Are you ready for Summer? My house sure is and today I’m sharing it with you as part of the Balsam Hill Welcome Home Summer Tour! The generous people at Balsam Hill allowed us to choose something to use as part of our tour, and I’m excited to show you what I picked!
Let’s start outside, shall we?
This is a little courtyard area you walk through to get to the front door. You might remember my new Pottery Barn Inspired Shell Wreath waiting there to greet you!
As soon as you enter, you’re looking right at my stairwell.
It is the only structure in our living, dining, and kitchen area. As in no interior walls. You’ll see what I mean in a minute. (Our front door is just to the right in the photo above.)
First I want to show you what I picked from Balsam Hill…
A lantern! This guy is heavy and solid! I originally chose this to use in my courtyard since it can also be used outdoors, but I sat it here when I unpacked it and it never left. It’s the first thing you see when you enter my home. I already had the glass vase, candle, and shells, and I think they complement this lantern perfectly! (This comes in three sizes. This is the 22″ size.)
If you keep going to the right, you’ll be in the dining room…
This is the most shared space on my blog. I take most of my photos in here because of the excellent lighting…and the metal grates I have at the window make such a pretty backdrop.
My hydrangeas are just starting to bloom outside. These faux flowers were just the perk this space needed a couple of months ago, but soon they’ll be replaced with beautiful blooms from my garden!
The Summer House sign below is a Pottery Barn knock off I made a year or so ago. I love it, even in the Winter!
If you turn around, you’ll walk right into the kitchen…
How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets (A Step-by-Step Guide)
How to Add Glass to Cabinet Doors
Painting the cabinets was the best decision ever! This side of the house was such a dungeon before. (See the whole transformation here.)
Summer décor to me means two things: seashells and hydrangeas. I may still have my faux hydrangeas in the dining room, but I was just barely able to pull this small arrangement together with what’s starting to bloom in my garden. I’m so excited they are finally beginning to bloom!
Aren’t they so pretty?
Wait till you see what’s on the way…I’ll give you a peek at the end of the tour!
This little cheese dish holds a few favorite shells on my kitchen counter…
My Dad was born and raised in Sydney, Australia and he loved to go diving. He amassed quite a collection of beautiful shells. Most of the shells I have on display are part of that collection. I treasure them!
This was taken standing in the living room:
Not Your Mother’s Toaster Oven Cover
And if you turn around, you’ll see this!
VERY open concept!
The Beach Cottage sign below was a freebie! I made it out of an old picket from my old gate. Nothing says Summer like a beach cottage!
Small Mirror Makes a Big Impact
Life IS good at the beach! We live about a mile away from the beach and I really do love it.
I just posted the very simple how-to for this beachy scallop shell flower pot the other day:
If you turn around, you’ll see this:
That would be my front door behind the stairs. The white door leads to the bathroom.
I am loving my new hardwood floors! They have made such a difference in this entire space. See more on them HERE.
And if you look to the left…the dining room. 🙂
Let’s see what’s on the other side of the couch…
How I destroyed and Rebuilt my Sectional
Vintage Tile Inspired Coffee Table Makeover
Pretty pillows! Can I tell you how many times a day I fix these pillows?? My boys don’t throw them on the floor, they sit right on top of them.
UPDATE: I made slipcovers for my sectional and what a difference! You can see them HERE!
Can you see our water cooler in the background? I managed to show you all around that area and was able to keep that hidden. See how sneaky we bloggers can be hee hee. There’s no hiding it here!
Let’s just look at the pretty pillows instead mkay?
Driftwood filler and this very large shell add simple reminders of Summer…
How about my new rug? Love!
And there’s my shell garland I just shared recently!
(Still need to trim out the fireplace hearth…don’t look.)
Slipcovering an Armless Accent Chair
And…we’ve made it back to the front door! (I spared you my desk and my hubby’s recliner. You’re welcome.)
A couple of shells bring Summer to this little area also.
And there’s my favorite pillow smashers. 🙂
And that’s the Summer tour of our main living spaces!
I’m so glad you stopped by…Come on, I’ll show you out.
But before you leave, I promised to share what’s on the way…
So. Many. Hydrangeas. I cannot wait! They are my very favorite flowers. I have four bushes here and four in the back yard. One of the back yard bushes was a gift from my Mother in law. It was a small cutting from a hydrangea bush that she had, that had come from her Grandmother’s hydrangea bush! How cool is that? It is growing beautifully and has several flowers on the way too.
I hope you enjoyed my Summer Home Tour! Thanks so much for stopping by!
I am just one of 24 bloggers sharing their Summer spaces today! If you have a minute, you can visit their Summer spaces at the links below!
Monday
Tuesday
Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer (Me!)
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
This is going to be an amazing Summer!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Email * Facebook * Pinterest * Hometalk * Twitter * Instagram
I love to share at these great parties:
The Happy Housie Design Dining and Diapers Liz Marie Blog Funky Junk Interiors Savvy Southern Style Tatertots and Jello DIY Show Off Between Naps on the Porch Just a Girl and Her Blog Sand and Sisal Interior Frugalista
Shirley Dunn (England). says
Beautiful home!!! Love everything in it.you have such a flair. I’m new to your blog thanks for the tour!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Shirley! (That’s my sister’s name!) So glad you enjoyed the tour. 🙂
Kim says
Sigh….soooo lovely!!!!
Christy K. James says
I’m so glad you like it, Kim! Thank you! 🙂
Stacey says
Your house looks so pretty! Your staircase is really different and beautiful.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Stacey! 🙂
Celia says
You have a beautiful home Christy! Remember to take time to smell the roses (hydrangeas?)! I adore those flowers too!!
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Celia! I plan on taking it easy this Summer and enjoying it! 🙂
Sue says
I recently started following your blog and this morning was clicking through some of your older posts. The sectional makeover was incredible! You are my new hero! My family thought my pulling up the kitchen linoleum, sanding the sub flooring and painting a checkerboard was crazy….
Christy K. James says
Aww thank you, Sue!! It’s amazing what we can do when we set our minds to it, isn’t it? I bet your floor is gorgeous! XO
Sue Farmer says
Your home looks so pretty Christy!!! Love your new floors. You have definitely achieved the beach look!!! And your garden, wow. I can’t wait to see the hydrangeas in full bloom. Have a great day and go to the beach!!!
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Sue!! I’m about to board a flight from Wisconsin where it was too cold for this time of year this weekend…definitely looking forward to getting back to the beach! XO
Pamela-FromMyFrontPorchToYOurs says
Christy your home is beautiful!
Christy K. James says
Thank you so much, Pamela! XO
Julie @ Southern Wild Design says
Christy, as usual, it is just lovely! You have such a keen knack for the details…a deficiency I suffer from in the worse way! Love the hydrangeas…they are a favorite of mine as well. I especially love the oak leaf variety! ~Julie
Christy K. James says
Aww thanks, Julie! You are so sweet!
From Evija with Love says
Abslutely stunning home! I love the kitchen & dining room in particular!! *swoon*
Christy K. James says
Aww thanks, Evija! XO
Carole says
Christy, it was so fun seeing many of your DIY projects in their places in your home. We see your DIY creations but not always where they end up unless they to go to your shop. You are very talented and have a beautiful home. You are an inspiration.
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Carole! I’m so excited to be able to share my space now that my ugly floors are gone!
Tammy says
Your home is absolutely beautiful love all the hydrangeas..one of my favorites too!!!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Tammy!
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Everything looks so pretty Christy! Oh…and I didn’t even notice the water cooler til you mentioned it! 😉 Floors look amazing! What a difference they make!
xo
Nancy
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Nancy!! I need to build something to hide that water cooler, and I am so happy my floors are done! They do make such a difference. 🙂
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
Your home is beautiful Christy! It was fun seeing all the projects you’ve posted over the years in their environment. I’m green with envy that you have hydrangea’s – oh and that you live a mile from the beach. My one lonely hydrangea bush is pathetic and has yet to bloom (blaming it on living so close to the North Pole).
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Marie!! I’ve only done a Christmas tour, so this was fun now that my floors and ceiling are done! And I LOVE my hydrangeas! I think I got lucky with a great location for them where they only get a tiny bit of morning sun. They are the Endless Summer variety so they bloom on both old and new wood. I’ve had great success with them. Now I do have a climbing hydrangea that has never bloomed for me…maybe this is the year. 🙂
Maggie M says
Christy, your home is so beautiful…I love your color palate and all of the special pieces shown throughout.
Christy K. James says
Thank you so much, Maggie! XOXO
Sondra says
Mmm… I love hydrangeas! So jealous!! And I can see why you didn’t move the lantern – it’s perfect there. You have a lovely home, Christy!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Sondra! I originally thought I would use the lantern outside, but I love it right where it landed. 🙂
Meegan says
Oh Christy, your home is stunning and inviting. I love the open floor plan and all of your beach details.
I like the lantern on your stairs. It is such a welcoming spot in your home.
Thank you for sharing your home and inspiring me.
Christy K. James says
Aww thanks, Meegan! I always appreciate your sweet comments! 🙂
Victoria says
Thank you christy for sharing with us your personal and beautiful home .
Christy K. James says
My pleasure, Victoria! So glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Anne says
Absolutely gorgeous!! Love your beautiful Balsam Hill lanterns, and you lovely seashell garland.
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Anne! I love the lantern! 🙂
Lisa says
Christy, Your home is so beautiful and I love your lantern from Balsam Hill too. I don’t think I ever took the tour and wow, I love the way you have decorated it. Everything looks so beautiful and love all the summer touches too. have a great day Lisa
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Lisa! So glad you enjoyed the tour my friend! XO
Paula@SweetPea says
Your summer decor looks so nice and is just perfect for your coastal home. I like the way you styled your lantern and placed it on the steps so that it is the first thing that guests will see.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Paula! I love the lantern there too…perfect way to greet my guests. (Which are mostly my son’s friends ha ha!) XOXO
Connie says
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home. You are so talented and have accomplished making it comfortable and homey as well as decorated so lovely. I must admit I was waiting with anticipation for what was “coming” at the end of the tour and was thinking new baby!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Connie! And ha ha! Definitely no new babies on the way…just hydrangea babies lol! 🙂
Angie @ Knick of Time says
I’m drooling over your little courtyard – it’s gorgeous!
Christy K. James says
Thank, Angie! We love to sit out there on nice days/nights since it offers a bit of privacy. 🙂
Addie says
WOW!!!! VERY nice!!!! LOVE-LOVE-LOVE it!!!
WOW!!!! to the hydrangeas bushes. Love them and the color is awesome!!!!
Your house is so coordinated too…very well done!!!
It’s that unfair gene you’ve got!!!
Addie
Christy K. James says
You are so sweet, Addie!! Thank you!! The hydrangeas are my favorite! XOXO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
You have an absolutely gorgeous home, Christy, and I adore all your touches, including that new lantern. Well done!!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Larissa! It was fun to share! XO
Lynn says
Love all your creative touches in your beautiful home! Thanks for the tour! Living not too far away I also love all the seashells and your coastal style!
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Lynn! It’s hard to get away from coastal inspired décor when we live this close to the beach, right? I’m always drawn to it too! 🙂
laura@top this top that says
holy hydrangea! wow. those bushes look like they produce such beautiful blooms. what a great tour, everything is perfectly summer , love all your signs and simple touches. I really wish though that you would have included your hubby’s recliner and your desk! 🙂
Christy K. James says
Thanks, my friend! My desk was a mess ha ha and as for the recliner…if only I could just make it disappear lol!
Julie {Lilacs & Longhorns} says
Beautiful, Christy!! Your home is so beautiful and inviting. I love your outside entry, too — all those gorgeous hydrangeas — so jealous!! I LOVE your summer home tour!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Julie! I might have gone overboard a little planting hydrangeas a few years ago, but they are just so pretty! I’m so glad you enjoyed the tour. 🙂
Addie says
Hello again! I must make another comment….after looking at the pictures again, I was wondering, with the lack of interior walls did you find it to be challenging in decorating? I must say, “You NAILED it!!!! perfectly…..GORGEOUS!!! BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Also, if you hear a noise in the middle of the night…..it will be me!!!! stealing that toaster cover!!!! and some hydrangeas!!!…….and turning the paper towels around to hang down in front!!!! :)…lololololo
Addie
Christy K. James says
Ha ha you are so funny! I do find it to be a challenge to decorate a wide open space because all of the “rooms” really have to coordinate with the one another. It’s better now that I have my hardwood floors in, which really united the spaces. I used to have four different kinds of flooring in the downstairs! You are welcome to snip some hydrangeas any time, but the toaster cover stays lol. And I actually have my paper towels hanging down the front right now. I guess we don’t really pay attention to how we hang them lol. Thanks for the sweet words though, they are really appreciated! 🙂
Teresa says
Love the tour! Absolutely beautiful. Hydrangeas are my favorite, too. Mine are so close to blooming. I cannot wait.
Question: where did you get the fireplace screen? I have been looking for one like it.
Thanks for all your inspirations,
Teresa
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Teresa! The fireplace screen is probably 15 years old or so, I purchased it from Kirklands.
Everett @ Palm Air says
Look at the place, so bright. I wonder how good it might feel to be there. Really loved everything in your home and indeed it looks ready for summer. I like the outdoor area as well, generally we don’t them as clean as this.
Christy K. James says
Thank you!
Anita from Cedar Hill Farmhouse says
It’s such a lovely home, and I love how inviting the entrance is.
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Anita! XO
Mary Beth|Cupcakes and Crinoline says
Your home, inside and out, is absolutely beautiful, Christy. Thanks so much for sharing your summer home tour!
Christy K. James says
Aww thanks, Mary Beth! I appreciate that! 🙂
Dagmar from Balsam Hill says
Christy, the lantern additions are wonderful. It’s not overdone. So fun!
Christy K. James says
Thanks you, Dagmar! The lantern is beautiful!
April Hoff says
Your home looks truly gorgeous and classic, Kristy! I love the coastal decor with boxwood greenery, and gorgeous painted furniture everywhere you look!
Christy K. James says
Aww thanks, April!! I was excited to share now that my hardwood floors are done. 🙂
Cristina@Remodelando la Casa says
Your home is gorgeous, Christy! And yeah, it says Summer all around. Cant’ wait for my hydrangeas to flower, last year they didn’t, crossing my fingers. 🙂 Hey, the floors look fab too!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Cristina! Now if I could just come steal your driftwood crab lol…it would fit in perfectly in my house. I’ll cross my fingers too for your hydrangeas…frustrating to not be getting any blooms. I have a climbing hydrangea that was blooming when I bought it, but has never bloomed since!
Krista @ the happy housie says
Beautiful Christy!! I LOVE the hardwood and new rug. It looks so classic and light and bright with all your beachy touches. The garland is awesome!!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, my friend! I love bringing the beach back for Summer! XO
Sharon says
Your home is so beautiful. And it looks perfect for Summer.
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Sharon! XO
Christy @ Our Southern Home says
So lovey! I love your mix of French and coastal style, Christy. those new floors are so amazing!!
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Christy! I am so happy with my new floors! 🙂
Heather says
I love your summer decorating Christy!! Your home is stunning- I love all of your coastal beachy touches!! I wish I had know you lived in Virginia Beach when we lived in Chesapeake!!! Hugs Heather
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Heather! I didn’t know you lived in Chesapeake? Oh darn! Would have been awesome to have you that close by!
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Abbie says
Hi! I love your decorating style. Where did you get your black and white rug for your dining area?? It might be navy and white…can’t tell from the pic…but it’s beautiful! Thanks!!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Abbie! I got that from Shaw carpets. It’s called Essex Trellis. XO
Jackie says
I know I am late to the party here, but being new to your blog, I’m still reading up on posts when I have a chance to. I ADORE your bar stools and I spotted your toaster cover, probably the first one I have EVER liked. Sure would love to see a tutorial on that. Hydrangeas are my favorite too. I have several and they are just starting to ‘wake up’. I cant wait for them to bloom. Yours are gorgeous.
Jackie says
Well whaddya know! I just found your tutorial for the toaster (oven). Yippee!
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Jackie! Take all the time you need to look around here, there is a lot to see! The barstools were a gift from my in-laws (I have very generous in-laws!),and they came from Ballards. If it were up to me, I probably would have found some to paint myself lol, but I love these so much. Glad you found the toaster oven cover…seriously one of my favorite projects! 🙂
Jen says
Love everything about it! Love the island redo you did but I am really in love with the paint technique in the dining room. Could you tell me me how you did that?
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Jen! My Hubby did that by adding texture to paint with something called paint texture, I believe. Then he rolled it on with a really bumpy roller.