When I think of the colors of Summer, brown and black aren’t necessarily the first ones that come to mind. But I’ve noticed that more and more neutrals seem to be creeping into our home, specifically the living room and office, and somehow, it all feels lighter and more summery.
Today, I’m joining some other blogger friends for a “tour of homes.” We’re all sharing how we’ve added touches of Summer based around a different color scheme. (Welcome to those of you who are visiting my blog from Four Generations One Roof!)
The thing I love most about Summer decorating is how little “decorating” it actually requires. A few pieces with great texture (I added new pillows) and some fresh flowers or green branches can make a room feel alive again.
This DIY art really kicked off the changes in our living room. (I kept the rest of our mantel simple with driftwood and candlesticks.) I layered the striped rug over our existing jute one and love the change for Summer.
More texture on the coffee table with a small grouping on a rattan tray. (You can find more of my coffee table decorating tips here.)
(“The lazy mom’s photo album.” I do actually love having bowls full of printed pictures.)
Notice I brought the brass and blue lamp in from our porch. It’s visiting here for a while. . .
I wish I could tell you I found the coral on a tropical vacation. I bought it at a consignment store, but it’s the perfect Summer accessory. ;) The crazy wisteria from our backyard also comes in handy for a quick centerpiece:
And as much as I may think I’ve added neutrals, you know I’ll never quit the blue and white.
Thanks for taking time to scroll through my Summer home. Next up is Kris’s tour from Driven by Décor. (You’ll love it.)
Driven by Decor | Pink & White
Setting for Four | Indigo, Black & Gray
Kelley Nan | Neutrals & Naturals
On Sutton Place | Navy & Neutral
CitrineLiving | Beautiful Blues & Fresh Greenery
Four Generations One Roof | Corals & Pinks
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Cassie Bustamante says
June 1, 2017 at 7:01 amthis looks so pretty emily! your living room actually reminds me of my bedroom right now- same color palette and i have the beige and white stripes on a moroccan blanket instead! anyhow, love this- so soothing and pretty and perfect for summer!
Emily Clark says
June 1, 2017 at 7:15 amThanks, Cassie :)
Jody says
June 1, 2017 at 9:05 amEmily! I love this so much. You know I am a neutral girl! I love your blue and white mixed in with the black. Gives me encouragement to sneak in some color in my house somewhere. That black office is still my absolute favorite. You have such guts, but i love how it still feels traditional! This made my Thursday!
total side note… I think you might really enjoy photo prints from Artifact Uprising. I get the square ones and print them on their app right from my phone. The paper they are printed on is gorgeous and thick and matte. They would look amazing in that bowl! i put mine on a little tray. they have held up to kids flipping through them too.
Emily Clark says
June 1, 2017 at 2:40 pmI’ve been using Free Prints but I’m going to check them out. Thanks!!
karen says
June 1, 2017 at 9:51 amI am a fan of black and brown. I think it has a richness. I like the b&b piece that the coral rests on. The stripe rug offers a relaxed feeling. The club chair that is distressed can’t be beat.
Carrie says
June 1, 2017 at 10:34 amI love how you made brown and black feel summery! It looks great!! Did you embellish the big black & white pillow with tassels? That one is my favorite! :)
Emily Clark says
June 1, 2017 at 2:39 pmNo, they came with the tassels, but it’s strange the Target product shot doesn’t show them. I noticed someone mentioned that in the review…
Mary says
June 1, 2017 at 3:16 pmOnly you could make black, brown, & blue look so good.
Deborah says
June 1, 2017 at 8:47 pmLooks great Emily. After seeing your bowls of pictures I started doing it too. I’m also with you on the blue and white!
Elizabeth Scruggs says
June 1, 2017 at 8:53 pmCan I just tell you how much I love where you moved your bookcases? They frame out the entry to your office so nicely!!
Jennifer says
June 1, 2017 at 10:07 pmYour tweaks in this house just keep getting better and better! Love the loose photos in a bowl, you’ve inspired me to put out more family photos!
Kelley Nan says
June 1, 2017 at 10:31 pmEmily, I totally know where you’re coming from because I am on the same page. I just wanted to tone it down and take away more than I added- I crave fresh, clean, and minimalism during summer. After seeing your home, I am now dying to incorporate more black. It is timeless and gorgeous- fantastic! xoxo
marcie says
June 1, 2017 at 11:45 pmI love how fresh and bright everything looks. I also appreciated the Insta Story with the true “before”. Keeping it real over here too and i don’t have 5 children!!!
[email protected] says
June 2, 2017 at 6:41 amSo pretty. I’ve been adding more and more neutral elements to my decor as well, especially wood tones. Love this so much.
Tamara says
June 2, 2017 at 7:25 amEmily, your style and home is absolutely gorgeous – one room after another, I am just blown away – such beautiful styling! Your Summer touches are so pretty!
Holly irwin Fine Art says
June 2, 2017 at 8:07 amSo bold and beautiful Emily! Love your dining room with the black walls! Bravo!
Jessica Bruno says
June 2, 2017 at 9:27 amLooks great Emily and I love how you added brown and black :) Such a beautiful home! Have a wonderful weekend!
Inez says
June 2, 2017 at 8:31 pmYou have a beautiful home. Lovely decor too. Love the use of a jute rug. Earthy.
Kris {Driven by Decor} says
June 2, 2017 at 9:32 pmI love how you stuck with neutrals for summer but still made everything looks so fresh and… summery! Your styling of that antique chest is stunning by the way! And of course I love all of your blue and white too. Beautiful tour Emily!
Marva Hill says
June 5, 2017 at 8:32 amI love the color palette! And that ‘lazy mom’s photo album’ is the best idea I’ve seen lately. I’m definitely adding one to my living room! haha. Love the post! =)
Emily Clark says
June 5, 2017 at 8:44 amProudly helping out lazy moms everywhere :)
Elaine says
June 6, 2017 at 5:49 pmEmily,
I was happy to see your loose photos displayed in bowls. Mine are in baskets and my friend asked me when I was going to put them away. She just couldn’t get the concept, now I have yours to show her. Thanks, love your site.
Anita L Rudzinski says
June 22, 2017 at 11:23 amI am loving your home. Just found your blog through Mywildflamingo on Instagram. What color is the paint in your living room. I am looking for a light blue for my living room/dining room.
Thank You!!!
Anita L Rudzinski
Emily Clark says
June 22, 2017 at 5:44 pmGlad you found me :) It’s Palace Pearl by Benjamin Moore.
Margaret Thiele says
August 23, 2017 at 7:57 amWhat is the name of the paint color on your walls?
Emily Clark says
August 25, 2017 at 10:25 amIt’s Palace Pearl by BM :)
Necolle Eimas says
September 10, 2017 at 2:49 pmHi Emily–I continue to be drawn to your effective use of black and brown and am thinking of this for our master bedroom. We have beautiful Stickly furniture that I can’t bring myself to paint. Thinking that it would look beautiful against warm white walls (maybe BM Soft Chamoise), crisp white trim (Chantilly Lace is a favorite) and then a dark ceiling–charcoal or black–maybe BM Shadow. Picturing gold, whites, neutral vintage rug and texture. What are your thoughts on using black in a bedroom with dark woods? My living room and dining room have a light blue-gray ceiling with greige walls and white trim. Thank you!