Create that relaxed, summer-holiday feeling – without leaving home.
There’s something about the (almost) start of summer that just brings a different kind of energy – slower mornings, lighter evenings, and a bit more sunshine all round.
Even if you’re not going away, you can still bring that relaxed, holiday feeling home with a few simple tweaks.
Here’s how to bring those effortless holiday vibes into your everyday spaces.
Let the Light In
Sunshine has an instant mood-lifting effect – and summer light can make any home feel fresh and inviting.
Pull back heavy curtains, swap dark cushions for lighter tones, and try positioning mirrors where they’ll bounce natural light around.
A few indoor plants by the window will also give that “resort at home” feeling, especially when paired with woven textures or neutral linens.
Create Your Own ‘Retreat’ Corners
Think of the little spaces you love most when you’re away – a balcony with a breeze, a shady nook by the pool, or a spot to curl up with a book.
You can recreate that same feeling at home with just a few touches: a comfy chair, a throw rug, and a side table for your morning coffee.
These mini “retreats” don’t need to be fancy – just somewhere that helps you slow down and switch off.
Engage the Senses
The smell of fresh linen, the sound of birds in the morning, a hint of citrus or coconut in the air – these are the little cues that tell our minds we’re somewhere restful.
Try a light, summery candle, or swap your winter diffuser blend for something bright and natural.
Soft music, fresh sheets, and a few minutes of quiet can do wonders for how your home feels.
Simplify Your Spaces
When you walk into a hotel room, there’s a sense of calm – no clutter, no visual noise. That’s what makes it so easy to unwind.
You don’t need to live minimalistically, but editing your surfaces (and storing away those little “bits and bobs”) can create instant calm.
A simple vase of flowers or a bowl of fruit can become the new focus, giving your home that relaxed, effortless aesthetic.
Add Natural Touches
Holiday homes often feel connected to nature – think timber, linen, rattan, stone, and plants.
You can bring that same feeling home through materials and colour: soft neutrals, sandy tones, ocean blues, and natural textures all help create a laid-back, coastal feel that’s timeless and easy to live with.
At the end of the day, “holiday at home” isn’t about décor – it’s about how your space makes you feel.
It’s taking those small moments – an open window, a quiet breakfast, a slow afternoon – and letting them be enough.
Because the best kind of home is one that feels good to come back to.
Donna Etchells - McGrath Estate Agents 