The summertime is here! Join me on a tour of our home to see how I used patriotic decor to create an easy and effortless summer look.
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The Blogger’s Best Summer Home Tour
This week I am excited to once again be a part of the Blogger’s Best Summer Home Tour hosted by Kelly at The Tattered Pew. I always look forward to these tours, so I hope you enjoy them, as much as I do.
Throughout the week you’ll get a peek into the homes of 30 of my friends. With six new homes to tour each day, there’s no shortage of style inspiration.
The tour spans from coast to coast and includes a mix of styles. From coastal chic to patriotic decor, classic southern charm, and more. If you’re looking for some decorating ideas for the season, this tour is one you won’t want to miss!
Welcome To Our Home
If you have joined me from Michelle’s blog, Thistle Key Lane, or this is your first time here at MWLS, thank you for visiting. I am so glad you are here!
My name is Jen. I am a wife, mom of two, a lifelong Nebraskan, and the creative voice behind Midwest Life and Style. I love to plan events by day, and blog, bake, and DIY by night.
Here at MWLS, you’ll find that I love to share a little bit of everything, including affordable home decor, DIYs, simple recipes, and inspiration for everyday living.
If you are not already a part of the Midwest Life and Style family, I’d love to have you join me! You can subscribe HERE to receive my weekly newsletter. It’s filled with all of the latest posts, links to things I love, and more.
You can also find me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. If social media is your cup of team, be sure to follow me on each of my channels for more behind-the-scenes fun.
And now, it’s time for the tour, so let’s get started!
Easy and Effortless Patriotic Summer Home Tour
My mantra for the summer is less is more, so for this year’s home tour, my goal was to create an easy and effortless look with patriotic decor. The first stop on the tour is our front porch.
The Porch
As tiny as it may be, our porch is one of my favorite spots to decorate each season. I love to create an inviting space to welcome guests to our home.
Even if most days, our only guests are an Amazon delivery driver or one of the many little girls who live in our cul-de-sac ringing the doorbell to come and play.
It brings me joy to have a pretty porch.
I relied on a few simple tried and true tips to add some curb appeal for the summer.
If you’ve toured our porch in the past, then you know that flowers are always a must-have for me.
Potted container gardens are such an easy way to add color and make an impact.
To create big, beautiful pots like the ones at the garden center, I rely on a 4-step planting method that my mom taught me. It’s so easy to do and is a great way to save a bit of money.
Purple is often my go-to hue when it comes to my summer planters, but recently I added some red geraniums, petunias, and calibrachoa to give the porch a more patriotic feel.
I also added a few decorative touches with layered rugs and a pair of outdoor lanterns.
I like to find new ways to dress up our front door, so I created a DIY door basket with some red, white, and blue summer annuals. It’s not the first time I’ve made a door basket, and it likely won’t be the last!
They are so easy to make. Anyone can do it.
And, our patriotic porch wouldn’t be complete without some stars and stripes. I tucked a few American flags from The Dollar Store into my door basket to finish the look.
Shop Our Porch
The Entry
Right inside our entry is one of my favorite pieces of furniture.
I rescued and refurbished this vintage dresser a few years ago. If you want to see what it looked like before, you can read all about my DIY dresser makeover HERE.
(You might be surprised to see the difference!)
Another one of my most loved vintage pieces is this typewriter. It has made the rounds in our home, but I love it best when it’s styled here in the entry.
I tucked some antique postcards into the top of the typewriter and placed a trio of brass candlesticks next to it. Then, to add more height, I included a framed print of sheet music for the Star-Spangled Banner.
And, I can’t forget about my Campfire marshmallow tin. The colors are perfect for a patriotic theme.
To finish the display, I popped a fern into the tin and added another small flag. All in all, it took me less than 10 minutes to create this simple summer vignette using items I already had at home.
Just opposite the dresser is our makeshift dropzone.
In reality, most shoes, coats, and bags end up in a pile near the garage door, so the coat hooks and storage are mostly just for looks.
But a momma can always dream!
Shop Our Entry
The Dining Room
If you follow me on Instagram or enjoy my monthly supper club series, you will quickly recognize this next space.
I love the light, airy feel of our dining room so much. It’s easily my favorite room in our home.
Our hectic schedule during the school year means this room doesn’t get used as much as I would like. We usually eat on the run or in shifts as we hustle from one thing to the next.
I know some of you can relate!
Now that life has finally slowed down just a bit, we are enjoying more dinners as a family.
I kept the decor to a minimum so we can easily clear the table when needed. I just added a few red lanterns and a simple patriotic summer centerpiece made with a red geranium potted in an old wood crate.
Oh, and more flags. Because you can’t have too many, right?
Shop Our Dining Room
The Living Room
Our living room is making its second appearance here on the blog. It is long and narrow, making it hard to photograph.
But given this is one of the rooms we spend the most time in as a family, I wanted to share a few glimpses of it with you.
I shopped our home and found some everyday decor pieces like a cloche and a wicker tray to create a few patriotic vignettes.
And here is another display I styled using an old soup tureen, some vintage books, and my small collection of antique cameras.
To stay on trend with the easy, effortless theme, I kept the decor on our summer mantle to a minimum. I placed a few wood candlesticks on each side to create balance.
Then I stacked some old books and added a vintage glass jug filled with a few stems of greenery and some flags.
The decor can easily stay up all through the summer. And most importantly, it doesn’t block the view of the dreaded big black box (aka our TV), which makes for one very happy hubby.
Shop Our Living Room
The Bedroom
The last stop on the tour is our bedroom. Not much has changed since my spring home tour.
But I love the blue accents, and it ties in perfectly with the rest of my patriotic summer theme.
I kept the same blue bed pillows and cozy throw and paired them with some new oversized blue and white striped pillows.
On the nightstand, I added a small, rattan vase filled with some fresh peonies clipped from my garden. They smell heavenly and are one of my favorite summer blooms.
Just last week my bushes were full. Now, this week, they are wilted and seem to be done blooming for the season. I’m always so sad when peony season is over, but I’m glad I was able to enjoy them while they lasted.
Near the vase is an old alarm clock that I found at a local antique store. (And yes, it still works!)
To finish the bedside vignette, I slid a small American flag into the bouquet. Seasonal decor doesn’t have to be expensive, and these little flags are proof.
As you’ve seen, I love to use them all over our home in the summer to make quick and easy updates with a patriotic feel.
Shop Our Bedroom
Tour More Summer Homes
Thank you so much for visiting today! I hope you enjoyed the tour and seeing how I added patriotic touches to our home for the summer to create an easy and effortless style.
Next, stop by my friend Tammy at White Lilac Farmhouse to see how she styled her home for the season. And see all of the gorgeous homes that are part of the Blogger’s Best Summer Home Tour linked below.
Xo,
Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tours
This week I am joining some of my blogging friends for the Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tours. Thirty talented and creative women will be opening their homes up for you to tour all week long. You can visit each summer home tour by clicking the links below.
Monday’s Tours
The Tattered Pew / Cottage On Bunker Hill / She Gave It A Go
Cottage In The Mitten / Stonegable / My Wee Abode
Tuesday’s Tours
Thistle Key Lane / Midwest Life and Style / White Lilac Farmhouse
My Thrift Store Addiction / Willow Bloom Home Blog / Dabbling and Decorating
Wednesday’s Tours
Bricks ‘n Blooms /Amy Sadler Designs / Peacock Ridge Farm
White Arrows Home / Pasha Is Home / The Ponds Farmhouse
Thursday’s Tours
Simply2Moms / Country Peony / Southern Home and Hospitality
Shiplap and Shells / Eleanor Rose Home / Cloches and Lavender
Friday’s Tours
Le Cultivateur / Lora Bloomquist Create & Ponder / Noting Grace
My Family Thyme / Vintage and Grace Living / County Road 407
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Your home is so beautiful. I love it.
Thank you, Renae!
Your house sure looks festive and full of the Memorial day spirit.
Thank you so much, Wendy!
Your summer home tour is so lovely!!!! I especially love that basket of flowers on your front door!! Soooo pretty!!!!
Thank you so much, Emily!
Jen, your home is so lovely and inviting!! I adore all of your vignettes, especially the one on the coffee table…so creative! And I love how you incorporated all of the flags into them for the 4th. So enjoyed touring your home and hopping with you. Happy summer!
Thank you, Kate. Happy Summer to you, too!
I love all your patriotic touches you added to your home, Jen! You have such a gorgeous and welcoming home. And all those hints of vintage here and there make me smile
Thank you, Jen. I am so glad you enjoyed the tour. Happy summer, friend!
Everything looks so beautiful and we are kindred spirits in so many ways! That Campfire Marshmallow Tin, the geraniums and old clocks… all some of my favorite things. I love your styling my friend!!
Thank you, Kristin. I have a feeling if we lived a bit closer we could have a lot of fun/get in some trouble together at vintage shops and thrift stores.😉 Happy summer, friend. I hope it’s been a good one so far!
JEN!! Your patriotic home is gorgeous! I’m seriously in love!!! And once again I’m so happy to see your living room!!! 😍😍😍
Thank you, friend! And thank you for the encouragement to share all of the rooms in our home…even the ones that are still (and probably always will be) a work in progress.😉
Everything looks just lovely all dressed up for summer, Jen! I especially love that campfire marshmallow tin you have and your vintage signs throughout. You have a beautiful home! Happy Summer!
Thanks so much, Crissy. I appreciate your sweet note. Happy summer to you!
Jen, I have already lost count of how many cute ideas I want to borrow from your darling patriotic summer home tour! I especially love your door basket and styling of your entryway! Pinning!
Thank you, Michelle. I’m so glad you enjoyed the tour. I really had a lot of fun styling our home for the season. Glad to be on the tour with you this week. Happy summer!
As much as I loved the entire tour with it’s wonderful patriotic summer theme, I laughed out loud at the vintage football photo! It’s so fun. You have great ideas and adding your vintage collections (like the postcard too) is perfect. One of the things I’ve always loved about your blog is seeing how you mix old and new together. That’s my jam! Glad we get to hop together this week. Happy Summer!
Thank you so much, Cindy. Now that everything is digital, I am TERRIBLE at printing photos (my family ones need to be updated badly!) I had this fun photo of Kirk’s grandpa from another project last fall. I thought it fit the patriotic theme…nothing is more American than football, right? He passed away a few years ago, so it’s extra special that I can include a photo of him in my styling. I’m so glad we share a love for mixing the old with the new. It’s definitely one of my favorite things to do. Happy summer to you too, friend!
Jen, your summer home is lovely, as usual. I always like seeing what you do with your tiny entry. Mine looks a little too sparse for my taste… it’s a work in progress. And your entryway is SO inspiring! Love your tablescape, too! You are an amazing centerpiece creator! Pinned, and always so fun to tour with you!
Thank you so much, Julie. Yes, our entry/dining area is far from spacious. I always do my best to make the most of the space we have while still making it feel inviting and not cluttered. I’m glad you can relate to the need to get extra creative while having less square footage to work with.😉 So thankful for your mentorship, friendship, and kind and encouraging words. Happy summer!
You have everything looking so pretty! That marshmallow tin is so fun! I love the way you used it in your decor. The dresser just inside the door is one of my favorites! Always good to tour with you, Jen!! Happy Summer! ❤️🤍💙
Thank you, Kim. The dresser is one of my favorites too.😘 I’m so glad I rescued her and gave her a fresh new look. And the extra storage is a bonus too. Happy summer sweet friend.
I love the crate with the geraniums! It looks so pretty!!
Thank you, Jennifer. They are one of my mom’s favorites so they always make me think of her. And they fit in perfectly with my laid-back patriotic theme.
I love everything you do Jen! I wish I could pick a favorite room on your tour, but it’s just too hard. I do love that hanging basket on your front door. It’s too cute. Love the perfectly patriotic vibes here my friend.
Hi Jen
Your tour made ne so happy. I love seeing our flag and your pretty vignettes.
The typewriter is such a fun piece.
Your front porch is so pretty and I love the door basket you filled with blooms.
Thanks for having us visit
Thank you so much, Cindy. I’m glad you stopped by to visit. Happy summer!
Awe…thank you, Kim. I appreciate your wonderful compliment. The hanging basket may be my favorite, although the bouquet of peonies on my nightstand is a close second. I just wish they lasted longer!
I loved your summer home tour Jen! You’re patriotic touches are perfect. Your porch is beautiful, I love that hanging basket on your front door. Happy summer!!!
Thank you, Heidi. I’m so glad you were able to stop by today for the tour. I hope you enjoy your summer, and next time you make it to the Midwest to visit family let me know. I’ll save a seat for you at the table so we can visit over some coffee and dessert.😘
Loved your tour, Jen! Flags and peonies are a wonderful combo:) Love how you styled your vintage typewriter and added the patriotic decor to your fave dresser. I can tell you are an event planner by the way you style each detail beautifully!
Thank you so much, Lora. I think you’re right. It must be the event planner in me.😘 I’m a big believer in paying attention to all of the little details, and I love to use that concept when styling our home, too. Happy Summer!
Jen,
Your home tour is stunning. I love all the patriotic touches you’ve added for Summer.
Thank you, Rachel. The patriotic touches just say summertime to me. I’m so glad you enjoyed the tour.
I always love visiting your home and seeing how you decorate it each season! Your patriotic decorating just speaks to my heart. Love all your details and touches and pinned a bunch of them! Happy summer!
Thank you so much, Anne. It speaks to my heart as well. I love the simplicity and nostalgia of it all. Happy summer to you too, my friend!💖
Jen, I am so thrilled to be on this summer home tour with you. You know I just adore your style. Your home is so beautiful and cozy. Friends and family probably never what to go home.
Thank you, Tammy. I’m so happy to be touring with you as well. Home tour week is one of my favorites and I always enjoy seeing inside everyone’s beautiful homes. Happy summer!
Jen, I love your beautiful patriotic decor. The flags used throughout your decor are lovely and the one on your front porch is very impressive! You’ve done such a great job of incorporating blue accents throughout your home, which to me is the perfect summer colour. Love the flowers too!
Thank you so much, Shawna. I’m so glad you enjoyed the tour. Happy summer to you, friend!
Jen you my friend have a gift because even though you say it’s effortless this looks professionally styled! Can we just take a moment and appreciate the vignette behind your sofa! I am obsessed! Gorgeous tour and I love every detail. Happy summer my friend, I hope you find some time to rest and enjoy your gorgeous home!
Thank you, Kelly. Your friendship and support mean so much to me. I wish I could jump through the screen and give you a big ole’ hug!🥰 Hopefully we’ll be out your way again soon. Enjoy your summer!
Jen your rustic chippy sign and campfire tin oh my😂. So many fabulous Patriotic ideas. Happy Summer💙❤️
Thank you, Ann. I just love the simplicity of the patriot decor this summer. I hope you enjoy your summer!
Jen,
Oh my word, everything looks FABULOUS! I am in love with your patriotic look, and cannot wait to use these ideas as an inspiration in our home too.
Loving it all!
Thankful for you.
xoxo,
Brendt
Thank you so much, Brendt. I appreciate you! Happy summer to you sweet friend.🥰
Jen your home looks so pretty all decked out for the 4th! It’s very understated and beautiful. Feels super cozy! Have the best summer! xoxo
Thank you, Stacy. I think with our hectic schedules I’ve been craving simplicity but still wanted to celebrate the season. This seemed like the perfect combination of the two. Happy summer to you too!
Hi Jen! I love the simplicity of your pretty patriotic decor! Of course, I’m smitten with your vintage accents, and your door basket and other floral arrangements are lovely–pinned! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Thank you so much, Cecilia. Home tour week is always my favorite. I’m enjoying all of the beautiful summer decor inspiration. Happy touring!