Summer has been a whirlwind already—even though it began less than a month ago. Between an anniversary trip to Savannah, a flooded kitchen floor (thanks to a busted fridge filter), Vacation Bible School, swim lessons and swim team, our schedule has been packed. With days like these, I’m embracing simplicity at home so the space feels restful rather than cluttered.
I mentioned keeping things simple in my living room tour last week, and I’ve carried that same approach into the kitchen. Rather than filling shelves, I cleared everything off from my spring styling and restarted with a pared-back look that still feels warm and summery.
My inspiration came from a peach-scented candle that smells exactly like summer and fresh peach cobbler—cozy and nostalgic. I paired that scent with a few faux peach stems from my faux-tanicals collection and a sprig of lamb’s ear to create a simple farmhouse-style centerpiece that reads seasonal without being fussy.
I’m fond of faux fruit and stems because they’re reusable and maintain a fresh look year after year. The faux peach stems I used were a local find last year, and while I haven’t been able to locate the exact ones online, there are many similar options that capture the same summery vibe. They’re a playful, low-maintenance way to bring seasonal color into the kitchen.
To add color and practical style, I brought in a turquoise melamine dinnerware set. It looks like pottery but is lightweight and durable—perfect for kids and casual summer gatherings. The bright turquoise complements the peaches and greenery and helps pull together a cheerful, coastal-inspired palette.
On the eat-in kitchen table I chose a few seasonal accents: faux lemons in a mango wood bowl and faux strawberries in a ceramic basket. These pieces are durable and reusable, so I bring them out each year. I also added a couple of resin starfish for a subtle coastal touch and layered placemats to give the table texture and structure without overdoing it.
A lemon wreath now hangs on the Fintorp rail alongside my magnetic chalkboard. I kept the chalkboard blank for now—no elaborate chalk art—again leaning into a simple, calm aesthetic so the kitchen feels like a restful place amid our busy summer.
This pared-down approach makes the kitchen feel bright and intentional without needing constant fuss. A few well-chosen items—a fragrant candle, faux fruit, a couple of green stems and colorful, family-friendly dinnerware—create a welcoming summer scene that’s easy to maintain.
If you’d like a fuller view of the style, my living room summer mantel is included in my living room tour post. Both spaces reflect the same design principle: keep decor simple when life gets busy so your home supports rest, not more noise.
Do you simplify your decor when life feels hectic? I often end up filling donation boxes during these seasons—I have little patience for clutter when my calendar is overflowing. Tell me what helps you keep your home calm in the comments.
Decor Sources:
Items featured on the kitchen shelves:
- Turquoise plates and bowls (durable melamine set)
- Georgia peach scented candle
- Candle wick trimmer
- Large blue glass vase
- Weathered window frame cutout
- Driftwood orbs
- Wood cutting board
- Eucalyptus wreath
- Wicker chair
- Indoor/outdoor medallion pillow
- Faux fiddle leaf fig
- Utensil crock
- Chippy corbel
- Metal and wood barstool
- Faux ferns and woven planters
Items in the eat-in kitchen area:
- Painted starfish
- Turquoise plates and bowls
- Hyacinth placemats
- X-back dining chairs
- Chandelier
- Navy striped curtains
- Bamboo blinds
- Curtain rod
