Little Summer Habits That Make Your Home in Central Indiana Feel Like a Retreat

Summer in Central Indiana brings a sense of ease that many of us crave. Think lighter meals, open windows, and those slower mornings that seem to stretch out just a bit longer. Even if your schedule stays packed, the season invites a shift, encouraging your home to be a place you 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 truly makes a home feel like a retreat is how you utilize the space, not just how it appears on social media.

Here are some small, intentional habits that can help your 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, the kids wake up, or 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 transform the mood of your entire home. It clears out the overnight stillness and invites that refreshing morning light that feels different from the rest of the day.

2. Anchor One Area That Feels Peaceful

Your entire home doesn’t need to look like a magazine spread, but creating one calm corner is definitely achievable.

Maybe it’s your favorite chair with a good book nearby, or perhaps a bathroom counter that’s not cluttered with products, or a nightstand that holds just a lamp and a journal. When one space feels serene, it becomes 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 even 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 those spaces feel more inviting as the day winds down.

4. Create a Scent You Associate with Summer

Scent is tied to memory. Just a whiff of sunscreen can transport you back to the beach, and a single candle can instantly make it feel like June again.

You can harness this at home. Choose a scent to associate with 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 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 whole evening.

During summer, entryways often collect piles of shoes, swim bags, sunscreen, dog leashes, and half-dry towels. Even without a dedicated 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 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 can ease the rush and help 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 check: 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 shift the entire energy of your space.

8. Keep Cold Drinks Within Reach

Hydration may not sound like a home design tip, but when you’re feeling warm and busy, it can make a noticeable 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 dreaming about a space that feels better, not just looks better, we’d love to help you find it.