Hooray for a new season — it’s the perfect excuse to refresh my mantel and give the living room a light, summery update.
Summer excites me and makes me a little anxious at the same time. I adore pool afternoons, late evenings, ice cream outings and weekend trips to the lake. But I also worry about the relaxed schedules and having the kids home all day. To keep my head and home feeling calm, I opted for a very simple mantel refresh this year.
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One afternoon I had a little time to spare and popped into Target for mantel inspiration. I hit the jackpot in the Hearth & Hand by Magnolia section and walked away with a few finds that made putting the mantel together easy and fresh.
I fell for a set of faux dogwood stems — they look surprisingly realistic for store stems and brought a soft, nostalgic touch to the display. Dogwood blossoms always remind me of my grandmother. She had dogwood trees in her yard and saved a newspaper clipping about the “story of the Dogwoods” that I’ve treasured since I was a child. Seeing those stems brought back warm memories of her gentle presence.
In the store the stems were displayed in beautiful glass vases similar to ones I already own, so I recreated that look at home. Clear glass paired with soft blooms keeps the mantel light and airy — ideal for summer mantel decor ideas that feel natural and effortless.
I also discovered a bright green locust garland that immediately felt summery. I hadn’t paid much attention to locust leaves before, but the lush color and delicate texture were perfect for a summer mantel vignette. The garland pairs beautifully with other locust-inspired pieces like wreaths or napkin rings if you want to echo the look in table settings or entryway decor.
A large wood-framed mirror had been on my wish list for a while. When I finally saw it in person at a friend’s home, I realized it was even more beautiful than the photos. I brought one home and placed it on the mantel where it instantly brightened the space and made the room feel larger. Mirrors on mantels are a simple decorating trick that reflects light and adds depth without clutter.
I couldn’t resist adding a cozy, textured “home” pillow in navy and natural fibers — a summer color palette I love. Natural textures paired with navy give the living room a classic coastal-meets-casual vibe that transitions well between seasons.
A reversible sign — one side reading “let’s stay in” and the other “let’s go out” — seemed like the perfect playful touch. I admit I’d love to leave it on “let’s stay in” during slow summer mornings, though most days we’re bound for the pool, beach or lake.
Most of the rest of what you see in the living room were pieces I already owned: versatile throw pillows in neutral tones and layered textures that I rotate by season. During my Target run I also spotted oversized neutral tassel pillows that would be a great option if you want a simple, textured cushion to anchor summer decor.
That’s the short tour of my simple summer mantel and living room refresh. My goal was a calm, uncluttered look that still feels warm and welcoming during the busy season — and I’m really pleased with how it turned out. If you have questions about any item or want styling tips for your own mantel, leave a comment and I’ll respond.
Summer Living Room Sources:
Many of the decorative items I mention are seasonal finds and may vary by store. If you’d like the exact pieces I used — vases, stems, garland, mirror and pillows — check the product references linked throughout the post to view current availability and similar options for a simple summer mantel and living room update.
I also frequently get asked about my curtains. They aren’t listed here because they’re a DIY project — you can learn how I stenciled my curtains and view my favorite Moroccan-style curtain picks here.