Little Summer Habits That Make Your Sonoma County Home Feel Like a Retreat

Summer in Sonoma County brings a certain ease that many of us crave. Think lighter meals, open windows, and more relaxed mornings. Even if your schedule remains packed, the season itself invites a shift—making your home feel like a welcoming retreat rather than just a place to crash at the end of the day.

The good news is you don’t need a second property or a designer budget to achieve that “summer retreat” vibe. You don’t even have to rearrange your furniture. What truly transforms a home into a retreat is how you use it, not just how it looks on social media.

Here are a few small, intentional habits that can help your Sonoma County home feel softer, calmer, and a little 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 the coffee brews, consider opening a window or two, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Letting in fresh air first thing in the morning 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

Your entire home doesn’t need to look like it belongs in a magazine. 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 often rely 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 already have a natural glow; let your lighting complement that.

Even replacing a harsh bulb in the entryway or bathroom with something warmer can make those spaces feel more inviting as the day winds down.

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, while a single candle can evoke the essence of summer.

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, and if it’s chaotic, it can set the tone for the entire evening.

During summer, entryways tend to accumulate piles of shoes, swim bags, sunscreen, dog leashes, and half-dry towels. Even without a mudroom, a little structure 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, and 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 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, 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 seem like a home design tip, but when you’re feeling warm and busy, it can make a big 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, satisfying 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.