Summer in San Diego brings a laid-back vibe that makes you crave relaxation. Think lighter meals, open windows, and leisurely mornings. Even if your schedule stays packed, the season invites a shift that transforms your home into a place you want to enjoy, rather than just a stopover at the end of a busy day.
The good news is, you don’t need a second property or a designer budget to create that “summer retreat” atmosphere. You don’t even have to rearrange your furniture. What truly makes a home feel like a retreat is how you use it, not how it looks on social media.
Here are a few small, intentional habits that can help your San Diego 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 flooding in, before the kids wake up, and even before the coffee is brewed, consider opening a window or two, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Letting in fresh air early in the day can change the mood of your entire home. It clears out the overnight stillness and invites that fresh, morning light that feels different from the rest of the day. Plus, with our San Diego weather, it’s a great way to enjoy the mild mornings.
2. Anchor One Area That Feels Peaceful
Your entire home doesn’t need to look like a magazine spread. But you can definitely manage to create a peaceful corner.
Maybe it’s your favorite chair with a good book nearby, or perhaps it’s a bathroom counter that’s not cluttered with products, 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 focus on ambient lighting. It really changes everything.
If your home feels too bright 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 in San Diego already have a built-in 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. One whiff of sunscreen, and you’re instantly transported back to the beach. A single candle can evoke the essence of summer.
You can use this to your advantage at home. Choose a scent to associate with summer in your space—something fresh, 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 to welcome guests.
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 the entire evening.
In the summer, entryways often collect piles of shoes, beach bags, sunscreen, dog leashes, and half-dry towels. Even without a mudroom, a little organization can go a long way. 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 cuts down on the morning rush and helps you start your day with a bit less stress.
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 handle wet feet? You don’t need to deep clean every day; just take five minutes in the evening to sweep high-traffic areas or shake 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 that feels 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, making it feel more like a retreat.
8. Keep Cold Drinks Within Reach
Hydration might not seem like a home design tip, but 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 a few low-effort, high-satisfaction 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 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.
