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Summer Home Tour 2016

June 21, 2016 Rachel 30 Comments

Welcome friends! Today I’m going to show you around a few spaces in my home, all refreshed for summer. We are going to tour around my living room, dining room, master bedroom, and patio. If you are new here and are perusing all the lovely homes in the Simple Summer Tours hosted by Nina Hendrick, Country Living Magazine, and Birch Lane, THANK YOU for coming over! I hope you see something that inspires you and stick around awhile. Every single piece of furniture in my home is vintage or thrifted that I’ve given a makeover to, or is something I’ve built– so please ask questions if you have them and I will respond! 🙂 There are lots of other DIYs in my home, so if I don’t link to the tutorial in this post, and you’d like me to create one, please let me know as well, and I’ll do my best to get on it!

If you remember from my Spring Home Tour, the living room got a bit of a switcheroo with the furniture arrangement when we got new bamboo shades, and I’m still loving it. I got a couple of indoor plants and holy smokes they really make a difference in how the room feels.

White slipcovered sofas with aqua and navy accents in summer living room

Sources: Couches- Ikea, Aqua pillows- Home Goods, Blue and white striped pillow- Ikea, Denim fringe lumbar pillow- Walmart,  Round mirror- World Market, Lamps- Home Goods.

White slipcovered sofas with aqua and navy accents in summer living room

White slipcovered sofas with aqua and navy accents in summer living room

If you can believe it, I had a ghetto sofa table (stacked paint cans with a board on top, and a tablecloth on top of that) that the lamps were sitting on for over a month before I finally built something last Saturday morning. I used only scrap wood (but granted, my pile is huge), but I had the thing built and painted before noon. Boom. Gettin shiz done baby. 😉

Skinny sofa table to hold lamps and books.

 So last week I was all determined to buy some new cool things for my bookcases, to restyle for summer. So I hop on over to HomeGoods and I’m filling my basket with all kinds of stuff, and then something happened and I had to leave right away. I left my entire cart-full of unpurchased items and headed home. I felt totally bummed, but that night I knew I needed to just figure this out, and make what I had work. Nothing I used is new, I just moved things around and pulled a few things out of that bench under the TV (holds some extra home decor goodies). I tried keeping the neutral tones of whites, creams, beiges, and browns, and then an occasional aqua glass or greenery. Nothing too exciting, but pretty, none-the-less. Pallet accent wall, built-in bookcase, and slipcovered wing chair

Sources: Trestle end table- me! Build plans HERE, slipcovered wing chair- me!, Crab pillow– Craftberry Bush, Aqua pattern outdoor pillow- HomeGoods, Leather strap planter holder- me! Tutorial HERE, Curtains- me! Tutorial HERE.

Once the bookcases were styled, it set the tone for what needed to happen to the rest of the room.

Rustic coastal living room for summer with white, aqua, and fresh plants

Sources: Table- me! (thrifted- painted ASCP Old White), Glass bottles- antique mall & HomeGoods, Plants- Lowes, Pallet accent wall- me! Tutorial HERE, Built-in bookcases- me! Tutorial HERE, Chandelier- vintage.

Indoor plant on sofa table

Styled bookcase with neutral coastal decor

So this far wall by the door has been a pickle to figure out since we have had this new furniture arrangement. I wasn’t happy with the windows I had hanging on that short wall, so I put up a painting of mine from college. It’s a favorite and I had it tucked away in the laundry room collecting dust.

  Layered gallery wall over console table

It’s much better here, but I don’t like the frame too much. I’ll have to figure that out at some point. It sits right above a project I completed almost 2 months ago! This tufted bench opens and I built the whole dang thing myself, and even upholstered and did all that tufted business. It was a bit tedious, but I DID take pictures of the whole process to do a tutorial. So, soon here… I’ll get that up.

Oil painting over tufted bench

On the other side is our little desk. It was a craigslist find I refinished, and the chair was a thrift store one that I reupholstered (tutorial HERE).

Desk styling with mirror behind the computer and vase with flowers

Before we move on to the dining room, can we just have a high five moment for those pillows I found at Walmart?! They are my most favorite ever right now. Aaaaand they were under $15!!

White sofa with navy and white pillow, and camel leather pillow- summer living room

In my dining room I set up a fun summery tablescape with navy, white, green, and lemons. 🙂

Watermelon eating on summer tablescape

Summer tablescape with navy, white, green and lemons

It all started with this Vigne Runner I got with a gift card from Birch Lane. Because it is on the narrow side, I layered it on top of a drop-cloth wide runner, so I would still get the visual impact, but balance out the dark wood finish of the table.

Blue and white runner, navy napkins, white dishes, french flatware, lemons, and fresh flowers

I also got these faux wood handled Laguiole Flatware from Birch Lane which I’m basically obsessed with right now. I was SO tempted to get some gold flatware since it is all the rage, but I’m glad I went with something a little different but also very timeless– they are replicas of the French Laguiole flatware.

Place setting for summer table

We’ve been trying to eat a lot healthier lately because ya know.. nothing like getting older to make the flab come out… and so I set the table with things we have been snacking on: fresh veggies, meat, fruit, and sparkling water.

Summer snacks on a navy and white tablescape

I’m not a profesh tablescaper ya’ll. I saw a tablescape tour last month around mother’s day and it made me basically want to quit and not ever attempt another tablescape. But then… I decided that maybe some of you are looking for a simple, inexpensive, thrown-together tablescape… I’m your gal for that look.  The flower centerpiece I arranged in a basket that included lemons and limes are the ‘pat-myself-on-the-back’ part of the table.

Summer floral arrangement with lemons and limes

I added some lemons to my secretary, just for the pic. I wish I had some faux ones, and I’ll probably go out and get some soon because I like the look of the blue and white + lemons. It’s a winning summer look in my book.

Secretary with lemons, white dishes, and blue and white chinoiserie

Secretary- me! Details in makeover post HERE, Dining set- me! Details in makeover post HERE.

Before we open the patio doors and spend the evening out there, let’s take a peek in my master bedroom!

My master bedroom has come a long way since I shared design plans a year and a half ago. I did a faux shiplap wall treatment, refinished the Eastlake headboard and converted it to a queen, refinished a nightstand, built a table for the other side, and built a three-compartment desk that sits below some word art I made.

Eastlake headboard with floral pillows

For summer, I decided to add some bright pops of color with this floral fabric I found at Joann and made into pillows, along with the blue paisley pattern ones behind them (but the navy velvet ones are from World Market along with the citron-green throw at the foot).

Eastlake headboard with floral pillows for summer

(Bedside lamps were made by me, tutorial HERE.)

I actually folded our down comforter at the foot of the bed since it is so hot all the freakin time, and put that throw on top. I sorta am digging the look of plain white sheets in the summer. Other than that, I just added some grocery store flowers that coordinated with the pillows and put them on either side of the bed.

It’s a small room, but we like it. 🙂

Master bedroom with Eastlake vintage headboard, floral pillows and desk

Ahhh and now to relax on this space I’ve been working on for the past year and I’m happy to say, IS DONE! The pergola came with the house, but a lot of the stuff here I built.

Patio with pergola, grill, seating area, fire pit, murphy bar, and planter with trellis

First stop, the outdoor murphy bar (tutorial HERE). I set it up with a fruit-kabob station and some lemon-lime water.

Outdoor murphy bar and planter with trellis

Outdoor murphy bar set up with fruit kebobs and lemon-lime water

The kids LOVED this part after I was done taking pictures tonight.

Cut lemons and bowls of fresh fruit for a fruit-kebob station

Across from the murphy bar is the tiered cedar planter with trellis I made last month (tutorial HERE). I planted some vines, tomatoes, and lots of partial-shade flowers and everything is thriving. The tomatoes get the most sun, and they are really starting to grow tall! I even have 3 little green tomatoes so far!

Cedar tiered planter with trellis

Across from the murphy bar and cedar planter, is what you see when you first walk outside from the dining room– this little seating area by the fire pit (chairs and navy table is from World Market). I built the fire-pit frame using the same basic design idea from the coffee table under the pergola. I’m also happy to report my petunias on my DIY solar light poles are filling out quite nicely!

Outdoor fire pit with seating area and solar light pole

The pergola seating was updated a couple months ago with new cushions and pillows, then I built that coffee table with beverage cooler (hidden under the flush-fit lid), and per several suggestions, I added some drop cloth curtains over the weekend. It really makes things much more private, which we like.

To make the drop cloth curtains: I bought 4 large drop cloths (6′ x 9′) and cut them in half so that I had two- 6′ x 4.5′ pieces from each drop cloth (8 total). Then I used a grommet kit to put grommets at the top of each panel and put shower curtain rings in each grommet. I treated each panel with Scotch-Guard Outdoor Water Repellant Spray so they wouldn’t get moldy. Then I used conduit pipes pre-cut to the length of the inside of my pergola) and 8 conduit metal straps (2 per side), then attached the conduit pipes (‘curtain rods’) using ether metal straps to the inside of the pergola by screwing them into place (my pergola is metal). I just clipped the shower curtain rings into place and then each side had 2 panels! Voila!

Pergola seating area with coffee table

Pink flowers and vines in patio pots

Opposite the outdoor sofa, is our new Stok Quattro Grill. Since it has been so hot, we have been cooking out here almost every evening because it is way better than heating up the house by cooking on the stove (and faster).

Stok Grill by pergola on summer patio with hex planters

I added some decorative hex planters on either side of the window and it really makes the whole space look like an extension of our home. I LOVE it out here. I only don’t love the humidity and bugs. But all the citronella candles help. 😉

Decorative hex planters on brick, Stok grill, candle chandelier, wicker chairs, canvas curtains

Stok Quattro grill with grilled pineapple, grilled zucchini, and grilled chicken kebobs

The coolest thing about this grill is the insert system. We use the cast iron grill inserts the most, but tonight since I had a fruit kebob station, I decided to keep with that theme and make grilled pineapple, zucchini, and chicken kebobs. That insert cleverly holds all the metal skewers (that come with it) and it also has different-shaped rib skewers to grill ribs! These skewers went fast– the chicken was the best and had a delicious marinade I came up with tonight: 1/4 c. olive oil, 2 tsp. garlic salt, 2 tsp. cumin, 1/4 tsp. zest of a lime, and the juice from 2 limes (enough for 2 large breasts). Stir and marinate chicken chunks for 15 minutes then grill for 15-20 minutes, turning as you go.

Stok Quattro grill with grilled pineapple, grilled zucchini, and grilled chicken kebobs

Within a few minutes of the food being ready, the sun sunk lower in the sky making the whole patio glow with all the edison lights and candle-light.

Pergola with edison bulb lights, canvas curtains and cozy seating at dusk

I know this was an epically long post, but I had so much to share, so 50 bonus points for you for getting to the end! 😉 Again, please let me know if you have any questions!

Summer Home Tour 2016 - Shades of Blue Interiors

Be sure and take a look at the other tours this week!

SimplySummerCollage

Visit Country Living Magazine to see more summer decorating ideas!

Monday

MondayCollage Nina Hendrick | Maison de Pax | Cherished Bliss | AKA Design | A Burst of Beautiful | Liz Marie Blog

Tuesday

TuesdayCollage Migonis Home | So Much Better With Age | Zevy Joy | Just a Girl and Her Blog | Shades of Blue Interiors | Making Home Base

Wednesday

WednesdayCollage Rooms FOR Rent | The Wicker House | Bless’er House | Love Grows Wild | Finding Silver Pennies | Design, Dining + Diapers

Thursday

ThursdayCollage

Craftberry Bush | Jennifer Rizzo | The Wood Grain Cottage | Ella Claire | Tidbits | City Farmhouse

Friday

FridayCollage

Kindred Vintage & Co | The Blissful Bee | The Happy Housie | House By Hoff | Nesting With Grace | Life on Virginia Street

Furniture Building, garden, Home Tours, patio love, Photography and Staging, Slipcovers, Tablescapes

Comments

  1. Dianne Gingrich says

    June 21, 2016 at 8:15 am

    I love your home! So charming and summery.
    That basket centerpiece turned out beautiful.
    Thanks for sharing, always look forward to your home tours.

    Reply
  2. Kristen says

    June 21, 2016 at 11:16 am

    So gorgeous Rachel!! Every bit of it!! I love the couch arrangement and that centerpiece… so pretty!! And the chandeliers, and the artwork, and the gallery wall, you are so talented! everything is amazing!!

    Reply
  3. Annie says

    June 21, 2016 at 12:35 pm

    Rachel this is unbelievably gorgeous! I love how you share what it actually looks like to enjoy each of these spaces with a burning fire, grilling food and a beautiful spread on the table… Every detail is so pretty. Loved it!

    Reply
  4. Patricia Conneen says

    June 21, 2016 at 1:00 pm

    Beautiful! Every space is so inviting. The way you’ve styled your coffee table is almost a mirror image of my own with the exception of the woven ball. (I have a wooden kiwi bird.) I’d LOVE to hear something about the painting in your entryway.
    Thanks for the inspiration,
    Pat C.

    Reply
  5. Jamie says

    June 21, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    So gorgeous, Rachel!! I love your home and your outdoor space is dreamy!
    Hugs, Jamie

    Reply
  6. Christina Serina says

    June 21, 2016 at 2:29 pm

    You are so talented!!! I love how you just build a table – haha.

    Reply
  7. Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says

    June 21, 2016 at 3:11 pm

    What a beautiful tour, Rachel! You have a gorgeous home! It was fun being “on tour” with you today! 🙂

    ~Abby =)

    Reply
  8. Susan Young says

    June 21, 2016 at 4:30 pm

    Simply beautiful! Everything is so elegant and well thought out. I’d love to have half of your creativity!! I’d love to see more photos of the pergola itself or a link to someone who sells it. Something like that might be the perfect solution for our back deck!

    Reply
  9. june says

    June 21, 2016 at 7:32 pm

    This is a lovely home. Thanks for sharing. I especially like how you did the living room with the ship lap it is very nice. The outdoor space is a knock out.

    Reply
  10. Chelsea says

    June 21, 2016 at 9:47 pm

    Totally virtually high fiving you over the medallion pillows from Walmart! I have them too. Love them! Your home (and pics) are gorgeous! Your patio/pergola is perfection, friend!

    Reply
  11. Nina Hendrick says

    June 22, 2016 at 7:59 am

    Your home is completely gorgeous, Rachel! Your outdoor space made my jaw drop! Thank you so much for being part of this tour!

    Reply
  12. Erica Hall says

    June 22, 2016 at 5:46 pm

    What is the name and brand of the paint color on your walls? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      June 23, 2016 at 8:47 am

      The living room is Cornforth White by Farrow and Ball.

      Reply
  13. Julia@Cuckoo4Design says

    June 23, 2016 at 8:12 am

    Holy wow that patio area! Love it and of course I adore everything else too.

    Reply
  14. Danielle says

    June 26, 2016 at 10:32 pm

    You amaze me, Rachel! Lovely tour and lovely home. You’ve been so busy in your home and I love seeing all your builds in one post. Gorgeous. xx

    Reply
  15. Lynne says

    June 27, 2016 at 6:45 am

    What a beautiful home you have created! So inviting! You are very talented.

    Reply
  16. Laurie says

    July 1, 2016 at 7:00 pm

    Your home is beautiful! I love that you have done almost everything yourself. It is amazing! I have been trying to style my shelves and having a little trouble and I think you just solved the problem I had, so thanks! I really love the bedskirt in your master bedroom.

    Reply
  17. Kristi says

    July 3, 2016 at 10:26 pm

    Love everything about this! Where are your living room & dining room chandeliers from? They are gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      July 5, 2016 at 9:36 am

      Thank you! They are vintage finds from craigslist!

      Reply
  18. Michelle says

    July 21, 2016 at 7:04 am

    Your home is absolutely beautiful! Where did you find the rug in the family room?

    Reply
  19. Miranda says

    July 26, 2016 at 12:08 am

    Where did you get the temple sketch?

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      July 28, 2016 at 5:28 pm

      I drew it! 🙂

      Reply
  20. Miranda says

    July 26, 2016 at 7:33 pm

    Where did you get your sketch of the temple?

    Reply
  21. Jana says

    July 29, 2016 at 4:41 pm

    Where did you get the hex wall planters on your patio? Or did you make them? I would love to make some!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      August 1, 2016 at 12:29 pm

      I made them! I basically followed this tutorial but instead of the long complicated process of making their jig to get the nails in, blah blah blah, I just used my nail gun and it worked out fine without pre-drilling anything. http://boxycolonial.com/diy-honeycomb-hexagon-shelves/

      Reply
  22. Andrea Emmans says

    June 27, 2017 at 7:44 am

    Beautiful! You are so talented! Where did you find all of your blue bottles for your living room?

    Reply
  23. Maggie says

    March 9, 2018 at 11:30 pm

    Where did you get your couch? I want one just like it for our beach house!

    Reply
  24. Amanda D. says

    May 30, 2018 at 8:32 am

    Love your outdoor space. Where can I find the rugs for purchase?

    Reply
  25. Shannon says

    April 19, 2019 at 10:41 am

    OH your home is stunning!!!!

    Reply
  26. Kristen Durand says

    November 14, 2019 at 10:16 pm

    Hi Rachel,

    Love everything about your style and that this style is affordable with using vintage finds and Home Goods etc. I have a question. Where did you find your mantel for under your TV? I am doing the same design as you in my family room with the cabinets/shelves on either side of my tv and shiplap behind the tv. I’m trying to find a piece of wood to use as a mantel for under the tv but they are all at least $200 (for reclaimed wood). Would love your suggestions! Thank you! Kristen

    Reply

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