Little Summer Habits That Make Your Ann Arbor Home Feel Like a Retreat

Summer in Ann Arbor brings a certain ease that many of us crave. Think lighter meals, open windows, and slower mornings. Even if your schedule remains packed, the season encourages a shift that transforms your home into a place you 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 property or a designer budget to create that “summer retreat” vibe. You don’t even have to rearrange your furniture. What truly makes a home feel like a retreat is how you use the space, not how it looks on social media.

Here are some small, intentional habits that can help your Ann Arbor 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 start piling up, before the kids wake up, and before that first cup of coffee is even brewed, consider opening a window or two 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 whole home doesn’t need to look like it belongs in a magazine. 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 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 rely heavily on ambient lighting—it changes everything.

If your home feels “on” all the time, consider adding a few softer lights. Use lamps instead of overhead lights, opt for warm-toned bulbs, and place battery-powered candles in unexpected spots. 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 those spaces 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, and you’re transported back to the beach. Light a candle, and suddenly it feels like June again.

You can use this to your advantage at home. Choose a single scent to associate with summer in your space—something fresh, but not overpowering. Think 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 principle applies when you’re 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 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 walk around 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 each 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 shift the energy of your space.

8. Keep Cold Drinks Within Reach

While hydration might not seem like a home design tip, when you’re feeling warm and busy, it really makes a difference.

Try keeping a carafe of cold water on the counter with slices of citrus or mint. Or stock your fridge with easy-to-grab drinks like 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 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 about a space that feels better, not just looks better, we’d love to help you find it.