Little Summer Habits That Make Your Los Angeles Home Feel Like a Retreat

Summer in Los Angeles brings a unique vibe that encourages relaxation and ease. With the sun shining brightly and the beaches calling, it’s natural to want your home to reflect that laid-back spirit. Even if your schedule remains packed, the season invites a shift that transforms your space into a retreat, making it 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 in Malibu or a designer budget to create that “summer retreat” atmosphere. You don’t even have to rearrange your furniture. The essence of a retreat lies in how you utilize your space, not just how it appears on social media.

Here are some simple, intentional habits that can help your Los Angeles home feel softer, calmer, and more like a summer retreat this season.

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.

Allowing fresh air to flow into your home early in the day can shift the mood of your entire space. It clears out the overnight stillness and welcomes that bright, 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 peaceful corner is entirely doable.

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 area 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 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 in Los Angeles already have a natural glow, so let your lighting complement that.

Even changing a harsh bulb in the 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 specific candle can instantly evoke the essence of June.

You can harness this at home by selecting a single scent to associate with summer—something fresh, yet not overpowering. Think citrus, basil, sea salt, rosemary, or linen. Use it in a diffuser, hand soap, or room spray by the door to create that summer vibe.

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 mudroom, a little organization goes 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. Having a designated spot near the door for summer essentials—like sunglasses, a water bottle, and bug spray—can ease the rush and help your day start off smoothly.

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. 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 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 shift 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 can make a significant 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, 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 envisioning a space that feels better, not just looks better, we’d love to help you find it.