Open Shelf Summer Styling

Thank you for stopping by for some fun open shelf summer styling. Today I’m sharing my ideas on how to create a simple summer garden theme vignette on open shelves grouping plants and everyday items.

May Pinterest Challenge

It’s time for our May Pinterest Challenge, and this month we are creating summer cabinet decor. Our challenge is loaded with possibilities, as you will see when you scroll down to the inspiration photo.

If this is your first time to join us for a Pinterest Challenge, this is how it works. Our host Cindy over at County Road 407, selects a photo for us to recreate, and each participant puts their own spin on the photo.

The best part is seeing how everyone interprets the image, and we always have an interesting variety. Be sure to click through all the links at the end of my post.

If you’re popping in after visiting my friend Lora of Create and Ponder, welcome to Thistle Key Lane. I’m so happy you’re here! I think you’ll agree Lora never disappoints, and always goes the extra mile with our challenges.

Our inspiration this month comes from The Painted Hinge. We miss our friend Michelle so much, and I think our challenge is a lovely way to honor her memory. I still enjoy reading her posts and feel a pang of loss whenever I see one her photos on Pinterest.

I think you’ll agree there’s a lot to study and admire in this one photo. Here’s a list of items I’m seeing in the photo that I’ll be adding to my open shelves.

• flower pots
• plants
• flower frogs
• file drawer
• books
• botanical artwork
• antlers

Open Shelf Summer Styling

I’m using our inspiration photo to create a mini summer garden vignette on the open shelves next to our kitchen table. These shelves may be small, but surprisingly I’m able to incorporate everything on the list above. I’m also spreading some of the inspiration to the surrounding kitchen areas, which I’ll share further down in the post.

In our Pinterest challenges I make a point of using items I already have on hand or craft something that I see in the photo. Did you notice the vintage looking file drawers in Michelle’s photo? For this challenge, I’m making a faux file drawer that I can nestle a plant in.

How To Make A Faux Drawer

After searching my local antique mall for a vintage drawer and coming up empty, I decided to make my own. I’m starting with a wooden box that’s about 4 inches square.

To make a faux drawer out of a box, first remove the hinges. Then flip the lid over and glue it to the bottom of the box using regular glue such as Elmer’s. Glue a wooden knob to the front of the box and attach a metal label holder. Allow glue to dry.

The reason why I’m gluing the lid to the bottom of the box is for height. It also gives me more room for the knob and the metal label holder on the front of the drawer.

Paint all sides with craft paint allowing it to dry between coats. Age it with dark wax then use sandpaper to distress the finish and edges. Ta-da a faux drawer!

Garden Theme Summer Styling

Now you can see how cute the faux drawer looks on the shelf. Don’t you love this shade of green for summer? The little fern fits perfectly in the drawer. Unfortunately the saucer for the fern wouldn’t fit inside, so I’m using a piece of foil as a liner to protect the wood from moisture.

I have a small collection of vintage flower frogs and terra cotta pots, which are perfect for this garden theme. I often wonder what my grandmother would think of us using flower frogs in vignettes. She would probably think we’re nuts, and so would her garden club friends no doubt. Of course, I love their vintage appeal as I’m sure you do too.

After rearranging the shelves over a couple of days, I finally removed several items. I find that sometimes I need a little bit of space to be able to observe and appreciate what is on display.

Instead of a seed packet, I’m using one of my floral watercolors for a little punch of color. I’m also displaying a glass jar holding vintage keys to lighten the look and change up the textures a bit.

Summer Styling On The Kitchen Table And Pot Rack

I’m carrying this summer styling to the kitchen table and around the corner to the pot rack. I love the garland of flowers on the chalkboard in the inspo photo. If you don’t remember how they look just scroll back up for a quick peek.

Instead of a garland I’m hanging three bundles of flowers on our pot rack with cotton string. If you like using dried flowers in fall arrangements this is a fun way to enjoy them now and later.

I also like to hanging herbs on the pot rack to freshen up the air in the kitchen. You would think that I’m an accomplished chef (LOL) with the aroma of fresh rosemary and thyme in the air.

Kitchen Table Tray Vignette

Our Pinterest challenge also inspired my post, Flower Pot Upcycled Project from last week. I’m using the flower pots in a kitchen table tray centerpiece along with my ironstone pitcher holding wooden spoons and vintage utensils.

See how it all flows together? That’s what I enjoy so much for our Pinterest challenges. We take an idea, then turn it into something personal and meaningful that reflects our own style. How fun is that?!

Now you can take ideas from my open shelf summer styling to use on your shelves, mantel, entry table or whatever space you want to update for summer.

Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with my favorite seasonal inspiration!

Now I’m going to send you over to my talented friend Wendy at WM Design House. I know you don’t want to miss Wendy’s spin of our PC.

Thank you so much for visiting today! I hope you click through all the links of everyone participating below. You never know what ideas you can gather to use in your home.

Cheers!

Our Pinterest Challenge Continues…

©2023 Open Shelf Summer Styling post first appeared on Thistle Key Lane.