How to Transition to Summer Décor

A white farmhouse table with an antique crystal chandelier above. The table settings are made from copper colored material and a white ceramic piece houses fresh pops of green from the garden in the table’s centerpiece

Written and photograhy by Amy Mings

Ready to transition to summer décor? “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” —F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Transitioning from spring to summer décor makes me think of this quote from The Great Gatsby. Summer is my favorite season. The days get longer, the light is more golden, and everything slows down enough that it feels like I can really enjoy the activities that my family is involved in. It’s about extra time with our girls, cookouts, reunions and most importantly, togetherness. It really feels like life is “beginning over again with the summer” on the farm!

Lavender flowers in the garden of Amy’s farmhouse, which inspires her summer decor — Beautiful blooms outdoors can be brought into the home with bouquets and pops of green.

Spring Countryside

Our home is in the countryside, a farming community, and if the sun’s out, we’re out. Around this time of year, I begin thinking about the transition from winter to spring, and spring to summer. I think about creating warmth inside to chasing it outside, and how to make my décor choices reflect that. Warm weather décor is calm, easy going and inspired by slow living. We plan to cut flowers from our garden, wildflowers from the field and any tussled, vibrant sprout that catches our girls’ attention. These natural bouquets will be displayed around our kitchen and dining rooms. Last year, I even dried and framed some for year-round display.

Summer Nights

In the evenings, our twinkle lights frame the pergola and make it the most inviting warm-weather space in our home. I use a combination of different textures to convey the feeling of comfort, luxury and of being in someone’s living room, just outside! Woven fibers and textiles are on trend, so if you are like me and plan to refresh your outdoor space from spring to summer décor and in a current style, consider rattan, jute or a woven chandelier.

A bright white farmhouse style kitchen countertop with a bouquet of summer decor flowers. The flowers are white, pink and purple snap dragons — Add pops of color, like verdant flowers to the kitchen.

From Spring to Summer Décor

Summer is a time to reminisce and enjoy with family. Whether you are gardening, barbecuing, or enjoying an evening with friends under the twinkle lights, get out there and enjoy the best season of the year! Here are some easy tips for transitioning your spring home into summer décor.

Vintage-inspired seed packets beside a collection of lavender for summer decor — Lavender adds a touch of classic elegance.

Tip 1: Bring the Outdoors in

If you are a gardener, try including your fresh veggies in a summer vignette. Add your garden blooms or roadside wildflowers to your kitchen or dining room. Appeal to your senses by adding garden herbs to create a summery stove top potpourri.

Herbs in a textured vessel can also make a statement centerpiece. This DIY vintage centerpiece adds fresh greenery to a farmhouse table. Also consider incorporating botanicals or decorate with floral patterns. I love drying lavender to enjoy all year long. You can also create your own botanical art.

A room with white paneling has a vintage style rug faded in colors of mute blues. Dried flowers and herbs hang in bouquets along the wall paneling for summer decor — Hang dried flowers for a gorgeous summer vignette in even small spaces.

Tip 2: Incorporate Pops of Color

Colors, patterns and flowers help your home feel inviting, cheerful and bright for summer. Consider painting a wall or bring in bright accents for summer. Check out how to bring color into the kitchen for spring to summer looks. Or, considering repainting walls with popular farmhouse paint colors.

Tip 3: Add Twinkle Lights

Whether you add string lights outside or bring them indoors, this bit of ambience will help you feel relaxed. Burning candles also creates an instant welcoming vibe for when you are hosting. Creating a DIY woven chandelier can also create a stylish, unique and timeless focal point for any outdoor entertainment space.

Amy's farmhouse patio has twinkle lights for summer decor — Twinkle lights add some sparkle to warm summer nights.

Tip 4: Take Furniture Outdoors

Another way to transition from spring to summer is to take furniture outside. A new rug and waterproof throw pillows look great in any space whether you have a patio or small porch. Weather permitting, consider hanging curtains. We love the softness it adds to any outdoor patio as well as the privacy it offers.

Beautiful Indoor Plants to Grow

Jute, rattan and other woven fibers are on trend. Using these materials in décor adds an earthly summer flair to any space. They also coordinate with a variety of décor styles. Also consider creating an outdoor dining space or picnic area. We love eating outdoors all summer long. Not only is it a great way to relax and enjoy the warm summer breeze, it makes clean up with children much easier as well!

Dried florals in a woven basket with a large handle on top of an old fashioned, French style chair — Florals, even dried flowers, make for sweet touches in spring and summer farmhouses.

Tip 5: Start a Fire

Is there anything more relaxing than the crackling glow of a camp fire? Imagine warm spring evenings, family gathered together before the air gets too warm, sharing a meal and laughing against the warm light.

Fire pits come in many shapes and sizes. Consider what your needs are, and there is likely something exactly what you’re looking for (at any price point) at your nearest retailer. Our fire pit is a hearth style, which we felt was the safest for young children. But pit and pedestal styles work just as well. Better still, make your own. Repurpose old foundation blocks, arrange fire bricks or just dig a hole in the ground. Any way you chose, there’s nothing better than time spent around a fire!

Discover Amy’s sweet hobby farm! And, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to get your daily dose of farmhouse inspiration!

Amy Mings, an entrepreneur and former accounting professional, is the creator of Maison de Mings, a DIY & lifestyle brand. Inspired by the timeless elegance of Provence, Mings continually strives to bring a bit of France to her rural country life.