Little Summer Habits That Make Your Home in The Valley Feel Like a Retreat

Summer in The Valley brings a certain desire for ease. You might find yourself craving lighter meals, open windows, and slower mornings. Even if your schedule stays packed, the season invites a shift, transforming your home into a place you want to be, rather than just a stopover at the end of a busy day.

The good news is, 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. What truly makes a home feel like a retreat is how you use it, not how it appears on social media.

Here are some small, intentional habits that can help your home feel softer, calmer, and a little more like a retreat this summer.

1. Let the Morning In Before the Day Starts

Before the emails flood in, before the kids wake up, and before the coffee finishes brewing, 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 that fresh morning light that feels different from the rest of the day here in The Valley.

2. Anchor One Area That Feels Peaceful

Your whole home doesn’t need to look like it belongs in a magazine. But one corner? That’s manageable.

Perhaps it’s your favorite chair with a good book nearby, or maybe it’s a bathroom counter that’s not cluttered with products, or a nightstand with just a lamp and a journal. When one space feels calm, it makes it easier to return to that feeling throughout the day.

3. Adjust Your Lighting (Especially in the Evenings)

There’s a reason vacation rentals often rely on ambient lighting. It changes everything.

If your home feels “on” all the time, consider adding a few softer lights—lamps instead of overheads, warm-toned bulbs, or battery-powered candles in unexpected places. Summer evenings in The Valley already have a built-in glow. Let your lighting follow suit.

Even swapping out a harsh bulb in the entryway or bathroom for something warmer can make the space 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 back to the beach. A single candle can instantly evoke the feeling of June.

You can use this to your advantage at home. Choose a scent to associate with summer in your space—something fresh, 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 the tone for your entire evening.

In summer, entryways often collect piles: shoes, swim bags, sunscreen, dog leashes, and half-dry towels. Even without a mudroom, a little structure helps. A basket by the door or a couple of well-placed hooks can keep everyday clutter from taking over.

The same goes for heading out. If there’s a designated spot near the door for summer essentials (sunglasses, water bottle, bug spray), it cuts down on the rush and helps your day start a little smoother.

6. Make It Easier to Be Barefoot

One underrated 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 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 walking around in your favorite worn-in 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 shift the entire energy of your space.

8. Keep Cold Drinks Within Reach

Hydration may not sound like a home design tip, but when you’re feeling a bit warm and a little too busy, it makes 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-to-grab 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.