Summer has a way of making us crave simplicity. Think lighter meals, open windows, and more relaxed mornings. Even if your schedule stays packed, the season invites a shift that can transform your home into a space you genuinely want to enjoy, rather than just a stopover at the end of a busy day.
The great news is that you don’t need a second home or a designer’s touch to achieve that “summer retreat” vibe. You don’t even have to move your furniture around. What truly makes a home feel like a retreat is about how you interact with it, not just how it appears on social media.
Here are some small, intentional habits you can adopt to help your home feel softer, calmer, and a bit more like a retreat this summer.
1. Let the Morning In Before the Day Starts
Before the emails start piling up, the kids wake up, or the coffee is even brewed, consider opening a window or two, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Allowing fresh air to flow in early in the day can change the mood of your entire home. It clears out the stillness of the night and invites in that fresh morning light that feels distinctly different from the rest of the day.
2. Anchor One Area That Feels Peaceful
Your entire home doesn’t need to resemble a magazine spread. But creating one calming corner? That’s doable.
Maybe it’s your favorite chair with a good book nearby, or perhaps a bathroom counter that isn’t cluttered with products, or a nightstand that holds just a lamp and a journal. When one space feels serene, it’s easier to return to that feeling throughout the day.
3. Adjust Your Lighting (Especially in the Evenings)
There’s a reason why vacation rentals often rely on ambient lighting—it really does change the atmosphere.
If your home feels “on” all the time, consider adding some softer lighting options—like lamps instead of overhead lights, warm-toned bulbs, or even battery-powered candles in unexpected places. Summer evenings naturally have a warm glow; let your lighting reflect that.
Even swapping out a harsh bulb in the entryway or bathroom for something warmer can make those spaces feel more inviting as the day winds down.
4. Create a Scent You Associate with Summer
Scent is tied to memory. One whiff of sunscreen can transport you right back to the beach. A single candle can suddenly make it feel like June again.
You can use this to your advantage at home. Pick a scent to associate with summer in your space—something fresh and not overpowering. Think citrus, basil, sea salt, rosemary, or linen. Use it in a diffuser, hand soap, or a room spray by the door.
5. Streamline the Entryway (and the Exit)
Your entryway is the first thing you see when you walk in. If it’s chaotic, it can set the tone for your entire evening.
During the summer, entryways tend to gather piles: shoes, swim bags, sunscreen, dog leashes, and half-dry towels. Even without a mudroom, a little organization can go a long way. A basket by the door or a few well-placed hooks can help keep everyday clutter at bay.
The same goes for heading out. If you have a designated spot near the door for summer essentials (like sunglasses, a water bottle, or bug spray), it can ease the rush and help your day start off on a smoother note.
6. Make It Easier to Be Barefoot
One often-overlooked sign that your home feels like a retreat? You actually want to be barefoot.
Take a quick look around: are the floors clean? Are the rugs soft? Is there a towel by the patio door to handle wet feet? You don’t have to deep clean every day. Just spend five minutes in the evening sweeping high-traffic areas or shaking out the welcome mat.
Small comforts, like not worrying about stepping on crumbs or cold tile, add up—especially when you’re walking around in your favorite worn sandals or no shoes at all.
7. Add a Soundtrack to Your Evenings
What do you hear when you’re winding down at home? If it’s the ping of email notifications or the background noise of a TV you’re not really watching, consider swapping it out for something more intentional.
A simple playlist, soft instrumental music, or even the sound of a fan or summer rain can completely change the energy of your space.
8. Keep Cold Drinks Within Reach
Hydration may not seem like a home design tip, but when you’re feeling a bit too warm and a bit too busy, it can make a difference.
Try keeping a carafe of cold water on the counter with slices of citrus or mint. Or stock your fridge with a few easy, refreshing drinks—like sparkling water, lemonade, or iced coffee. Little touches like this make your home feel well-cared-for, even when life gets hectic.
Want a Home That Supports the Life You Want to Live?
We believe that the right home isn’t just about square footage or finishes. It’s about how it supports your routines, your rest, and those everyday moments that matter.
If you’re dreaming about a space that feels better, not just looks better, we’d love to help you find it.
