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Give Me All The Lemons! – Summer Dining Room Tour

Sooooooo…..I might have gone a little crazy with the lemons.
πŸ˜¬πŸ‹πŸ‹
I’ve been so excited to use them in our dining room/entry way area after winning the cutest little faux lemon tree from a fun Instagram giveaway a few months ago (thanks, Page @charmingcape!)–that little tree inspired the whole room’s look!  Lemons are just so dang happy. How could I NOT go crazy?  πŸ˜‰  Let me show you around, plus I’ll share why I couldn’t stand those hanging flowers for one more second…!

(**Sources listed below!**)

If we are Insta-buddies [HERE], you’ll know exactly what purpose this table REALLY serves…. πŸ˜‰  But when I’m playing pretend and messing with all my pretties, I sure like to get it styled just right!  Love setting the table for my guests, even if they are imaginary and/or end up eating all crammed in our kitchen like we always do.  πŸ˜‰

I was feelin’ those classic country summer colors of blues and yellows mixed with chippy whites and a relaxed vibe, so (if you can believe it….) this room feels very simplified and easy to me.  I mean, y’all know my normal cray ideas….(see [HERE] and [HERE]…), so this is sitch is pretty simple and chill to match our simplified summer vibes.

To add a little lemon-y goodness to one of the empty walls, I hung three cutting boards and layered them with lemon sprigs (all from Hobby Lobby), and then layered once again with the cutest “fresh lemonade” wood sign from Down Grace Lane.  Sweet and simple all around–love this little spot!

For a SUPER easy centerpiece, I just cut up some faux olive bushes (HobLob again) and other various fake flowers I had in my garage/store πŸ˜‰, stuck a table cloth much the same color as the dough bowl down inside to add volume, popped the stems all around…and then dumped some fake lemons on top!  Easy peasy…LEMON squeasy!!!  Yeeeessssssss.  πŸ™ŒπŸ»  You are WELCOME for my amazing sense of humor, guys.  Truly welcome.  πŸ’πŸ»πŸ™„

The place settings also took on a pretty happy, easy vibe–simple scalloped white plates, the CUTEST napkins from Kitch Studios, and topped off with one little faux lemon and an olive sprig.  Simple, lemon-y beauty.  πŸ‹πŸŒΏ

Aaaaaaannnddd….the spot I was most nervous to show y’all…because I took down the hanging flowers ladder up above the buffet! πŸ˜¬πŸ™ˆ  I know, I know, but it was just…time.  Do you guys ever just NEED your space to simplify, to be stripped down, to have room and margin for nothingness in places??  That hanging flowers ladder was seriously one of my very favorite creations [HERE], and I loved the inspiration it gave to my buddies (you guys made some GORG hanging flowers displays, F to the Y to the I…😍).  But I just needed to rip it down and replace it with something a bit more…..less, if that makes sense.  Something more simplified and chill to match our simplified summer chill lifestyle, I guess.  So!  A single (faux) lemon tree framed by an open wood frame (HobLob), a simple farmhouse wood sign from Three Mango Seeds, and just a few more small lemon-y touches.  I mean, to some this might still seem busy…but….did you SEE those hanging flowers??! πŸ˜³πŸ˜‰

Anyway, do you guys ever feel like that?  Like you want your home to reflect your lifestyle that season, either season of life or season of the year?  Or maybe you can relate to NEEDING to rip down fun but busy decor in favor of something simpler on the eyes?  Just wondering if anyone felt me on that urge!

Also!  Be sure to check out the rest of these amazing bloggers and their beautiful summer home decor on the Easy Summer Styling Home Tour with Kelly from The Tattered Pew!

 

Crisp Collective

Bright Yellow Door

My 100 Year Old Home

Finding Silver Pennies

Cali Girl in a Southern World

Kelly at The Tattered Pew

SOURCES:

(*If exact source not available/linkable, I’ve pre-shopped an item similar in price and style for ya!*)

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  1. Really pretty! I’ve been on a lemon kick also…but more the scent than actual lemons…although I totally love that too! We’re in the middle of a kitchen remodel so I’ve been elbow deep in paint and construction. It makes my heart happy to look at some pretty. πŸ™‚

    Have a great Monday!

    Nancy

    • Erin | Cotton Stem says:

      Yes! Nothing beats fresh lemon scented things! I always keep some sort of lemon hand soap and lotion by the kitchen sink. Helps refresh stinky onion hands after cooking. πŸ˜‰ Good luck painting, Nancy!

  2. Mary says:

    Great job! Love the lemons and cutting board idea – it turned out awesome. I totally agree about clearing out the busy decor. Sometimes it gets overwhelming to the eyes πŸ‘€ keep up the good work! πŸ’•

  3. Lindzie says:

    You are hilarious! I enjoy your blog so much. Love the new simplified look too. Less is more sometimes. πŸ‹πŸ‹πŸ‹

  4. Joanna says:

    This is gorgeous!! I love lemons! Your sideboard looks great with the lemon tree!

  5. Milly says:

    You are so creative. I loved the hanging flowers and I love this, too! Always love seeing what you’ll do next!

  6. Sandee Boyd says:

    Erin, again your such a hoot. I’m totally into Lemons and limes in summer.
    My hubby and I just came back from a trip to Oregon for my Grandson’s graduation. When I got home I actually rearranged furniture to simplify. I was craving simplicity. Although I loved your flower ladder. I totally get making it simple for summer. Hey a new #simpleforsummer. Enjoy your lemony goodness. Makes me want margaritas! Think I’ll go have one/ or 2 πŸ˜¨πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

    • Erin | Cotton Stem says:

      Hey Sandee, make one for me! πŸ™‹πŸ»πŸ˜‰ I find myself craving simplicity after Christmas season, too. So much fun and cheer, but then…I crave major simplicity!!

  7. Nakita Doane says:

    Love this ! And yes summer = simple!! Keep up the great blog ! I am enjoying it greatly !!!

  8. Tina Grose says:

    Everything does look simply beautiful and fresh!!! Like summer!!! πŸ‹βœ¨

    • Erin | Cotton Stem says:

      Ok yay! That’s what I was feelin’ so I’m glad that came across! Thanks so much for leaving a kind word, Tina. πŸ™‚

  9. Nicole says:

    Hi! I’m a newbie to your blog but I have all the lemon heart eyes πŸ˜πŸ‹! I just got the same lemon stems at Hobby Lobby today and am loving how they liven up those little nooks and crannies. Summer is my ‘season of slow’ and it’s just so fun to start the summer off with some freshness. Love the buffet – so fun!
    Need some lemon goodness with this
    🌹 bachelorette 🌹 drama am I right?! πŸ˜‰πŸ˜‚

    • Erin | Cotton Stem says:

      Hey Nicole, thanks for stopping by! And for reals. WHAT is up with these men/boys this season? I usually like The Bachelorette better than Bachelor, bc I can hardly stand the catty, dramatic women…but now the men are doing it, too! And worse! πŸ˜‚πŸ™„

      • Nicole says:

        Ummm yeah I think some of those guys need an afternoon in Target and Hobby Lobby to take the edge off 😩

  10. Debra Donnell says:

    Adorableβ™‘β™‘β™‘β™‘

  11. Brandy Richardson says:

    I absolutely love the market burlap bag holding the flowers on the front door!!! You clever little thang!!!! And yes — I know the feeling! Sometimes LESS is MORE! great post β™₯️

  12. Silvia Lopez says:

    Omg!! Absolutely LOVE all these ideas. You’re amazing Erin!

  13. Shay Dotson says:

    It’s beautiful ❀️

  14. Lexi says:

    Loveeee everything! 😍

  15. Debbie Barry says:

    Erin! I love it! So fresh, yet simple. And YES!! Sometimes it’s just gotta go. I hear ya sister! The flowers were so pretty but yes I feel change all the time. The same feeling I get after Christmas. You love it so much, but after a month or so it’s time to go. ❀ btw thanks sooooo much for doing the hair tutorial! Wish I could have saved that video!
    Xoxo debbie

    • Erin | Cotton Stem says:

      That’s exactly how I feel after the Christmas decor, too! I strip everything down, no color, no flash, no nothin. πŸ˜‰ And you’re so welcome on the tutorial! I hope I explained it ok! πŸ˜‰

  16. Christy says:

    L O V E…. Everything Lemons. Looks amazing as always😍😍😍

  17. Lynnette says:

    Your new "simple" looks super cute! The lemons and the hanging cutting boards….. who would think to do that but you! So cute! Have a good evening doing E. A. T.

  18. Fiona says:

    Love the lemoney look. Very summer which I am jealous of as we are in the middle of winter her in Australia…. completely off topic but I was wondering about you little heart tattoos on your wrist so totally adorable. I am wanting to do something to that is meaningfully for my children (3 girls) but im tossing back and forth whether I will be happy in the long term.. are you happy with them? Do the represent something special? I’m so nosey I know. Your a classy lady just wanted your thoughts. Xx

    • Erin | Cotton Stem says:

      Hey Fiona! So my maiden name was Hart, and I was raised with my mom and sister…we were the Hart Girls. πŸ˜‰ And now that I have four little girls of my own, I thought I’d carry on the "Hart girls" theme. I actually forget I have them bc they are on the back of my wrist–highly recommend that placement. You have the tattoo but you don’t have to see it alllll the time. πŸ˜‰

  19. Candi says:

    I liked the ladder but I love this for the reason you mentioned, understated beauty.

  20. Jeanne says:

    This is all so beautiful! Your home is such an inspiration and so are you! I always look forward to all the amazing ideas you share everyday. Thank you for being you and making it so much fun too! Can’t wait til my kiddos go down to bed to catch up of the Bachelorette πŸ’•πŸ’•

  21. Krista says:

    This is absolutely beautiful as is everything you do! I would love to know how you hung the frame and the sign together! Super cute!

    • Erin | Cotton Stem says:

      Hey Krista, thank you! So the frame is mounted just on normal nails, and I knew I wanted layers, so I used a very long screw and molly to mount the Gather sign!

  22. Patti says:

    Love all that sunny yellow! Lemons are one of my favorite things. The simplicity of the buffet is perfect.

  23. Kathryn says:

    I’m obsessed with your table and lemons! It’s perfect for summer! I get to live vicariously through you since my awesome 3 year old would have torn that apart LOL. She doesn’t usually mess with things in the house, but the table can’t stay styled hahaha.
    Anyways, I have question!
    How did you hang the frame and sign with them being layered? I love this look!

    • Erin | Cotton Stem says:

      So the frame is mounted just on normal nails, and I knew I wanted layers, so I used a very long screw and molly to mount the Gather sign! Thanks for the kind words!

  24. Julie martin says:

    I love it!! πŸ‹

  25. Miranda says:

    I love the new budget look! It’s right up my alley. I totally relate to needing simplified but beautiful decor….busy decor makes me feel claustrophobic πŸ˜… (No joke lol) Love, love, the Summer look! πŸ‹

  26. Jillian says:

    Love the lemons! So fresh and bright! I am curious what you think of the metal dining chairs. I get the impression that they aren’t used a lot πŸ˜‰ But I’m wondering if they are comfortable and practical with kids?

    • Erin | Cotton Stem says:

      Ha! No, not used daily by any means, but practical–YES. Wipe down easily! I mean, they are metal chairs, so nothing like sitting on a cozy couch, but I’d say they are fine for a meal!

  27. Jenn Murdock says:

    I’m loving the lemons! Looks beautiful!

    I’ve been following you on Instagram for a couple months. I love watching your Insta Stories in the morning as I’m getting ready. I look forward to it πŸ™‚ I enjoyed your story about the books you decorated your wall with.

    Thank you for all you do! I enjoy you! You’re an inspiration! πŸ™‚

    I’m embarrassed to say, this is my first time to your blog. I’m going to go exploring it now. πŸ™‚

  28. Audrey says:

    Love it! Love the lemons….so fresh πŸ™‚ All your rooms are gorgeous πŸ™‚ I saw in another post that you have Sea Salt for your wall colors? Is your entry and dining room painted white with a colored ceiling or is it also Sea Salt but the lighting makes it look white?

  29. I commented on your lemon tree post, but need to comment here too because I love how you’ve made something so simple look so elegant and pretty! xx

  30. […] Danielle of Finding Silver Pennies Β * Β Meeghan of Cali Girl In A Southern World * Kelly of The Tattered Pew Β * Erin of Cotton Stem […]

  31. One can never have too many lemons! This is adorable xx

  32. Kelly says:

    Erin your lemons and dining room are just gorgeous!!! So fun!Thanks for joining in on this tour!

  33. Lemons give me LIFE! Little drops of happy! You styled them perfectly, and this space could not be prettier!

  34. lynn says:

    hi Erin! i was really inspired by your lemon-decor and i was able to make one for my husband’s birthday and my friends loved it! i tagged you in my post, don’t know if you got a chance to check it out – lynnvince

  35. Tammy says:

    Love how bright and cheerful everything is!! You’ll have to go check out my dining table on Instagram I decorated with …….Limes πŸ€— I was feeling like a rebel after seeing all this decor with lemons I decided to do limes πŸ˜‰πŸ˜‰ love the new blog!!

  36. Meeghan says:

    Love your beautiful summer styling, Erin! I couldn’t agree with you more regarding feeling like often times less is more. The lemons are a wonderful and fresh summer touch. Your styling is always incredibly inspiring. It was a pleasure to be a part of The Easy Summer Styling Home Tour with you. I hope you’re having a wonderful summer, friend!

  37. Hi Erin, I found you on IG when you somehow found my bathroom and featured it in your creep. Since then I have been blessed daily by your posts. Your dining room is super cute, but it is your sweet spirit that has me hooked. May it’s because I was raised an Okie too or maybe it’s because we are raising all girls like you, I just feel like I have found a friend. Thank you for always putting others first, openly sharing your heart, and creating such a community atmosphere on social media. The Lord knows we need more positive female influences! Thanks, Sara Jo

  38. Everything looks so good! I’m on a lemon kick also! How far into fall do you think we can go with them????
    Have you seen the lemon wreath at SouthernNest???? I ordered it and it should arrive this week!!!

    • Erin | Cotton Stem says:

      Oh man, I say do what you think is beautiful! I mean…I nailed old crappy books on my wall and called it decor, so what do I know about the rules?! Ha! πŸ˜‰ I’m kidding, but I do think you should do it if it makes you happy!

  39. Erin – I appreciate you being so approachable! You provide so much inspiration. This is nothing short of gorgeous!

    Kristi

  40. Wendy says:

    Can you tell me where you found the cutting boards?
    The whole lemon theme is just wonderful! Thank you for sharing all your ideas 😊

  41. Tiffany Mislivec says:

    Love your lemon table centerpiece and decor! What kind of greenery is on your table with the lemons and where did you find it?!

  42. […] Say yes to lemons with this amazing centerpiece for your dining room table. […]

  43. Gina says:

    Lemon is my fav-or-ite! In dΓ©cor, in desserts, in smells…it’s gorgeous and yummy and refreshing!! So, I’m digging this!
    And, how have I never visited your blog before?? Or it’s at least been awhile. I feel like you’re an Insta BFF (because don’t we all have internet buddies that don’t have a clue who we are, but we know we’d be besties IRL??) but I’d never actually come to your blog! Just always follow along with your inspo and life on Instagram! Anyway, I just love this post, Erin!!

  44. […] simply make an superior centerpiece out of them. You could find a pleasant design thought on cottonstem the place the lemons are the principle protagonist. The brilliant yellow coloration offers the desk […]

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