Little Summer Habits That Make Your Southern California Home Feel Like a Retreat

Summer in Southern California brings a unique sense of ease. With the sun shining and the ocean breeze flowing, it’s a time when lighter meals, open windows, and relaxed mornings become the norm. Even if your schedule remains packed, the season itself encourages 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 great 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 feeling of a retreat is more about how you engage with your space than how it appears on social media.

Here are some small, intentional habits that can help your Southern California 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 pile up, 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.

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 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 doable.

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 serene, it’s easier to return to that feeling throughout your day.

3. Adjust Your Lighting (Especially in the Evenings)

Vacation rentals often rely on ambient lighting for a reason—it changes everything.

If your home feels “on” all the time, consider adding some softer lighting options—lamps instead of harsh overheads, warm-toned bulbs, or even battery-powered candles in unexpected spots. Summer evenings naturally glow; let your lighting reflect that warmth.

Even swapping out a harsh bulb in your 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 tied to memory. One whiff of sunscreen can transport you back to the beach, while a single candle can evoke the essence of June.

You can harness this at home. Choose a scent to represent 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 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 tend to collect clutter: shoes, swim bags, sunscreen, dog leashes, and half-dry towels. Even without a dedicated mudroom, a little organization goes a long way. A basket by the door or a few well-placed hooks can keep everyday clutter from taking over.

The same principle applies when you’re heading out. If there’s a designated spot near the door for your summer essentials (sunglasses, water bottle, bug spray), it reduces the 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? You actually want to be 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 cold tile, add up—especially when you’re walking around in your favorite worn 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 completely change the energy of your space.

8. Keep Cold Drinks Within Reach

Hydration may not seem like a home design tip, but when you’re feeling warm and busy, it makes a difference.

Consider keeping a carafe of cold water on the counter with slices of citrus or mint. Or stock your fridge with a few easy, refreshing drinks—sparkling water, lemonade, iced coffee. These little touches 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.