Little Summer Habits That Make Your Toronto Home Feel Like a Retreat

Summer in Toronto brings a certain ease that many of us crave. Think lighter meals, open windows, and slower mornings. Even if your schedule stays packed, the season invites a shift that can transform your home into a space you genuinely want to enjoy, rather than just a place to crash after a long 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 it, not how it looks on social media.

Here are a few small, intentional habits that can help your Toronto 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 even before your 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 shift the mood of your entire home. It clears out the overnight stillness and invites that fresh morning light that feels distinct from the rest of the day.

2. Anchor One Area That Feels Peaceful

Your entire home doesn’t have to look like a magazine spread. But you can definitely manage to create one calming corner.

Maybe it’s your favourite chair with a good book nearby or a bathroom counter that’s not cluttered with products. When one space feels calm, it makes it easier to return to that sense of peace 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. Think lamps instead of overhead lights, warm-toned bulbs, or even battery-powered candles in unexpected places. Summer evenings have a natural glow; let your lighting reflect that.

Even swapping out a harsh bulb in the entryway or bathroom for something warmer can make the space 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 suddenly you’re back at the beach. A single candle can transport you to June.

You can use this to your advantage at home. Pick a scent that embodies summer for your space—something fresh but not overpowering. Consider 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 the entire evening.

In summer, entryways often collect piles: shoes, swim bags, sunscreen, dog leashes, and half-dry towels. Even without a mudroom, a little organization can help. A basket by the door or a couple of well-placed hooks can keep everyday clutter at bay.

It’s the same for heading out. If you have a designated spot near the door for summer essentials (sunglasses, water bottle, 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 for 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 favourite 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 completely shift the energy of your space.

8. Keep Cold Drinks Within Reach

Hydration may not sound like a home design tip, but when you’re feeling a bit too warm and a bit too busy, it makes a difference.

Try keeping a carafe of cold water on the counter with slices of citrus or mint. Stock your fridge with a few easy-to-grab drinks—sparkling water, lemonade, 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.