From artful outings to antique treasures and a fresh bedding update—here’s how I’m savoring summer in August with simple seasonal pleasures.
August on the Maine Coast
Hello, August—my favorite month!
Yes, I know many of you feel differently…
So today on the blog, I’m sharing what I love most about August—and making the case for savoring summer while it lasts.
We’ll also dive into the controversial topic of when to start decorating for fall. (You won’t be surprised which camp I’m in.)
To showcase all that summer still has to offer, I’ll take you along to a charming art show in the woods and a big antiques show.
And because I know summer won’t last forever, I’m also sharing my late-summer-into-fall bedding mood board.
Come make the most of summer with me!
Team Summer or Team Fall?
Friends, we need to have a frank conversation. About summer.
This is the time of year when the home decor community starts to split into two camps.
There are those who, once the calendar turns from July to August, dive headfirst into fall. Out come the pumpkins, colored leaves, and cozy blankets. These tend to be the folks who haul out the Christmas bins the day after Halloween and pack it all away on December 26th.
Then there’s the other group—the ones who embrace summer until at least Labor Day. The die-hards hold out until the fall equinox in late September. These are generally the people who wait until after Thanksgiving to deck the halls and keep their trees up into January.
Which team are you on?!
I think you all know where I stand—go Team Summer! I’m on the hardcore squad.
Here on the Maine coast, summer arrives late. (The ocean is still a bracing 56°!) We’ve had a stretch of 60- and 70-degree days throughout July, while much of the country has been sweltering. So I do understand why some are ready for fall’s cooler temps.
As you know, I’m all about doing what makes you happy in your home. If pumpkins in August bring you joy, then by all means, crank up the A/C, pull out a blanket, and sip your pumpkin spice latte in peace.
But don’t skip over the sweet, simple pleasures that summer still has to offer.
August Bucket List: Simple Summer Pleasures
Even if your home is transitioning to fall, I hope you’ll still soak up those fleeting summer moments. They’re what make this season so magical.
Here’s what I’ll be savoring this month:
☀ Morning coffee on the porch in my PJs
🍽️ Al fresco meals
🧺 Hammock time
🛶 A paddle in the kayak
🎡 Outdoor fairs and festivals
🍦 Ice cream on a warm day
👨👩👧👦 Time with visiting family
👗 Shorts, sundresses, and bare feet
🌅 Sunset at the lighthouse
🏖️ Beach time with the grandkids
🌼 My wildflower meadow teeming with life
🌿 Cut Limelights in a vase
🧊 Iced tea
🐦 Birdwatching in the harbor
☕ Coffee on the dock in the village
🌌 The night sky
🛒 A visit to the farmer’s market, followed by a meal made with only fresh, local ingredients
🍅 Tomato sandwiches
🌬️ Open windows and doors
🌊 A summer breeze off the ocean
🌧️ Sitting on the porch during a rain shower
🔥 Firepit and s’mores
🫐 Blueberries and corn on the cob!
What’s on your list?
Art in the Woods: A Magical Outdoor Exhibit
Last Saturday, I attended Opening in the Woods, a unique outdoor art show hosted by local artist Sarah G. Lee.
Picture the setting: a quiet grove of trees, soft moss underfoot, the melodic sound of cello music rising through the air. And scattered among the pines—actually hanging on their trunks—Sarah’s vibrantly colored oil paintings: a mix of tranquil landscapes, lively interiors, and stylized still lifes. The experience is peaceful and immersive—a beautiful blending of art and nature. It was magical!
I’m lucky to have one of Sarah’s small landscapes and a hand-painted balsam pillow in my bedroom.
You can learn more about Sarah, find upcoming events, and shop her artwork on her website, Spruce Tree Studio.
Treasures and Temptation at the Gurley Antiques Show
Then on Sunday, I went to the Gurley Antiques Show in Bath.
This was a large, high-end sale, with beautifully curated booths and many special pieces.
I eyed some spongeware bowls but told myself I have enough. (My corner hutch is full!)
I was also seriously tempted by a small carved wood seagull—but it wasn’t inexpensive, and I did just bring home that sweet seagull diorama. (Read about it here.) So this one stayed behind.
One dealer had a number of great fish moulds, some different from the ones I have. But in the end, I decided my display is just right as it is.
There were quite a few ship dioramas, which were fun to compare to the one I got at a flea market back in June. They were all pricier—and I have to say, I still like mine the best by far. It’s simple design and rope detail are just perfect for my coastal cottage. You can read about my great find here.
I coveted a small painted basket that would look fabulous in the bedroom, but it was over $1,000! Definitely not in the budget.
And there were two antique English tin biscuit tins like the ones my mom collected. They come in whimsical shapes—books, bird nests, purses, baskets, and more. I think they’re utterly charming. My dad has my mom’s collection, so one day my sisters and I will each have a small collection of our own.
As always, it was fun to browse and chat with the dealers. I came home empty-handed, but I’m still glad I went.
Visit the Gurley website for information on upcoming shows!
Late Summer to Fall Bedding Refresh
While I am still making the most of summer, I did go down a little rabbit hole recently looking at bedding for late summer into fall.
I hadn’t realized that West Elm has such a lovely selection of block-print-style quilts and fun, mix-and-match pillows. I visited a friend’s new home last week and was impressed by the bedding they chose from there, so I hopped online to explore.
One thing led to another, and soon I was happily playing around with a mood board. I love doing things like this—it just makes me happy!
- The quilt, shams, and mustard floral pillow are all from West Elm.
- The deep green floral sheet set is from Pottery Barn Teen (yes, I’m young at heart!).
- The golden laurel sheets are a set I already own from The Company Store.
I plan to use the lighter laurel pattern for late summer, then switch to the darker floral set as the days get shorter and cooler. The rich blue-green tones will pair beautifully with some painted furniture in the room and add a cozy, moody contrast to the quilt. And I love how the rich tones in the bedding echo the colors in my antique headboard—still one of my favorite pieces in the whole house.
I think I’ll go ahead and order everything soon —shopping links below if you’re curious!
SHOP BEDDING:
This Week Into Next
I had a wonderful visit with old friends last weekend. Our lives have followed the same path—we went to college together, worked at the same government agency, and now find ourselves living in Maine after retirement. We can definitely say we knew each other when..
Waterville
On Friday, we made a day trip to Waterville, home to Colby College. We also both had kids who went there, so the town holds a special place in our hearts.
Colby has an incredible art museum—especially impressive for a small college. After exploring the exhibits, we had lunch at a wonderful Lebanese restaurant called Mezza Cafe. I’m always amazed (and grateful!) when I find authentic international cuisine in small Maine towns. It can be a lot of seafood here, and vegetarian options are often hard to come by!
After lunch, we wandered into a fabric store that had been recommended to my friend. I spent seven years visiting Waterville and never knew this place existed. Yardgoods Center is actually two stores: one for knitting and crafting supplies, and the other for sewing machines and fabric. Both are large and well-stocked.
The most fun part for me? A big selection of late ’80s and early ’90s decorator fabrics—think Waverly chintzes and polished cottons. I spotted three prints I had actually used in previous homes! I’m guessing these were “old stock,” but they looked brand new. It was a fun stroll down memory lane and made me nostalgic for those early years of setting up a home—and becoming a new mom.
Yardgoods doesn’t have a website (they’re definitely old school!), but you can call them at 207-872-2118 for more information.
Time with family and what’s ahead
And speaking of kids… mine start to arrive next week! This is the visit I look forward to all year.
So, I’ll be busy getting the house ready and soaking up the anticipation.
But before the whole clan descends, I plan to get next week’s blog post written and scheduled. I’ll be taking you along on a trip to my local farm market and sharing a meal featuring all the seasonal stars—corn, zucchini, tomatoes, and blueberries. (Yes, that was definitely on my August list!)
Until then, be well, friends!
