Summer has a way of making us crave a more relaxed lifestyle. Think lighter meals, open windows, and slower 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, 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 really makes a home feel like a retreat is how you use it, not just how it looks on social media.
Here are some small, intentional habits that can help your Lake Lanier home feel softer, calmer, and a bit more like a retreat this summer.
1. Let the Morning In Before the Day Starts
Before you dive into emails, before the kids wake up, and even before your 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 brings in that fresh morning light that feels different from the rest of the day. Plus, with Lake Lanier’s beautiful surroundings, you might catch a glimpse of the water shimmering in the early sun.
2. Anchor One Area That Feels Peaceful
Your entire home doesn’t need to look like it belongs in a magazine, but having one corner that feels serene is definitely achievable.
Maybe it’s your favorite chair with a good book nearby, or perhaps 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’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 rely on ambient lighting—it can change everything.
If your home feels “on” all the time, consider adding a few softer lights. Use lamps instead of overhead lights, switch to warm-toned bulbs, or place battery-powered candles in unexpected spots. Summer evenings already have a built-in glow, so let your lighting reflect that.
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 right back to the beach, and a single candle can evoke the essence of June.
You can use this to your advantage at home. Choose a single scent to associate with summer in your space—something fresh, not overwhelming. Consider 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 summer, entryways can quickly become cluttered with shoes, swim bags, sunscreen, dog leashes, and half-dry towels. Even if you don’t have a mudroom, a little organization can go a long way. A basket by the door or a couple of well-placed hooks can help keep everyday clutter at bay.
The same goes for heading out. If there’s a designated spot near the door for summer essentials (like sunglasses, a water bottle, or bug spray), it can help you start your day with less rush.
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 catch wet feet? You don’t need to deep clean every day, but taking 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 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 might not seem like a home design tip, but when you’re feeling warm and 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, or iced coffee. Little touches like this 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 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.
