Summer Makeovers by Kichler®

Summer changes everything. A laid-back, relaxed feel takes hold of our stressed-out souls and we look at the spaces where we hang out most with a fresh eye. Ready to make your place easier-breezier, but need inspiration? Here’s how three homeowners and designers created stylish retreats with a vacay vibe that’ll last all year long.

Lauren Elizabeth, House of Hire

Kitchens are a hub of activity in every home, especially during Summer. As a wife and mom of three little ones, Lauren Elizabeth, a Nova Scotia interior stylist and blogger behind @houseofhire, cooked up a kitchen that nods to tradition, yet reflects how families live today.

The kitchen’s gray and white color palette is classic, yet current.  Clean lines create a minimalist look that’s restful to the eye, as do uncluttered surfaces that make clean-up fast and simple. By tucking the fridge into the corner, it’s easily accessed without interrupting mealtime prep and is slightly hidden from view. This draws the eye inward to the room’s design focal point—a beautiful stone-topped island that’s sized right for kiddie snack time or grown-up happy hour.

And about the chic seeded glass Silberne™ pendant lights over the island, Lauren says this—“I am in love with these beautiful brass pendant lights. They couldn’t be any prettier.” 

Ashley Wilson, At Home with Ashley

Like the 23% of Americans who work from home at least part of the time, Ashley Wilson, the Utah designer behind @athomewithashley, needed a place to get down to business—even during the lazy days of Summer. 

So she created a comfy combo home office/sitting room filled with cottage charm. “I’m a girl who loves pretty things, but I also want our house to be comfortable.  We don’t have air conditioning, so I knew ceiling fans were a must. But aren’t fans ugly and boring? Well, not anymore!” says Ashley. “I’m here to tell you that there are some gorgeous options, so you can have your breeze and air circulation, too. This ‘pretty’ is from Kichler Lighting and I loooooove it!”

Ashley and Jamin Mills, The Handmade Home

Dining rooms are busier during the summer months. With guests visiting more frequently and kids home from school, summer tends to bring a busier social calendar. If your dining room has you less excited about hosting, take a few tips from The Handmade Home on how to freshen up your dining room. 

In this Knoxville dining room, designers Ashley and Jamin Mills from serve up something for everyone. Who wouldn’t like to dine and unwind in an indoor garden of flowers tucked into a lively mix of shape, pattern, texture, and color from across the design spectrum? And then there’s the glam finishing touch overhead—the Birkdale 8-light beaded chandelier. “The chandelier was like icing on the cake for us,” notes Ashley. “We love how lights can make such a huge change in the home. The former one was pretty dated, so this brought in a beautiful, unexpected touch to your dining room.”

Summer’s here. Time for you and your home to kick back and relax…with style.