It sure has been feeling a lot like summer this past week. With temps reaching into the 90’s, and all the leaves just about fully in bloom on the trees, it’s safe to say the snow is now behind us here in New England. We even escaped to the lake one afternoon last week, which totally felt like summer. I am so ready for it. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for summer vacation, lazy days, going to the beach, and not having to make anymore school lunches! Can I get an AMEN! I saw a funny video on YouTube this past week about September school parenting vs. May school parenting, it’s so perfect, you can watch HERE for a little laugh! With summer on the brain, I’m sharing a few tweaks I did to our home to get ready for the warm months ahead. I’m joining a few of my blogging friends who are also sharing glimpse’s of their homes for summer as well.
If you are new here, we live in an 1846 New England farmhouse in southern NH, about 30 minutes inland from the coast. We love it to say the least. I always wanted an old white farmhouse, full of charm and character, and over the past 6 years of updating it and making it ours, it completely feels like home. 
Our dining room and living room are open to each other, with craftsman style columns that separate the spaces. It was my favorite feature about the house. Typical old New England homes are known for having a bunch of small rooms, so to have two of our main spaces open to each other really makes our house feel bright and airy throughout. 
Lilacs just happen to be our states flower, and they bloom in May, and since my birthday is in May, I’ve kinda dubbed them as “my flower”. Or at least that was what I always believe as a kid, LOL! They are a signature for me that summer is on it’s way! 
Not too mention I love the way they pair with fresh pops of navy blue, my go to color choice for summer decor. I also added a subtle hint of blue to our coffee table, with these new glass bead strands I picked up from The Woven Home.
I’ve had my eye on them for awhile, and so glad I finally pulled the trigger, they are so gorgeous in person, and I love the detail they add, simple yet unique in every bead. 
One of my biggest goals in decorating our home, is to always make sure my spaces feel relaxed. To me a room is most inviting when you feel like you can come in and be refreshed and most importantly relax! I stick to a neutral color palette, so when adding color, I keep it minimal but sprinkle it throughout the room, and love the way it feels.
One of the ways I did this when incorporating more blue for summer, was with a new print that had more of a summer feel to it for me, and of course played in well with my color scheme. 
It’s no secret I change out my artwork. I invest in nice frames, but this makes it easy to change out prints or family photos seasonally as needed, or just on a whim when I feel like it. 
I always joke that if I were a super hero my mission would be to make every corner cozy – one room at a time, LOL. Well I am most definitely not a super hero, but no matter what room I’m decorating in our home, I always make the corners cozy. I think this plays into what makes spaces inviting. 
When you feel well surrounded in a space, you almost get the sense of a warm embrace when you walk into the room. That’s what I hope for each and every time.
Of course one of my most favorite ways to decorate is with fresh flowers and greens. Let no branch be left behind, ha ha. You can always find me outside in our yard, or perhaps my neighbors (he he) clipping away and bringing in whatever I find to be placed in a jug, or a jar somewhere throughout our home.
In fact my husbands typical response when he sees my fortune of clipped greens is “Where are you going to put all that?!”, rest assured there is nothing left over once I’m done with it.
I hope you feel inspired to start decorating for summer, or the wheels of inspiration are spinning with ideas of how you can welcome summer in your home as well! Be sure to stop by and visit my friends and see how they have begun to welcome summer into their homes as well!
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As always, I absolutely love your home …. I wouldn’t change a thing! So appreciate your home tours, they give me ideas to do in mine. Thanks again for sharing!!!
Kay
It is absolutely beautiful! I love how you stay with all neutrals and the way incorporate different woods. Would you share the paint color in your family room?
Thank you, Petra Lowery
Dear Bre,
How do you cut your lilacs and keep them fresh? Mine wilt-no matter how I cut them!!
Thanks,
Bobnie
Hi Bonnie! Unfortunately I’m not sure I have any tips. Mine only last 2-3 days, which I think is typical for lilacs. I do make sure when I cut them I put them in a pitcher of water right away, and then will trim down and arrange in a vase, but other than that, mine don’t really last too long either.
simply lovely, my friend!
Love your house you do a great job of decorating it. I think there is nothing prettier that flowers or greenery.
What a beautiful and peaceful home you have created. I can just imagine curling up in any area with a good book. You are so very talented!!
SO pretty!!! I love your fresh floral touches- those lilacs on the coffee table are just spectacular! It’s all so cozy and lovely, thanks for sharing.
hey girl- love your house! so pretty!
i always love to come visit Bre. your home is always feels like home….the way it should feel.
Ohhh Thank you so much Laura!!
Your house is always a breath of sunshine and calm. Thanks for inviting us,it’s always a pleasure.
You are so sweet Sue, thank you so much!!!
Bree, Your home makes me weak in the knees! I love love love your upscale farmhouse styling! Your sweet spirit shines through in your home! So thrilled to be “touring” with you! xo
The feeling is totally mutual! Thank you so much Yvonne 🙂 xo
Your home is so amazing! All of the wood is beautiful. So happy to be on the tour with you!
Ohhh thanks KariAnne!!! I feel the same way about you 🙂 xo