Searching for Summer: My Simple Cottage Home Tour

It seems as though I have been waiting for signs of summer for months now. It was a long winter here in the Mitten and our spring has been very up and down to say the least. So hey, I am all about decorating for summer! Sit back and imagine all things summer as I share searching for summer: my simple cottage home tour.

Today is a special day as I am participating in the Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tours, hosted by my good blogging friend Kelly from The Tattered Pew!

If you’ve found your way here from Brendt from She Gave It A Go, a big Mitten welcome to you! My name is Kim and I have lived my whole life in Michigan. I’m a midwest girl, through and through, who loves a good cup of hot tea (in a pretty mug, of course) and enjoys sharing my lifestyle living with you!

(Affiliate links are used in this post. I earn a small commission when you make a purchase through my links and there is no additional cost to you. Read my full disclosure here.)

Searching for Summer: All the Amazing Signs

When you live in the Mitten, the warm months are few. I cherish those warm days, lighter nights and each blooming flower I can find.

The first signs of summer can vary depending on where you live, but here are some common signs that indicate to me that summer is here in the Mitten!

• Longer daylight hours! As summer approaches, the days become longer and daylight extends into the evening. Who doesn’t love having more daylight?!
• Living in Michigan, one of the most noticeable signs of summer is the rise in temperatures. Definitely a welcomed benefit!
• Let’s here it for more outdoor activites! Our friends and family begin to engage in more outdoor activities which is good for the mind and the body.
• Blooming flowers and trees has to be one of my favorites. Seeing bright colors and lots of greenery after a long cold winter is a welcomed breath of fresh air!
• Planting a garden! We already started our family garden and you can read my post Simple Tips for Starting a Raised Bed Garden if you are looking to start your own.

Searching for Summer: My Simple Cottage Home Tour

For this home tour, I am going to share my patio and porch spaces, along with some summer decor inside my home.

When decorating both these spaces, I did use some previous items. It’s impossible to buy new for every season. But I will show you small things you can do to make your spaces look different and refreshed for the summer season!

Patio & Porch Living

It isn’t realistic, at least in my lifestyle, to frequently change out big furniture items. I have had the same patio table and chair set for quite a few years and it still looks great! Why change something that isn’t broken? I added a new wicker loveseat to my outside space last year, and it is the perfect size for my patio.

There are plenty of ways to change up your space each season. For me, I use a different theme each year on my back patio. This year, I found this bright red and white ladybug planter at our local roadside market. It came home with me back in February and I decided to incorporate colors that would match it. So, I am using red and salmon with black accents in my back yard. Hot pink and yellow, my usual go-to, in the front.

The first thing I purchased was some colorful pillow covers. This is a great way to change up your space from year to year. Look for inexpensive options or if you can sew, consider making your own covers, using outdoor fabric. Mixing and matching patterns can add a playful touch. Once I knew what pillow covers I was using, I picked out a new rug. My youngest son bought it for me for Mother’s Day!

I love it that much more!

DIY planters and container gardens can really transform any space. Create unique planters and container gardens using recycled materials such as old buckets, cans, or wooden crates. Fill them with colorful flowers or herbs to add life and beauty to your space. I chose geraniums, as they are my favorite summer flower to plant. They tolerate the heat very well, live a long time, and always look so good!

Patio Accessories

Big Al and I have precious granddaughters and I love adding a bit of whimsy to my decor just for them. Little items that they can play with or make memories from. Adding those whimsical items can bring a playful and enchanting atmosphere to your outdoor space. They don’t have to be expensive and can be items you already have laying around your house.

Here are some other ideas that can add whimsy to your outdoor decor:

• A fairy garden – I’ve had one of these for about five years. They are such a fun project to make. You can see how to make one here.
• Add a garden flag – I always use one in the front and back yard.
• Wind chimes – Definitely a zenful touch!
• Outdoor string lights – I think these are the best investment. Stringing up twinkling fairy lights across your patio, creates a magical atmosphere in the evenings.

I had the cutest lady bug that I set out on the side table. It matches my decor and the grands can play with it whenever they want. My oldest grand loves this stone birdhouse, I made a few years ago. I took stones from our beach trips to create it. How to Build An Easy Stone Birdhouse will give you all the tips to make your own!

My last item…decor for my back door! For spring I created a door basket with tulips. I didn’t want to spend any money, so I used some red and salmon colored faux flowers and changed up the basket I used for spring.

It worked surprisingly well!

That’s it for the outdoors! Now, let’s head inside!

Indoor Summer Additions

As we head inside, you can see I haven’t changed much since spring. Repurposing your spring decor to transition into the summer months is a great way to maximize your existing decorations and create a seamless seasonal transition.

One thing I did do for my summer home decor, was bring the outdoors in.

Forging greenery from your home or your neighboring area doesn’t cost you a dime and it really makes a pretty statement, adds a natural element by bringing nature indoors. I went to my son’s house and clipped some branches from his large spirea bushes.

I arranged them in one of my blue and white ginger jars and I think it turned out beautiful! It smells great too!

I added a beautiful pillow in the spring and felt it too pretty to replace for summer. Even though it is warm during the summer months, I always like to have a light weight blanket close by.

I recently received the prettiest wooden tray from my middle son and DIL. It was too pretty not to display and I really do treasure any gift I’m given.

It’s good to note that adding trays to your home decor for summer can serve both functional and decorative purposes. Whether you are organizing a vignette, using for outdoor entertaining or just styling on a table or ottoman in your home, trays are a functional decor item.

Next up on the Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tours is my friend Heidi from Eleanor Rose Home! You won’t want to miss her summer decor ideas.

My Simple Cottage Home Tour

Thank you for joining me on my simple cottage home tour! In this sometimes crazy, fast-paced world, I hope my cottage serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, appreciate the little things, and find joy in the simple pleasures of life.

I pray your home and your summer is full of love, warmth, pretty flowers, and lasting memories!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!

Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tours

This week I am joining some of my blogging friends for the Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tours. Twenty eight talented and creative women will be opening their homes up for you to tour all week long. You can visit each summer home tour by clicking the links below.

Monday’s Tours

The Tattered Pew // Worthing Court // StoneGable

My Wee Abode // Southern Home and Hospitality // My Thrift Store Addiction

Tuesday’s Tours

She Gave It a Go // Cottage In The Mitten // Eleanor Rose Home

Peacock Ridge Farm // Bricks n’ Blooms // Cottage On Bunker Hill

Wednesday’s Tours

White Arrows Home // A Life Unfolding // Simply2Moms

WM Design House // White Lilac Farmhouse

Thursday’s Tours

The Ponds Farmhouse // Thistle Key Lane // Open Doors Open Hearts

Robyn’s French Nest // Cloches and Lavender // DIY Beautify

Friday’s Tours

Pasha Is Home // My Family Thyme

Midwest Life and Style // Amy Sadler Designs

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