Hello!
I was thrilled to see that Pinterest’s Summer Trend Report is calling it a digital detox summer. More grass, less screen time—yes, please. If you’ve been reading our monthly blog posts, you know we’re all about this.
One of the best parts of unplugging? Time literally slows down.
And with stores already putting up Halloween displays 🙄, now’s the time to be intentional about savoring these slower summer moments. So how can we slow down and savor summer and stretch out the season to create more joy at home? Read on—we’ve got ideas.
As always, if you have questions, want to share your story, or need support with your space, I’m here—just hit reply. And if this message resonates with someone you love, feel free to forward it along. 🙏🏼
Sending you lots of 💛,
5 Tips for an analog summer
1. CREATE A WEEKLY FLOWER RITUAL
One of the simplest (and most beautiful) ways to reconnect with the present moment is by bringing nature indoors. Try making a ritual of picking or purchasing fresh flowers each week. Whether it’s a spontaneous bouquet from the farmer’s market or clippings from your own garden, spend a few quiet minutes admiring them and arranging them mindfully.
Bonus tip: Rotate them through 1–2 vases that spark joy. This small act becomes a grounding practice and invites one of the highest vibrations in the natural world (flowers!)- into your space.
2. KEEP YOUR HANDS BUSY AND YOUR MIND CALM
As holistic designers, we believe in nourishing every sense. Take time this summer to unplug and lean into analog activities. Make a collage using old magazines, play cards on your patio, or finally dive into that novel on your nightstand.
When your hands are busy, your nervous system gets a break—and your creativity gets a boost. Similarly, when creativity gets a boost, anxiety declines.
3. CREATE A DIGITAL DETOX ZONE
Let’s face it, we’re all a little too tethered to our devices. One holistic design solution? Set up a “digital detox box.” Each evening or weekend, set a phone alarm and place your device in the box. The physical act of putting it away creates a clear boundary and frees up space — mentally and physically — for more intentional living.
Add a note to yourself inside the box: Go outside. Light a candle. Call a friend. Be here now.
4. GROW (AND COOK WITH!) HERBS
Plants not only purify your space—they also help you slow down and connect to the Earth. If you’ve been wanting to grow something but lack outdoor space, herbs are a perfect start. Basil, mint, and rosemary are just as easy to grow indoors and can be used in everything from summer pastas to iced teas.
The bonus is, you not only slow down when you plant and care for these herbs, using them while cooking or creating recipes is another way to slow down and enjoy summer.
5. ADD COLOR THAT SPARKS JOY
Summer is the season of bold color and expressive joy—so why not bring that energy indoors? If you’ve been hesitant to add color to your space, now is the perfect time to experiment.
Start small with a colorful throw pillow, a vibrant piece of art, or a fun patterned throw. Feeling a bit bolder? Choose one wall (or a fireplace like our Westchester Interior Design project below) and paint it your favorite summery hue to create a cheerful focal point.
Color is energy — and in holistic interior design, we use it to elevate mood and support well-being.
Final Thoughts
‘Slow down and savor summer’ isn’t just a trend — it’s a mindset. By being intentional with our environments, we support a more balanced, joyful way of living. Holistic design invites us to tune in, create beauty, and embrace presence — all without needing to book a vacation.
Here’s to a slower, sweeter summer. 🌿
