Thrifty Summer Decor Ideas: Inspiration For A Cottage Style Home

Hey friends, it is no surprise by now that I love fresh flowers in my home. Here are a few ways I used lilacs for my cottage inspired summer decor.

A few weeks ago I shared on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram my dining room all decorated with lilacs, but if you’ve been around for a while you know that I couldn’t help adding them all over my house so I could snap a few photos! Do you love fresh flowers? I hope you enjoy seeing how I chose to use pops of lilacs for my cottage inspired summer home decor!

Lilacs are one of my favorite perennials, but because they fade so quickly, I always try to decorate as much of my house with them as I possibly can before they are gone! They are a great reminder to slow down and enjoy the season because before you know, the precious time you had is gone.

I absolutely love lilac season, probably because there are giant lilac bushes all over our neighborhood and I feel like they usher in the cozy comfort of summertime. I love the smell and texture of a fresh lilac bouquet; not to mention the beautiful pop of color they bring to my interior design!

There’s just nothing like driving down the road and seeing bursts of pink, purple and white. The color instantly puts a big smile on my face this time of year after a long and cold winter! The harsh winter months are over and a fresh, new beginning is finally here! I love a yard in full bloom.

There’s really not much to say about these photos, other than the fact that the cottage feel of fresh flowers always steals the show in my summer cottage decor. The natural textures and bright, cheery color schemes of a big arrangement of lilacs brings such a wonderful ambiance to any space.

If it were up to me, I’d fill my house with fresh blooms every week! There’s nothing more beautiful to me than an old antique table with fresh cut flowers in a found vase.

I usually try to have an arrangement out on my stove as well, and the cute little basket I found while on family vacation in North Carolina! My entryway also gets a bushel or two in the three-tiered basket my mom found at a thrift store. I like to put a big planter full of lilacs in front of my fireplace in my living room, and usually put a small little bouquet on my coffee table or side table next to my Ikea chairs.

I hope these images of our simple home show you just how easy summer decorating can be. You really don’t need to purchase much to create beautiful homes. In fact, the older I get, the less I feel like I need. 

Simple is always better, and fresh flowers are the best accessories!

If you click on the YouTube link above, I’m sharing a tour of our home along with four other amazing YouTube friends! Sarah from Grace in My Space, Amy Fritz, Rachel from Stone Cottage Home, and Sarah from She Holds Dearly. 

So grab yourself a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy all the beautiful summertime inspiration. I can’t wait to watch and see all of their summer decor, too!

And speaking of coffee – at the beginning of my video I decided to make my version of the perfect cup of Joe – mmmm it’s so good! 

I’m curious if any of you drink coffee like I do? Check it out and let me know haha! 

Remember that having a beautiful home doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money! I love thrifting and Facebook Marketplace, and have found so many wonderful summer decor through these outlets. I also try to use the fresh flowers and stem clippings from my yard all year long for seasonal decorating.

Today I’ll leave you with some of my favorite summer decorating blog posts from the past, as well as some of my favorite lilac tours.

It’s fun to go back and see how my home has changed over the years! It is truly ever evolving.

• 8 English Cottage Inspired Decor Elements
• Cottage Dining Room Lilac Tour
• Summertime Cottage Bedroom Inspiration
• Simple Summer Galley Kitchen
• 1930’s Cottage Style Summer Home Tour

Have you officially started summer yet? We are done with homeschooling and looking forward to all of the fun summer activities with our boys! We already have our little pool opened up, and are planning a trip out to our family cabin!

Are your kids still at home with you or are you an empty nester? I love learning more about my readers! I hope no matter what stage of life you are in, that you are able to enjoy my content and feel inspired!

Thanks for stopping by friends and I hope these cottage inspired summer decor ideas were an inspiration!

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