Yay! It’s reveal day for the Summer Dining Room! Simple dogwood stems, fresh greenery and layered texture create an easy, attainable summer tablescape that anyone can recreate.
Today I’m sharing a relaxed tour of our summer dining room and the simple styling choices that bring a bright, seasonal look to the space.
Before the house gets its new flooring next month, I wanted to add one last summer refresh. It’s been a busy season—one that even included a flooded downstairs from a broken refrigerator filter—but styling this dining room was a fun, calming project in the middle of it all.
I designed this look mostly with items I already owned: little updates, a few new pieces, and mostly creativity. The turquoise dinnerware is new and feels like a perfect summer accent. For the photoshoot I borrowed the dogwood stems from my mantel, and they worked beautifully as a simple, natural centerpiece.
A small utensil caddy adds texture and a casual picnic vibe to the table, while woven placemat chargers and rattan or wicker chairs help reinforce the breezy, coastal-meets-farmhouse style. Little details—cloth napkins with playful pom trim and a favorite napkin ring—make the place setting feel finished without being fussy.
A lot of the furniture in this room is homemade. When we moved into this house more than seven years ago, we didn’t have much furniture and buying everything new wasn’t an option. After searching secondhand sites for a while, I began building what I wanted. Making your own furniture can be significantly less expensive than buying ready-made pieces, and it allows you to customize scale, finish and function to suit your space. I even made the curtains, which was a satisfying and cost-effective way to get the exact look I wanted.
For anyone interested in DIY furniture or simple sewing projects, small investments in tools and materials can yield big design results. Turning basic lumber, hardware store finds and inexpensive fabric into durable, attractive pieces is one of my favorite parts of decorating.
Back to the tablescape: my strategy was to choose a single bold color—turquoise—then layer neutrals and natural texture around it. Start with woven or hyacinth placemat chargers, add a colorful dinner plate, and finish with a soft cloth napkin and a distinctive napkin ring. For the centerpiece, choose a single type of stem or blooms and repeat it in a few vases rather than creating a complicated arrangement. The result feels cohesive and fresh.
A pretty plate, a cute cloth napkin and a thoughtful napkin ring are often all you need to set a seasonal table. Add a few accent pieces—like a small bowl, a candle or a textured vase—to complete the look without crowding the table.
Sources for my Summer Dining Room
- Hyacinth placemat chargers
- DIY beach-inspired framed canvas art (tutorial)
- DIY media console table (tutorial)
- DIY farmhouse dining table (tutorial)
- DIY farmhouse bench (tutorial)
- Striped drop cloth curtains (DIY tutorial)
- Turquoise dinnerware and goblets
- Napkins with pom trim (craft or home decor shops)
- Locust-style napkin rings (similar styles available at home accents retailers)
- Wood candle sconces
- Dogwood stems or similar faux or fresh stems for a simple centerpiece
- Teak wood vase (vintage or specialty shops may carry similar pieces)
- Wicker or rattan chairs
- Patterned medallion throw pillows
If you’re inspired to recreate this vibe, start with one or two new accents—like turquoise plates or woven chargers—and layer in things you already own. Small changes in color and texture can transform a room for the season without a major overhaul.
More posts you will love:
- The Best Summer Decorating Ideas
- Summer Favorites Printable & more!
- 25+ Stunning Summer Fireplace Mantel Decor Ideas