Welcome to my summer home tour — come on in and take a look around!
“In the summer, the days were long, stretching into each other. Out of school, everything was on pause and yet happening at the same time, this collection of weeks when anything was possible.”
―Sarah Dessen, Along for the Ride
RELATED: Simple Beachy Summer Mantel
Summer often gets painted as relaxed and slow, but in our home it’s a beautiful kind of chaos. Instead of long, languid afternoons spent doing nothing, we pack those warm months with family time, visits with friends, and as much pool and porch time as we can manage. The pace changes — it’s less structured — but it’s still full and lively.
We try to squeeze as much joy as possible into each day, moving quickly from one memory to the next. That means more togetherness — more backyard dinners, more spontaneous playdates, more late nights with lanterns and laughter — but it can also mean less downtime for the grownups. I love the sunlit evenings and the carefree wardrobe of flip-flops and light dresses, yet I’m the kind of person who also appreciates a predictable routine. The contrast can feel like a tug-of-war: exhilarating and exhausting at once.
This house is painted with the colors of the season — navy, turquoise and sandy neutrals that echo the water and the shore. Those hues anchor the decor and give a calm, coastal feel even when the days are packed. Small touches like woven textures, striped pillows, and fresh greenery bring the outdoors in and make everything feel intentionally summery without feeling overdone.
I adore so many parts of this season: the shimmering water tones, the long evenings where it still feels like afternoon at eight o’clock, and the carefree energy that comes with sunscreen-scented days. For style and inspiration, I often lean on simple, beachy motifs and DIY accents that make the home feel inviting and personal without requiring a big overhaul.
There are so many lovely little printables and artwork ideas that complement summer decor — bright watercolor prints, simple typographic signs, and framed shells all work beautifully.
At the same time, being an introvert who appreciates routine, the busy social calendar can be a lot. I’m learning to accept the trade-offs: savored memories and full days in exchange for interrupted schedules and the occasional need for a nap. The trick is to breathe in the goodness and breathe out the pressure to do everything.
Parenting and running a home-based creative business blend into the same season of life. Both are demanding and deeply rewarding. I call what I do at home “momming” — a nonstop, all-in role that brings so many tender moments: the hugs, the bedtime songs, the spontaneous declarations of love that make every tired hour worth it.
One of those small, perfect memories happened just last night when my youngest, at 2.5 years old, sang every word of “You Are My Sunshine” with me while I rocked her to sleep. I wanted to bottle that moment — it felt so pure — and I chose to stay in it fully rather than interrupt it with a recording.
Working from home gives me the flexibility to be present for those moments while still pursuing creative projects I care about. I often work late after the kids are asleep so I can spend daylight hours with them, which means the rhythm of my days shifts with the season.
Sometimes it feels overwhelming, and I have to remember to ask for help and slow down. Other times it feels like the best season of our lives: full, loud, and unforgettable. The balance between hustle and leisure is where the magic happens — and the decor helps set that calm, coastal tone so even the busiest days feel like summer.
RECIPE: Lime Thumbprint Cookies — a bright, citrusy treat that pairs perfectly with porch visits and pool afternoons.
As this brief season of warm days and late sunsets unfolds, I try to lean into it. I remind myself to sit, breathe, and enjoy the rhythm of our busy summer because it will pass quickly. Soon we’ll be back to school routines and sharpened pencils, so for now I’m taking notes of the laughter, the paint-splattered towels, and the tiny hands that fit perfectly in mine.
Enjoy the journey, friend. Do you have a season in your life that feels beautifully contradictory — both exhausting and joyful? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
