Summer in Cass County brings a certain ease that many of us look forward to. You might find yourself craving lighter meals, fresh air through open windows, and those slow, lazy mornings. Even if your schedule stays packed, the season invites a shift that can transform your home into a place you truly want to be, rather than just a stopover after a busy day.
The good news is that you don’t need a second home or a hefty budget to create that “summer retreat” vibe. You don’t even have to rearrange your furniture. What really matters is how you use your space, not how it looks 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 flood in, before the kids wake up, and before your coffee is ready, 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 different from the rest of the day. In Fargo, those summer mornings can be particularly refreshing.
2. Anchor One Area That Feels Peaceful
Your entire home doesn’t need to look like a magazine spread. But creating one corner that feels peaceful? That’s totally doable.
It might be your favorite chair with a good book nearby, or perhaps a bathroom counter that’s not cluttered with products. Maybe it’s a nightstand with just a lamp and a journal. When you have one space that 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 use 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 even place battery-powered candles in unexpected spots. Summer evenings in Fargo already have a built-in glow; let your lighting complement that.
Even changing 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 closely tied to memory. Just one whiff of sunscreen can transport you back to the beach, and a single candle can evoke the feeling of June.
You can use this to your advantage at home. Choose a 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 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 a hectic tone for the entire evening.
During the summer, entryways can quickly become cluttered with shoes, swim bags, sunscreen, dog leashes, and damp 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.
And don’t forget about heading out. If you have a designated spot near the door for summer essentials like sunglasses, a water bottle, or bug spray, it can make your day start with a little less rush.
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 those 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, can 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 completely change the atmosphere of your space.
8. Keep Cold Drinks Within Reach
Hydration may not seem like a home design tip, but when you’re feeling a bit too warm and a bit too 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-to-grab drinks—sparkling water, lemonade, or iced coffee. These little touches can 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.
