Turning your home into a sweet summer escape
The coldish weather is gone (here in the metro, at least), and the days are beginning to stretch longer.
The hot, dry season is upon us, and that means coming up with various home hacks to make our spaces comfier and more pleasant despite the high temps.
Escaping to the beach may be a brilliant way out of the oppressive heat, but it is not a quick recourse for many.
If you can’t immediately travel to your favorite island destination, why not bring that summer vibe home instead? With a few thoughtful touches, you can create a summer-ready space that feels like a mini getaway—plane ticket and hotel booking not required.
Travel through smells
Scent is one immediate way to set a mood. Now’s the time to bring out those candles you bought because they smell of coconut and pineapple. Get that room spray with notes of ocean breeze, white tea, or fresh linen.
There are hotels that make their signature room scents available for purchase so guests can recreate the relaxing and luxurious experience in their homes. You can also search online marketplaces for these.
Hot weather-friendly sheets
Say goodbye (for now) to those soft cashmere throws and heavy wool blankets that have kept you warm and cozy in recent months. Make the switch to lightweight cotton or linen sheets, which are breathable and cooler against the skin—more suitable for hot and humid summer nights.
Pick pillowcases and bed covers in light colors and tropical prints to remind you of your favorite summer destination.
Visions of summer
Put up photos of your previous trips to the beach, postcards and other ephemera you have collected, as well as posters that show seaside scenes and tropical landscapes. If you find yourself short of summer-themed art prints, you can source them from many of our local and yet-to-be-discovered artists who create tropical-inspired art.
Island sounds
Add decor that will dance even in the gentlest summer breeze, such as wind chimes, Japanese furin, or lightweight seashell mobiles. Let the soft, rhythmic sounds transport you to that seaside retreat you have always loved.
The sound of flowing water is also known to calm the brain, lower stress hormones, and promote a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Consider placing a small tabletop water fountain to add to that feeling of being by the sea.
Set up a summer dopamine corner
Designate even a small area of your home as your personal summer escape. It can be a chair by the window where you can lounge comfortably and relax after a long day’s work. Add some cozy floor cushions, a soft, light rug, and the books you’ve been meaning to read when you go on vacation.
Remember to place a table for your go-to summer refreshments. Here, you can also put up more visual reminders of your favorite summer destination. Imagine putting together a summer vision board but bigger and life-sized.
If you have yet to make travel plans for the summer, you need not worry, because you can transform your own spaces into your favorite island escape.
Doing so doesn’t have to make a huge dent in your budget either. Your favorite summer souvenirs and some easy sensory hacks just might do the trick.
