The day I returned home from Loblolly, I was super excited about getting our home ready for all things summer which included creating a summer inspired entry. I started cleaning the house with gusto and catching up on piles of laundry. I had tons of great ideas whirling around in my head and I went shopping for all the materials I thought I would need to complete them.
But once I got started, I realized I was exhausted and for a hot minute I lost my mojo.
This time of year is like that, right? One day you feel totally on it and ready to tackle any project that comes your way and the next, you realize you’ve rallied one too many times and you’re beat.
If you’re looking around the house thinking, “I can barely remember to sign my kids field trip permission forms,” or “I don’t even have time to take down my spring decorations much less drag my summer decorations out,” this post is for you!
Summer decorating doesn’t have to be crazy involved or detailed to look good, I promise. Whatever your season of life I’ve got you covered with quick and easy decorating tips in a mini-series called The Busy Girl’s Guide to Summer Decorating. Here are a few budget friendly tips to consider starting with the entry…
Step One: Chose a color palette for the entry based on colors that will complement what you already have in your home. This will provide a cohesive feel consistent with the way you actually live. Our home is bathed in neutrals which makes adding pops of color throughout the seasons a breeze. This year we’re adding pops of lavender to our usual palette of whites, grays, camels and blacks.
Step Two: You likely have a table, bench and/or some sort of hooks by the front door for your keys, purse or mail so start there. Switch out any spring flowers for summer flowers, hang fun, fresh artwork on the hooks or consider hanging up a summer inspired wreath. I picked this one up on sale at Hobby Lobby because I’ve been obsessed with all things lavender lately.
Step Three: Layer interest and texture with pillows, baskets, accessories and rugs. Once I knew we would be using lavender for summer, I picked up this inexpensive material and started making pillow covers. The fringed bench scarf is a scrap of drop cloth and the ruffled bed skirt is a thrifted find we use all year.
Step Four: Bring in bits of nature from your yard, your local farmers market or plant nursery, pieces of driftwood, shells or sea glass from the beach or stones from your latest hike. These are all great and inexpensive ways to add color and seasonal elements to your entry space. They’ll also serve as a reminder to get outdoors throughout the summer season! Just make sure anything you bring inside the house has been cleaned well and is free from pests.
Step Five: Finally, keep it tidy! Easy summer decorating is all about keeping things festive yet simple which means a place for shoes, pet wipes, and incoming mail. We keep baskets hidden under the bench for shoes and pet supplies and we put the mail away immediately so it doesn’t collect on the bench.
Decorating a summer inspired entry is an easy way to welcome your family, neighbors and guests into your home. It’s also a relatively inexpensive space to decorate. In fact, if you’re on a budget it’s the perfect area to freshen up and try something new for the summer season.
After all, if you’re going to get swept up in anything this summer let it be truly being present and spending time with your family and friends. You don’t have to go crazy decorating your entry for summer unless you want to!
Take the time to put out a few things that make your summer inspired entry feel festive and spend the rest of the time celebrating all the season has to offer.
Speaking of celebrating the season, have you guys created your summer bucket list yet? I’ll share a few ideas and a freebie with you tomorrow. Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.