Simple Summer Home Tour
Get simple summer decorating ideas with this traditional yet relaxed summer home tour.
Summertime……. and the livin’ is easy…..
Ok, maybe not easy… but casual and fun, for sure. If you’re just joining us for the home tour (welcome!), I have to tell you that May was a VERY big month for our family. Within 5 days, our oldest turned four; I gave birth to our third child (a girl!), and we celebrated our 10-year anniversary. Whew! We need a little down time this summer. 😉
Maison de Pax (our 1940 colonial that we’ve been loving back to life these past two years) is still a work in progress, of course. But we couldn’t be more pleased with the progress we’ve made. Since our last facade reveal, we’ve also added a beautiful wrought-iron fence and grown some star jasmine (which smells divine!).
Now that the whirlwind of our to-do list before the baby (including our attic renovation, our mud room makeover, and her nursery) is done, I’m trying to keep things simple inside.
With the heat that Texas summers entail, all I wanted this season was light, bright, and simple.
I brought in a ton of white pillows (tutorial coming soon!)…
And kept my colorful, serene art that I updated for spring. If you’re in the market for gorgeous European photography, be sure to check out my etsy shop for some amazing prints!
I think at this stage in my life, simplicity is key!
Keeping with the light and simple theme, I made over my office mantel, as well.
Do you like my anniversary gift to my husband? Come back soon for the tutorial; they make beautiful gifts to celebrate any special date!
And while you’re here, I have to share my vintage file cabinet...
And our bookcases. You’ll have to check out the before to appreciate how far this room has come!
Now I want to take you upstairs (because, honestly, the rest of the downstairs looks like I had a baby three weeks ago because… oh, that’s right, I did!). I recently shared these adorable handmade banners in the new nursery.
I think they add a touch of whimsy to the room.
And I so enjoyed the look that I decided my boys needed some “fun summer party flags” (as my four-year-old has dubbed them) for their room, as well. I have not actually shared this room on the blog before (except for their planes and train)… but there’s no time like the present.
What do you think? So fun and festive, right?
And here is my moment of raw honesty… Just look at that bookcase. Shameful, isn’t it? We moved most of the books down to the playroom recently, and I didn’t even have the decency to straighten or stack the ones left before I took this picture. That, my friends, is called motherhood. We. all. need. some. grace. But the super fun, off-centered, impulsive flags make up for it, right? 😉
The master bedroom is always last on my priority list, but I am again enjoying my little rainboots and flowers by my favorite gray window. It’s these little light, bright touches that bring a breath of fresh air into our home during the blazing days of summer.
What about you? Are you finding joy from big, bold colors or seeking serenity in light, white simplicity this season? I’m enjoying both! Whatever your style, I hope most of all that your summer will be filled with friends, family, and fun. Enjoy it!
And don’t miss these other amazing home tours going on all this week!
Monday: Finding Silver Pennies | Town and Country Living | Migonis Home
Tuesday: Craftsberry Bush | The Hankful House | Life on Virginia Street | So Much Better with Age
Wednesday: House by Hoff | Everyday Enchanting | Maison de Pax | Wicks Nest
Thursday: My Creative Days | Ella Claire | The Happy Housie | Rooms FOR Rent | The Lily Pad Cottage
Friday: Bliss at Home | Southern State of Mind | Designed Decor | The Woodgrain Cottage | 3 Little Greenwoods | Just A Girl and Her Blog | City Farmhouse
MORE SUMMER PROJECTS:
Congratulations on all of the May happenings!!
Your home is beautiful. Thanks for sharing on the tour considering you have your hands full.
Hugs, Gee
Thank you so much, Gee! A little design work helps keep me sane. 😉 So glad you liked the tour!
I love how open and bright your home is and I love the nursery. Congratulations on the little one.
Thank you, Marty! We feel so blessed to have her. 🙂
Rachel,
First off I can’t believe you took part in this just 3 weeks after you’ve had a baby! Congratulations!
Your home is so beautiful and I love what you’ve done with the kids rooms and nursery.
Everything is so thought out. LOVE! So great sharing the Summer Tour with you and the girls…
Thanks so much again for sharing and Hugs! 🙂 xo
Thank you so much, Kristy! You are too kind. I’m so thrilled to be part of this fabulous tour. 🙂 I hope you are enjoying your summer!!
What do I comment on first, Rachel?!?!?! Love love love! What a gorgeous outside! Stunning nursery! Love the flags in the boys rooms. Adore the stumps.
I’m booking my flight now. Pronto.
So glad you were a part of the tour. 🙂
Oh Jen, you’re too kind! I’m SO glad to be a part of this – thank you for organizing! And I can’t wait to see you!!! xoxo
So pretty, Rachel! That nursery is so special and sweet! I love all the natural light your home gets!
Thank you, April! I’m so glad you like it. 🙂
I love your home, it is so pretty! We share the same Anniversary, except we married in 03, so Happy belated 10 year Anniversary!
Well, happy belated anniversary to you, too, Dede! And thank you so much!!
Such a gorgeous home tour Rachel!
Thank you so much, Sarah!
Gorgeous! Such a lovely home and tour! x
Thank you so much, Danielle! That means a lot coming from you. 🙂
what a beautiful home! love your boys room- it’s such a fun space! the flags are a great summery touch!
Thanks, Cassie! Kids always need a little whimsical touch, don’t they? 😉 So glad you liked the tour!!
I love the exterior and entrance to your home. Very enchanting 🙂 So many pretty details inside. xo Kristin
Thank you so much, Kristin! We love it, too. 🙂 Thanks for coming by and for your sweet comment!
I don’t know how you do it, Rachel…just gorgeous. Everything. My house looks like a disaster for months after having a baby. Actually, my daughter turns 21 months today and it’s kind of disastrous even now. I’m in awe of all of the beautiful details in your home. 🙂
You are too sweet, Samantha! And trust me, it’s a disaster zone again already… It was fun to have it clean for all of 5 minutes while I photographed, though! 😉 xoxo
Absolutely beautiful Rachel! : ) Love your boys room!!
Thanks, so much, Ashley! The bookcase is especially fabulous, isn’t it? 😉 Gotta love reality. 🙂
Girl! I am so impressed! It can be a challenge to put together a home tour on a normal week, let alone with a new baby! And of course everything is so gorgeous! I absolutely love your style– you are so talented! Thank you for sharing your home with us!
~Abby =)
Awww… thanks, Abby! I admit that it was a little challenging but also very therapeutic to spend some time styling and photographing… I guess that’s why I do this blog thing – I love it! 🙂 Thanks again!
Loving your home tour- it’s gorgeous!!
Mandy @ The Hankful House Blog
Thanks, Mandy!!
I LOVE the chairs in your living room. Where did you get them? I am in the market for two new chairs in our living room and these would be perfect! I also love your boys’ room! Too cute!
Thanks so much, Lindsay! The chairs are Restoration Hardware – my one splurge when we moved into the house. 🙂 Thanks for the sweet comment!
LOVE the flag buntings!! Your whole house looks stunning Rachel- so amazing considering how busy you must be these days!! Simplicity is the key and you have it absolutely mastered, my friend. Hope you are doing really well and that you get a LOT of that well deserved down time this summer!!
~Krista
You’re a doll, Krista. I knew you’d love those colorful flags! I was inspired by you and your bright home. 😉
Wow, what a busy time indeed! Congratulations on all of these wonderful occasions. Many thanks for sharing your gorgeous home with us as well.
If you have a moment to spare I’d be thrilled if you could share this at my weekly Say G’day linky party! It’s on now and this would be a wonderful addition.
Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz
You are so sweet, Natasha! I’m so glad you enjoyed the tour. Thank you for stopping by!!
Congratulations on your new arrival! Your home is beautiful!!
Thank you so much, Nina! You are so kind!!
Love your tour! The grays and irons are so sophisticated. It allows you to go simple everywhere and it looks purposeful and confident. Well done!
Thank you, Alysa! You are so kind. I’m glad to know that it comes across that way!!
Everything is BEAUTIFUL!!! XO, Aimee
Thank you so much, Aimee!! Hugs!