
Beautiful home xo
Hi Ashley! I got them from Curtis Creation. Here’s the link: http://curtiscreation.com/products/galvanized-trough-shelves
Thanks so much, Lauren! xo
Lauren, you’ve out done yourself…again. Everything about your summer home is exquisitely lovely and welcoming. Thank you for allowing us to visit. It’s always a pleasure. Cheers, Ardith
Thank you, Ardith! That means so much. 🙂
Your home is beautiful – inside and out! I know you’ve been hard at work for a couple years now and you’ve done an amazing job!! And your styling skills are “sick” – as my teenagers would say ;). When I see your pictures and read your posts, it gives me hope that someday our house will be beautiful, too. We’ve been working tirelessly for a year now and I think we have two more to go. I have tucked away many of your tutorials for projects for us to do – “boob” lights (done), Irish blessing sign & how to make an easy DIY signs, faux fireplace, furniture makeovers, herb garden, on the siding, planked walls (two rooms done, one to go -LOVE your paint choice of Alabaster and Jenna Sue dsesigns way behind master bed) etc.. THANK YOU so much for all the time you put into your posts. You are such a blessing.
Haha! I haven’t heard “sick” since teaching high school. Thank you SO so much, Moriah! You don’t know how happy it makes me to hear that. Thank YOU for being a blessing in my day. 🙂 Enjoy the journey in your home too. That’s part of the fun.
Love, love, love your beautiful home, Lauren…and every creative thing you’ve done with it!!
Can you tell me the color of blue paint on your kitchen chairs?…I think that’s the perfect color for ours, too!
Have a GREAT summer!
Thank you, Julie! The chair color is Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Duck Egg. Here is the post about it if you need it: https://www.blesserhouse.com/2015/03/distressed-duck-egg-dining-chairs-makeover.html
Thank you so much!!
Lauren, your whole home is so warm and welcoming. Beautiful tour!
Thank you, Danielle! Your tour was absolutely beautiful! (And also SO excited to check out more about your ebook! Congrats!)
Lauren, I’m not kidding when I say this, I think your tour is my favorite. Every single thing. Not a single picture didn’t impress. That bedroom tray styling pic– so so gorgeous. I can’t handle and pin one thing down. Your home is stunning.
Thank you SO much, Rachel! I absolutely loved your tour! I’ve fallen so behind on pinning/commenting on all of them. Your living room with that wood wall is still my absolute favorite. 🙂
wow, so cute. I’m super into blue right now, so thanks for the inspiration. I wonder what your storage room looks like. You have so many cute pieces that probably aren’t all year long. How do you store stuff for different seasons? Thanks. Love the website.
Thank you, Andrea! Right now, we have a storage loft that we built in our garage when we moved in that holds a lot of our seasonal decor. I store some of it in my craft closet too. We’re hoping to do a garage organization post soon. 🙂 It’s not exactly picturesque at the moment.
Oh my, this was such a pretty Home Tour! Thanks for listing all your sources, too! I’m feeling mega-inspired now! Thanks for that, girl!
Thank you so much, Marie!
I love your decorating style! What color and brand of paint did you use in your kitchen and dining area?
Thank you! The paint in both is Sherwin Williams Perfect Greige. 🙂
Your house is so beautiful and your style is exactly like mine. You have a wonderful talent for interior design! You inspire me so much!
Thank you, Rachel!
What beautiful taste you have. From the moment I felt like I was stepping onto your porch, sitting down feeling quite welcomed and then honored to take a walk through what you love in your home. It is very friendly and lovely. I enjoyed all the special touches. Thank you.
Thank you, Marie!
I’m new to your blog, love your taste. Where did you get the Irish blessing in the entry, (I think).
Thank you, Kathy! I actually made that Irish Blessing sign. Here’s the tutorial for it: https://www.blesserhouse.com/2016/03/diy-irish-blessing-sign-and-entryway.html
Maybe I missed it but did you post where the dinette table and chairs came from? Beautiful job!!
Hi, Pam! We actually made the chairs using old harvest gold 1970s chairs I picked up on Craigslist. Here’s the tutorial about them: https://www.blesserhouse.com/2014/11/knock-off-no-sew-dining-chairs.html And the table was a Craigslist find as well: https://www.blesserhouse.com/2016/08/weathered-oak-dining-table-makeover.html
Love this style!! Question: where did you purchase the dear head above your bed?
Thanks, Rebekah! The deer head came from Kirkland’s, but they don’t carry it anymore, unfortunately.
Hi Lauren,
Love your summer house tour! Would you mind sharing what the paint color is in your living room/dining room? I love the contrast with the white shiplap. Thanks!