Shades of Summer Home Tour
with Navy & Neutral accents.
with Navy & Neutral accents.
Simple touches like fresh flowers
and pops of blue provide budget-
friendly farmhouse style
ideas and inspiration.
and pops of blue provide budget-
friendly farmhouse style
ideas and inspiration.
Welcome to the Shades of Summer Home Tour…I’m so glad you are here. I haven’t been part of an official home tour for a long time and I’m a little bit nervous! I can finally say that our living & dining room makeover is finished so the timing of this home tour is perfect. You will be getting the first look at the totally finished rooms. I’m also including the entry and kitchen with some simple, summer decorating touches. If you are visiting from Kelley Nan, a very special welcome to you. I love Kelley’s style because it’s classic and refined, yet warm and inviting at the same time. That’s not easy to do yet she does it effortlessly all the time! So if it’s your first time here, I’m glad you came.
My colors for this summer are navy and neutral, which should not come as a surprise! I love navy during any season, but especially in the summer. As you’re taking the tour, and it’s a bit long, I’ll be updating you on a few final makeover choices. I’ll mostly let the pictures speak for themselves, but I’ll pop in when I have something to tell you. Enjoy!
Shades of Summer Home Tour
The only changes in the entry were the floor and a new ceiling light. Like I said in my Kitchen Coffee Station post, my old lights were bought for all the wrong reasons and I have never liked them. For this makeover, I spent a ton of time looking online at various websites for the perfect lights. I knew what I wanted but it took me a while to find it. I finally found this line of lights from the Capital Lighting Midtown Collection. They are simple, yet updated which is the look I wanted. I chose the burnished bronze with a linen shade but this collection is available in other finishes and shade colors. I also changed out the lights in my back hallway and kitchen with this fixture from the same collection.
Since my peonies were in full bloom when I started taking photographs, I considered it a sign that I should cut most of them and bring them inside. The dark pink color pops off all the cool blues and ivories for a fresh summer look. Simply adding fresh flowers and greenery to your rooms makes them feel alive. If you don’t have anything growing in your yard, grocery store flowers are an excellent way to achieve the same look.
Changes in the living room were mostly to the background with the addition of new flooring, paint, window panels and an area rug. I treated myself to some new blue plates and pillows, but other than that, all the furniture and accessories stayed the same. I had planned to use neutral pillows on the sofa but when I tried out the navy ones, I was smitten immediately. They help the slipper chairs make sense and have a lovely texture.
In the photo below, the chair in the foreground is where I work. The hours I clock sitting in that chair are actually comfortable and efficient. The two baskets stacked next to the chair serve as “desk drawers” and hold everything I need.
The dining room is where all the real action happened and is the room that changed the most. It looks totally and completely different. I am delighted with the way it turned out and would not change a thing now that it’s all finished. I considered installing hard-wired lights to the walls flanking the window but instead chose budget-friendly lanterns with LED candles. They add a little bit of rustic, farmhouse charm as well.
The artwork on the wall over the board and batten is again simple but fresh. I framed two of my new botanical prints in simple black frames. I was at the end of my budget so I did just the two, but I’m considering adding three more to make a lovely, gallery-wall style display. For now though, I enjoy the simplicity.
Tip: Using botanical prints in your decor is the next best thing to adding natural elements.
The roman shades were a splurge, but well worth it. I had them custom-made and they turned out exactly like I had envisioned them. The minute they were installed, I knew I had made the right choice. Now THAT is a good feeling!
Our kitchen isn’t new, it’s not big and it’s not really updated. I’ve done easy things like new paint, appliances, and hardware but we still have the original cabinets. It’s quite functional though and like anything that’s been around for a long time, it’s comfortable. I have a wish list that’s a mile long of changes I’d like to make but I have no idea if any of them will ever happen. Time will tell.
Changes from the makeover spilled into the kitchen but were minimal: new floor, new ceiling light and I painted the island the same color as the board and batten. You can check out a few more details and see a source list by clicking this link:
To see the other living & dining room makeover posts click HERE. I’ll be back soon with one final post that talks a little bit about cost and lessons learned. I’ll also line up some before & after pictures.
Living Room/Entry Shopping Sources:
Living room rug (8 x 10) | Hardwood floors | Linen pillow covers | Living room wall color | Blanket Ladder | Buffet lamps on dresser (similar) | Living Room furniture | Ivory lantern set | Navy slipper chairs | Navy pillow covers | Blue checked pillow | Blue Striped Pitcher | Blue plates on wall (similar) | Front Door Wreath | Blue cabinet | Entry ceiling light | Grain Sack Tote
Dining Room Shopping Sources:
Rug (out of stock) | Lanterns | Lantern hooks | Wall paint color: HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams Linwood Sands | Trim and wainscoting paint color | Fabric on chairs | Chandelier | Basket Tray | Striped Pitcher from Urban Home & Garden | Roman Shades: Custom from Pam Prueter Window Treatments | Botanical prints | Address decal | Blue striped runner (similar)
Other Kitchen Shopping Sources:
Blue kitchen scale (vintage) | Copper lantern | Copper mugs | Copper pitcher | Drawer pulls | Cabinet knobs | Hemstitch Sand Placemats from Pier 1
No home tour is ever complete without a picture of our sweet dog, Kelly. She’s always right there and is the best little helper.
Now it’s time to send you along to Tamara’s blog, CITRINELIVING. Like me, she loves beautiful blues and she has such a talent for adding color to her spaces while keeping them serene and calm. Her Shades of Summer Home Tour is loaded with ideas and inspiration that anyone can use.
You won’t want to miss the other blogs on the tour. These girls have been working hard to provide inspiration for bringing touches of summer into your own home. Here’s the line-up with the colors they are featuring:
CitrineLiving | Beautiful Blues & Fresh Greenery
Four Generations One Roof | Corals & Pinks
Emily A. Clark | Black & Brown
Driven by Decor | Pink & White
Setting for Four | Indigo, Black & Gray
Kelley Nan | Neutrals & Naturals
Joining Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style
Your place is beautiful.. so refined and comfortable….I can see that you really take pride in your place. Thanks for sharing your lovely home.
I think your kitchen is as lovely as the rest of your home! I love farmhouse style and neutrals, but I have to have some color, so I really liked your blues!
Lovely pictures. Everything is very beautiful. I liked the colors you used.
Your house looks lovely, Ann. Love the blues and neutrals. Blues are my favorite!
Ann,
I always enjoy seeing your latest updates and love how your home is a fresh take on traditional style. It looks timeless, including your kitchen. The tile backsplash over your stove reminds me of backsplashes from a few years ago, but is beautiful still with your fresh white kitchen and its blue accents.
Judith
I love your style. Please, please tell me the name of that blue paint color on the lattice front chest by your white “office” chair!! A perfect hue. Exactly what I have been looking for. Thanks!!
Hi Bonnie…actually I bought that cabinet just like it is. I didn’t paint it. Sorry I could not be more helpful!
I think you’ve done a fabulous job with your home and I love the blue and white.
I absolutely love your home, it is so inviting! Really love all the blues, my favorite colors are blue and white together.
This is such a pretty home tour! I love all of the updates. The wood floors are beautiful. The roman shades are perfect in the dining room. The navy is such a pretty accent for summer or any season! I like how your navy touches in the kitchen really make the rooms flow. Looking forward to some pictures of your garden. Always a treat.
Thank you for the idea-filled tour. I, too, am a blue and white (with yellow thrown in) decor fan. I also need to bring my peonies inside!
I am always drawn to these beautiful shades/combinations.
Ann, yours was my most favorite tour of all participants. I think what set it apart was exactly the lack of “pizzazz”. Classic and beautiful is extremely appealing, and is harder to pull off than “trendy”.
You have been blessed with a lovely home. I thoroughly enjoyed my tour. I am new to your blog so my question is one regarding an item in your home before you did your make-over. What is the brand of the sofa in the living room? I am looking for one just like it. I am looking for one just like it that has a firm back rather than a loose soft pillow back.
Hi Isobel,
The sofa is from a local Artvan store. Artvan is a furniture chain in the midwest. It’s the Chloe II and it was special ordered in the fabric Desire Pearl. It’s about a year old and looks brand new. I love it. :) Hope this helps!
Love your decorating – I have to say some is like mine but enjoy everything. The blue accents are so pretty & love the flowers colors. Your kitchen looks so cozy – not sure I would do anything to it! Thanks so much!
I spied a Longaberger recipe basket in your kitchen. Awesome…Love your home.
Your “summer” home is delightfully designed and so fresh and beautifully summer! Navy and neutral; I never would have thought of the combination, but isn’t it glorious?
Even the smallest of touches you added to rooms has given them a new personailty! Those neutral pillows on the navy chairs look amazing. Speaking of amazing, your dining room is just that! I can’t begin to tell you what I love the most, the lanterns, those gorgeous roman shades, the botanical prints, the tablescape, the navy and neutral chair appointments…I LOVE IT! You have such creativity bundled with in you, Ann! I’m ever envious! I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that the picture that took my heart away was sweet Kelly resting and enjoying the sun.
So pretty! Lots of thought & inspiration!
Very nicely done Ann! I love the lanterns, custom shades and blue & white throughout. I’m glad you left your natural wood furniture pieces unpainted. And nothing says home like your little Kelly sleeping on the sofa.
Dear Ann, Absolutely beautiful!! I love your dining room (board & batten). Looks wonderful! I really love your kitchen! I think small kitchens are the best, you have no choice but to stay organize and keep it things simple. Thank you for sharing your home.
Beautiful!
Oops, lots of typos in my post..can’t figure out how to edit!! Sorry…
I love the various shades of blue in your home! Very inviting!! I truly enjoy following your blog. I have found several,new recipes and decorating tips that I have use.
Thanks!! You are a breath of fresh air!
I love blue and white! Just brought out my mother’s blue willow still looking for ideas. Not a decorator far from it. Thank you for sharing and giving me some ideas.
Dear Ann~
I think your kitchen is one of my favorites ~
I love the blue & white tile on the counter tops.
The blue cabinet and everything else I can see.
Have a wonderful day
Much love,
Rose
Ann, your blue cabinets are what inspired me to read your blog years ago. I love your touches of blue. And I love your sign-offs at the end of the blog. Makes me smile every time.
I love the beautiful touches of blue Ann…year round!
Thank you so much for sharing your lovely home with us, I love your style. Inspiring to see how your dark traditional furniture works with the white.
Ann, I really enjoyed the tour of your lovely home. On an earlier post I had written down the navy color of your cabinets. Today I added Linwood Sands to my paint list. We are in the early stages of building a home in the country and you are giving me lots of good ideas! Thank you for the post and Kelly is adorable!
Your home is beautiful! My favorite is the board and batten in the dining room. I also love your color combination.
Dear Ann,
I like your kitchen island. We are considering removing our kitchen table and having an island installed that would include additional storage. I would like two things from you, if you don’t mind.
1. A more complete look at the overall structure of your island.
2. A graphed floorplan showing where stuff (cabinets, fridge, stove, etc.) are installed in your kitchen.
I look forward to meeting you here on Sundays and Wednesdays each week.
Be blessed!
Irene
Love the blues paired with the naturals and the splashes of pink. The dark furniture makes it sing. For my taste , I would have added something – not sure what – just to make it hit the high note. Pizazz , it’s lacking Pizazz. Don’t get offended , I’m not critizing , your home is absolutely lovely. I like everything you have done and always look forward to your next post.
Just gorgeous, Ann. Couldn’t be any more perfect.
I loved your home the old way SO much that I couldn’t imagine any changes. But you certainly pulled it off beautifully! Just lovely. Adore the dark work furniture with the blue and white and everything quaint and sophisticated at the same time.
Your home is so beautiful!
I love your blues! It makes me have blue envy and want to redecorate my home with a whole new color scheme! I love all of the recent changes you made Ann – especially those twin lanterns you hung up in your dining room – so pretty! Always love seeing your home (and sweet Kelly!). So fun doing this with you!
Everything is grand.
Thanks for having us.
Your kitchen is my favorite!
would like to duplicate your window trwatmrnt. Is a tutorial avsilanle?
Tell us about the print over the sinl, please.
Love everything! Blue and white have been my best friends for as long as I can remember. Very versatile, and can be paired with so many styles and other colors as trends come and go.
Your kitchen counter and backsplash in the white and blue tile is a classic. If it were me I would never change it.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful and welcoming home.
OMG! I absolutely love this post!
Your home looks so clean, crisp, and inviting. A place to enjoy a marvelous cup of coffee and a piece of cake, a place to kick back and relax, a quiet corner to say a few prayers for your family and friends and reflect on a life full of life!
Peaceful and Quiet but all ready to welcome Family, Friends, and Neighbors.
Enjoy your home, and thanks for letting me in for a quick peek!
Ann, everything is gorgeous and I love the hot pink and navy! Looks amazing! Hope you have a wonderful weekend and your weather cooperates! ;)
Lovely updates to your living and dining rooms. Enjoyed your tour and combinations of blue,cream and pink. Jean
Ann, I am in love with your beautiful home! Your mix of blues and wood tones is so classic and it’s all so warm and welcoming! I especially love those vibrant peonies are and love how they mix with your blue also. Just gorgeous! So fun to do this tour with you!
Your place is absolutely lovely ???????????? You inspire me to do much more in my house. Thank you! Have a happy summer????????????????
The house looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
So so pretty Ann. I love every room, so inviting and cozy. Love all your colors and love your decorating. Every room is beautiful.
Your home is absolutely beautiful!! If I had one more room, it would be blue and white!
Anne, I love, love, love what you’ve done to your home. I’ve said it before but I must repeat myself–you’re the blog that I most adore. You’re style and decorating sense is so refreshing and fabulous.Please be my personal decorator!!!
Your dining room is such a change, I didn’t think I could like it more; however, it’s wonderful. I too have wood floors; aren’t they so much better than carpet? Your accent rugs & every change that you made makes such a difference. I especially like the dog, did she come with the sofa. haha
Love, Cookie
Beautiful, as always! Ann, please share your trick for attaching the kitchen valance – the kind of hooks and source. Thanks!
Ann, your home looks gorgeous! I am so jealous of those peonies you have growing and your living room and dining room updates look awesome. I agree on the Roman shades- totally worth it! Bravo, my friend xoxo
Lovely changes. Congrats on the completion.
Ann, I visited all the homes on the tour and all were very pretty but I must tell you I thought your tour was the very best. Your pictures gave us a much better view of the rooms and decor. Love that you always include that cutie Kelly!
I LOVE the changes you have made!! Your home feels so welcoming. And I’m so glad you didn’t jump on the Neutral bandwagon. I love the color, blue, too & you have accented your home with just the right amount. I hope you feel completely in love with it as I am smitten with your zest to throw blue into your rooms.
Ann, your home updates are lovely, I love the shades of blue. Your home is beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Ann for sharing your home & decorating sense with us. I’m moving from red to navy in my home. Please tell me the name/color of your front door. TIA
Hi Wanda…the front door color is Naval by Sherwin Williams. Thanks!
Your home is beautiful! Love navy blue and neutrals – such a clean look. Don’t know if I have ever seen a dough bowl that large before but I love it. Love your kitchen counter tops. Were they original to the house when you bought or did you install them? Either way it’s a great look. You have elegant taste and I can’t wait to see more of what’s in store at your blog.
Hi Debra…the countertops are old but not that old! We installed them about 15 years ago as a quick, inexpensive fix to Formica. I never thought I would have them this long but they’re still here! Thanks for taking the time to comment. <3
Ann, do you clean your own house? It’s immaculately beautiful. The other houses on this tour are also painfully clean (LOL).
Good tour. I looked at each one. Thanks.
Hi Pat…my house looked like this for about two days and then it went back to normal!
Whew! I feel so much better now. Your house is gorgeous.
You must be very proud, it all looks inspiring.Thanks .
I love your summer home tour Ann!! The blues mixed with creams, whites and wood tones are so relaxing and pretty!! I love all of your beautiful blooms too! So fun to tour with you and Happy Summer!! xo Heather
So happy for you Ann:) A fresh and welcoming home you styled. You chose colors you love and the dining room has to be the biggest change. Do you have the corner cabinets in the room? It looks like the living room drapes has the similar color of the paint in the dining room. Kelly is adorable!
Have a beautiful day, Kathleen in Az
Hi Kathleen…yes the corner cabinets are still there. I had to cut down on pictures so the ones of that side of the room were left out. I’ll try to include them at some point later on.
I love your home the blue is beautiful
Yours is ALWAYS my favorite home to view, and I have copied a few of your ideas and used some of your printables! Thank you for sharing!
Lovely, just the right balance of calm and interest. Kelly has a great spot on the couch!
Your house is beautiful Ann. Love it all.
Beautiful home, thanks for sharing
Thank you for the tour; everything is beautiful Ann. Love the fresh crisp look of blue and white; and those floors…….gorgeous!!!!! Very nice; each room is lovely (sure would love to work in your kitchen). Peonies are lovely and Kelly is precious. Thanks again
Beautiful, clean, and fresh! Where did you get the cute bag hanging from the stair rail?
Hi Carmen…that was a gift from my daughter. She ordered it from a seller on eBay. I will add the link to the post but here it is: http://stores.ebay.com/Stacks-Of-Sacks/Tote-Bags-Purses-Book-Bag-/_i.html?_fsub=5953344015
Love it (as I knew I would.
Wow Ann – I love all the changes you made to your home. It was lovely before, but now it is stunning. Your homework paid off with wonderful results. Congratulations and thank you for sharing the results on this tour.
Just lovely Ann.So serene and inviting.You have
done a great job with your home, love little Kelly.
Your home is always a breath of fresh air…understated and serene. Love the pops of pink!
Beautiful such clean uncluttered fresh look. No lazyboy, my husband would not be happy.
This is just beautiful, Ann! Your dining room is spectacular. Yes, you made the right choices. :)
You mentioned still having the original kitchen cabinets but the kitchen cabinets go perfect with your style (I think). I love the color choices on everything but again think the cabinet style is perfect. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with me.
Your home looks so lovely Ann! I love the blues and creams.
All I have to say, Ann, is wow, wow, wow! I have been a longtime follower, but due to health reasons have been away for awhile. The last time I had seen one of your posts was when I think you had some damage and needed to revamp. Well, I’ll say you did and with a bang! Everything looks so updated, fresh but maintains your style. Am going to go back thru the posts I missed to follow your processes. Great, great job, congratulations
Welcome back Eileen…and I’m so glad you are feeling better!
What fun. I love blue and white and I’m such a fan of your decorating style. Your room decor just makes me happy. Fresh and so pretty. The rooms are also welcoming and cozy. Thanks for the home tour and I can’t wait to check out the others. We are getting ready to add an addition to our small house this summer that will include a dining room added onto the kitchen, a powder room and upstairs laundry area. The construction will take up most of our budget so I’ll need to be really creative when it comes to decorating. One thing I know for sure, the new powder room and the laundry area will be blue and white.
Beautiful beautiful home.
Ann,
I love all your decorating and find it so inspiring. I particularly think the blue of your long kitchen cabinet is perfect. Would you be able to provide that color name and brand? A bedside table of that exact color is just what I need. Well, to be honest, it’s just what I want; “need” is a bit of a stretch.
Thanks so much for this beautiful website. I thoroughly enjoy it.
Have a great day,
Mary
Hi Mary…the kitchen cabinet is the same color as my front door. Naval by Sherwin Williams. Thank you!
Ann, I was so excited when your new posting came up. The new fresh look is beautiful, and it is nice to see it along with classic pieces. Everything that you did is perfection and I am sure you are loving it and enjoying it as well. I have looked at it several times myself. The way you incorporated some charming pieces adds such warmth to the whole look. Your kitchen looks great too. I don’t think that you need to do a thing to it.
Thank you for sharing this with your loyal friends.
Just beautiful Ann! I love when you add a picture of your pup in a post.
Your dining room is stunning! Love your choices. One reason I enjoy your decor so much is that you add farmhouse touches without the entire room screaming “farmhouse”. Your blog is also very calming to me. Thank you for doing another home tour! Oh, I also like the links to items, or similar items that you’ve used. This is a big help.
Ann, your home is so beautiful! I love the pop of blues in your décor. Your kitchen might be small and as you say, “not updated”
but it is so fresh and bright, I think it’s lovely just the way it is. I could sit there with my coffee and just smile at what I see.
beautiful! thanks for sharing!!
Wow! Your home looks amazing! It’s so bright and cheery for the summer. The blue and magenta accent colors are really spectacular and gives a warm, radiant summer feel!
Of course, I LOVE your style! I enjoy everything you share and the information of where to buy is great! Thank you!
Such a comfy, classic and tasteful home! I love the white table lamp next to your ‘working chair’. Would you have a source for that? Thanks, in advance!
Hi Ann…that lamp is actually a vintage piece I got when we emptied my in-laws house. I had to have it re-wired and the plug replaced but it works great!
Oh Ann, your home is LOVELY. So serene and calming. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Everything looks so beautiful, Ann. I love all of your blue and white.
Your home is so welcoming and I too love the navy pops! In fact I chose so of the same items and I love them!
As always your posts are inspiring. I too love Navy Blue and hope to use it in some future decorating. Keep up the good work, and thanks for sharing!
Love it all! Do NOT change that kitchen!!! It is priceless! Of course, one of my favorite “things” of all is Kelly on the sofa….still hoping for some precious schnauzer printables!
Thank you for allowing us in your lovely home! I love all the updates you’ve made and you have chosen my favorite color palette!!
You have done such a beautiful job Ann. Love all of the changes you have made.
Classic, fresh, lovely -all of it
I so enjoyed your home tour! Each room is beautiful and inviting and you’ve inspired me to add some hanging lanterns to my home.
Your home is so inviting, Ann! Everything is beautiful–crisp, clean, and classic! You have a talent for adding just enough new accessories to keep it current without succumbing to trend-overload. Your home–and your blog–makes me want to come over for coffee, a chat, and a visit with Kelly! Lovely!!!
I have to tell you how much I love the look of your home! It’s so peaceful, elegant and yet relaxing too. The blues are so lovely. Your dining room turned out fabulous. What I love about your home, Ann, is that you often use what you have as opposed to buying new all the time. Keeping your vintage dining room set and making it look fresh and yet traditional at the same time. In your kitchen, one of the first things I noticed was the darling window treatment. Did you make it? It is very vintage looking. I love how you keep the ceramic tile counters and work with them for the kitchen theme. Your kitchen doesn’t look like everyone else’s. I love it!! Well done!
Hi Nanci…the window treatment in the kitchen is made from a piece of vintage mangle cloth. I just added ribbon tabs and buttons at the top. Thanks for your lovely comment. <3
No reason to be nervous Ann! Lovely home! Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to seeing the others as well. Also, thank you for centralizing your links. This making shopping so much easier than having to scroll all over trying to find them. ????
I just love the way your diningroom turned out! Beautiful. Navy is also my colour, but I do add some red in there as well. thank you for sharing.
Our living room needs a make over real bad, so your ideas come in handy.
greetings from The Netherlands
so pretty! i love all of the navy and the peonies just pop!