Little Summer Habits That Make Your Home on the Main Line Feel Like a Retreat

Summer has a way of making us crave a more relaxed lifestyle. Think lighter meals, open windows, and slower mornings. Even if your schedule remains packed, the season seems to call for a change, inviting you to transform your home into a place you truly 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 matters is how you utilize your space, not how it appears in a magazine.

Here are a few small, intentional habits that can help your home on the Main Line feel softer, calmer, and a bit more like a retreat this summer.

1. Let the Morning In Before the Day Starts

Before the emails start piling up, before the kids wake up, and even before your coffee is ready, 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 different from the rest of the day.

2. Anchor One Area That Feels Peaceful

You don’t need your entire home to resemble a magazine spread. But creating one peaceful corner? That’s manageable.

Perhaps it’s your favorite chair with a good book nearby, or a bathroom counter that’s not cluttered with products, 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 the day.

3. Adjust Your Lighting (Especially in the Evenings)

There’s a reason vacation rentals focus heavily on ambient lighting. It changes 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 the space feel more inviting at the end of the day.

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 particular candle can instantly evoke the feeling of June.

You can harness this at home. Choose a single 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 a hectic tone for the entire evening.

During summer, entryways often collect piles: shoes, swim bags, sunscreen, dog leashes, and half-dry towels. Even without a mudroom, a little organization helps. 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 off on a calmer note.

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 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, really 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 completely change the 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 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, refreshing drinks—sparkling water, lemonade, or 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.