Summer has a way of making you want to kick back and relax. Think lighter meals, open windows, and leisurely mornings. Even if your schedule stays packed, the season invites a shift that can transform your home into a place you genuinely want to be, rather than just a stopover at the end of a busy day.
The good news is that you don’t need a second home or a hefty budget to create that “summer retreat” vibe. You don’t even have to rearrange your furniture. What truly makes a home feel like a retreat is more about how you use it than how it looks on social media.
Here are some simple, intentional habits that can help your Livingston County 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 flooding in, before the kids wake up, and even before that first cup of coffee is ready, consider opening a window or two for just a few minutes.
Letting in fresh air early in the day can change the mood of your entire home. It clears out the overnight stillness and invites in that fresh morning light that feels distinct 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 manageable.
Perhaps it’s your favorite chair paired with a good book, or a bathroom counter that’s free of clutter, 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 vacation rentals often focus on ambient lighting—it makes a significant difference.
If your home feels “on” all the time, consider adding some softer lighting options—lamps instead of overhead lights, warm-toned bulbs, or even battery-powered candles in unexpected places. Summer evenings come with their own natural glow, so let your lighting complement that.
Even swapping out a harsh bulb in the entryway or bathroom for something warmer can create a more inviting atmosphere as the day winds down.
4. Create a Scent You Associate with Summer
Scent is closely tied to memory. One whiff of sunscreen can transport you back to the beach, while a single candle can instantly evoke the feeling of June.
You can harness this at home. Choose a specific scent to associate with summer in your space—something fresh but not overpowering. Consider options like citrus, basil, sea salt, rosemary, or linen. Use it in a diffuser, hand soap, or a room spray by the entrance.
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 a hectic tone for the entire evening.
During summer, entryways often become dumping grounds for shoes, swim bags, sunscreen, dog leashes, and damp towels. Even without a dedicated 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 principle applies when you’re 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 calmer note.
6. Make It Easier to Be Barefoot
One often-overlooked sign that your home feels like a retreat? You actually want to walk around barefoot.
Take a moment to assess: are the floors clean? Are the rugs soft? Is there a towel by the patio door to handle wet feet? You don’t need 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 feeling cold tile, add up—especially when you’re wandering around in your favorite worn sandals or no shoes at all.
7. Add a Soundtrack to Your Evenings
What sounds fill your home as you wind down? 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 shift the energy of your space.
8. Keep Cold Drinks Within Reach
Hydration might not seem like a home design tip, but when you’re feeling warm and busy, it can make a big difference.
Try keeping a carafe of cold water on the counter with slices of citrus or mint. Or stock your fridge with easy, satisfying drinks—sparkling water, lemonade, or iced coffee. These little touches can 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 your everyday moments.
If you’re dreaming of a space that feels better, not just looks better, we’d love to help you find it.
