Little Summer Habits That Make Your Akron Home Feel Like a Retreat

Summer in the Greater Akron Area brings a sense of ease that many of us crave. Whether it’s lighter meals, open windows, or leisurely mornings, the season invites us to shift our routines. Even if your calendar is packed, this time of year encourages us to transform our homes into places we want to be, rather than just spots we return to at the end of a busy day.

The great news is that you don’t need a second home or a designer budget to create 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, not just how it looks on social media.

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

1. Let the Morning In Before the Day Starts

Before the emails start rolling 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 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 a peaceful corner? That’s manageable.

Perhaps it’s your favorite chair with a good book nearby, or 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 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. Swap out overhead fixtures for lamps, use warm-toned bulbs, or place battery-powered candles in unexpected spots. Summer evenings naturally have a warm glow; let your lighting reflect that.

Even changing a harsh bulb in the entryway or bathroom for something warmer can make those spaces feel more inviting at the end of the day.

4. Create a Scent You Associate with Summer

Scent is closely 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 harness this at home. Choose a scent that embodies summer for your space—something fresh but not overpowering. Think 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 often collect piles of shoes, swim bags, sunscreen, dog leashes, and half-dry towels. Even without a dedicated mudroom, a bit of organization can help. 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—like sunglasses, a water bottle, or bug spray—it reduces the rush and helps your day start off on the right foot.

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-in sandals or no shoes at all.

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 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 a bit too warm and a bit too busy, it makes a difference.

Try keeping a carafe of cold water on the counter with slices of citrus or mint. Stock your fridge with a few easy-to-grab drinks—like sparkling water, lemonade, or 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.