Summer brings a certain desire for ease and relaxation. You might find yourself craving lighter meals, open windows, and slower mornings. Even if your schedule remains packed, the season beckons a shift, encouraging your home to become a place you 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 designer’s budget to create that “summer retreat” vibe. You don’t even have to rearrange your furniture. The key to making your home feel like a retreat lies in how you use it, not just how it appears on social media.
Here are a few small, intentional habits that can help your St. Croix Valley home feel softer, calmer, and 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 before the coffee is even brewed, consider opening a window or two, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Letting in fresh air early in the day can shift the mood of your entire home. It clears out the overnight stillness 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 manageable.
Perhaps it’s your favorite chair paired with a good book. Or maybe it’s a bathroom counter that’s free of clutter or a nightstand that holds just a lamp and a journal. When one space feels tranquil, it becomes easier to return to that feeling throughout the day.
3. Adjust Your Lighting (Especially in the Evenings)
There’s a reason vacation rentals rely heavily on ambient lighting. It can transform everything.
If your home feels “on” all the time, consider adding a few softer lights—lamps instead of overhead fixtures, warm-toned bulbs, or battery-powered candles in unexpected places. Summer evenings already have a natural glow. Let your lighting complement 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 closely tied to memory. One whiff of sunscreen can transport you back to the beach. A single candle can instantly evoke the feeling of June.
You can harness this at home. Choose a scent to associate with summer in your space—something fresh but not overpowering. Think citrus, basil, sea salt, rosemary, or linen. Use it in a diffuser, a 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 a hectic tone for the entire evening.
During summer, entryways often collect piles of shoes, swim bags, sunscreen, dog leashes, and half-dry towels. Even without a mudroom, a little organization can help. A basket by the door or a couple of well-placed hooks can keep everyday clutter at bay.
The same goes for heading out. If there’s a designated spot near the door for summer essentials (sunglasses, water bottle, bug spray), it reduces the rush and helps your day start with a bit more ease.
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 quick look around: are the floors clean? Are the rugs soft? Is there a towel by the patio door to catch wet feet? You don’t need to deep clean every day. Just take five minutes in the evening to sweep high-traffic areas or shake out the welcome mat.
Small comforts, like not worrying about stepping on crumbs or cold tile, add up—especially when you’re enjoying your favorite worn-in sandals or going barefoot.
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 shift the entire 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 difference.
Try keeping a carafe of cold water on the counter with slices of citrus or mint. Or stock your fridge with a few low-effort, high-satisfaction drinks—sparkling water, lemonade, 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 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 about a space that feels better, not just looks better, we’d love to help you find it.
