Little Summer Habits That Make Your Metro Detroit Home Feel Like a Retreat

Summer in Metro Detroit brings a certain desire for relaxation. You might find yourself craving lighter meals, fresh air through open windows, and those slow, easy mornings. Even if your schedule stays packed, the season feels like a gentle nudge to create a space that feels inviting and refreshing—your home should be a place you want to be, not just where you end up after a long day.

The good news is that you don’t need a second home or a hefty budget to achieve 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 the space, rather than how it appears on social media.

Here are some small, intentional habits that can help transform your home into a softer, calmer retreat this summer.

1. Let the Morning In Before the Day Starts

Before the emails flood in, before the kids wake up, and even before that first cup of coffee brews, 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 shift the mood of your entire home. It clears out the overnight stillness and invites in that refreshing 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 look like it belongs in a magazine, but creating one peaceful corner is entirely doable.

Maybe it’s your favorite chair with a good book nearby, or perhaps 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 calm, it’s easier to return to that feeling throughout your day.

3. Adjust Your Lighting (Especially in the Evenings)

There’s a reason vacation rentals often emphasize ambient lighting—it can change everything.

If your home feels overly bright or harsh, consider adding some softer lighting options. Swap out overhead lights for lamps, use warm-toned bulbs, or introduce battery-powered candles in unexpected places. Summer evenings naturally have a warm glow, so let your lighting reflect that.

Even replacing a harsh bulb in your entryway or bathroom with 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. A whiff of sunscreen can transport you back to the beach, while a particular candle can instantly evoke the feeling of June.

You can harness that power at home. Choose a single scent to associate with summer in your space—something fresh and 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 door.

5. Streamline the Entryway (and the Exit)

Your entryway is the first thing you see when you walk in, and if it’s chaotic, it can set a hectic tone for the entire evening.

During summer, entryways often collect clutter: 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, and bug spray, it reduces the morning rush and helps you start your day with a bit more ease.

6. Make It Easier to Be Barefoot

One often-overlooked sign that your home feels like a retreat is how comfortable it is 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, but spending just five minutes in the evening to sweep high-traffic areas or shake out the welcome mat can make a difference.

Small comforts, like not worrying about stepping on crumbs or feeling 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 atmosphere 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 significant difference.

Try keeping a carafe of cold water on the counter with slices of citrus or mint. Stock your fridge with easy-to-grab 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 about a space that feels better, not just looks better, we’d love to help you find it.