Summer is the season of bright skies, bare feet, and scents that make you pause and smile. Whether it’s a hint of lavender in the air or citrus from a freshly cut herb, scent has the power to shift your entire mood. And the best part? You don’t have to buy a thing. With a few easy ingredients—many of which are already in your garden or kitchen—you can create summer DIYs that smell divine and instantly make your space (and your brain) feel lighter.
These 16 projects are more than just cute ideas. They’re sensory mood boosters—simple, natural, and surprisingly therapeutic. From homemade herb mists and sun-dried flower sachets, to feel-good body scrubs and simmer pots that make your home smell like a spa, these are the little things that turn an average afternoon into something you actually remember. Best of all, most take less than 10 minutes to make.
So if you’re craving a dose of sunshine in a jar or a soothing scent that melts stress away, you’ll want to try these. Whether you’re looking for summer vibes in your bathroom, your bedroom, or just your brain—these DIYs deliver.
Herbal Sachets
Tiny yet mighty, herbal sachets pack a punch when it comes to freshness. Crafting these scentful bags is a creative affair, blending herbs like rosemary, mint, and dried rose petals. Placed in drawers or hung in closets, they offer a constant whisper of nature. Their subtle aroma is both comforting and rejuvenating, perfect for brightening any room. The process is simple: choose your herbs, mix them, and fill small fabric pouches. These sachets make thoughtful gifts, bringing a personal touch of handcrafted charm. Their aroma lingers, revitalizing your space in the most delightful way possible.
Citrus Infused Cleaning Spray
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore when your spray smells like a citrus grove. Making a citrus-infused cleaning spray combines practicality with pleasure. Using vinegar, add peels from lemons, oranges, and limes, letting them steep for weeks. The result? A natural cleaner that cuts grease while leaving kitchens smelling fresh. Each spritz delivers a burst of citrusy goodness, invigorating your senses and lifting your mood. It’s a sustainable choice, free from harsh chemicals, making housework less of a burden and more of a refreshing experience. Ideal for invigorating your cleaning routine.
Vanilla Sugar Body Scrub
Pamper yourself with a luxurious vanilla sugar body scrub, the perfect remedy for tired skin and weary spirits. Combining brown sugar, coconut oil, and vanilla extract, this scrub exfoliates while leaving a soft aroma on your skin. Ideal for a spa-like experience at home, it transforms mundane routines into moments of indulgence. This DIY project is a treat for your senses and skin, offering gentle exfoliation with a sweet scent. The warm vanilla aroma lingers, comforting and soothing. It’s a delightful way to uplift your mood and hydrate your skin, making every shower a treat.
Eucalyptus Shower Bundles
Transform your shower into an aromatic oasis with eucalyptus bundles. Hanging fresh eucalyptus from the showerhead releases essential oils through steam, creating a spa-like ambiance at home. The distinct, invigorating scent clears the mind and revitalizes the spirit. Effortless to assemble, these bundles bring both beauty and functionality to any bathroom. Each shower becomes a therapeutic experience, soothing the senses and enhancing well-being. The natural oils help clear sinuses and improve breathing, offering a refreshing start or end to your day. It’s a simple yet powerful way to incorporate nature into daily routines.
Rose Petal Bath Bombs
Bath time becomes a romantic affair with rose petal bath bombs. These delightful creations fill your tub with floral fragrance and fizzy excitement. Crafting them involves blending baking soda, citric acid, and dried rose petals, then forming into molds. As the bomb dissolves, it releases a soothing scent, transforming your bath into a fragrant escape. The process is as enjoyable as the result, offering a creative outlet with a luxurious payoff. Each bath bomb adds a touch of elegance and tranquility to your routine, making self-care a priority. It’s a fragrant journey to relaxation and bliss.
Lemon Lavender Candles
Imagine the calming scent of lavender mingled with the refreshing zest of lemon filling your living space. A simple yet effective DIY project, creating lemon lavender candles offers an aromatic retreat from daily stresses. Melting soy wax, adding essential oils, and pouring into glass jars is all it takes. Perfect for relaxing evenings or productive work sessions. Add dried lavender petals for an aesthetic touch. As the candle burns, it releases a fragrance that’s both soothing and invigorating. This combination not only smells divine but also creates an environment conducive to relaxation and focus. A true sensory delight.
Mint Cooling Facial Mist
On a hot summer day, few things refresh like a mint cooling facial mist. A few spritzes provide a burst of hydration and aromatic delight. This DIY involves infusing water with fresh mint and a touch of aloe vera, offering a revitalizing experience. Perfect for a midday pick-me-up or post-workout cool down. The minty aroma invigorates, while the mist soothes tired skin. Compact and easy to carry, it’s a personal oasis in a bottle. Use it throughout the day to maintain freshness and boost your mood. It’s a tiny but mighty addition to your skincare regime.
Lavender Sleep Spray
Drift into peaceful slumber with the aid of a lavender sleep spray. This DIY concoction involves mixing distilled water with a few drops of lavender essential oil. Spritzed onto pillows or bed linens, the calming fragrance creates an inviting atmosphere conducive to rest. The soothing scent of lavender is renowned for its sleep-inducing properties, helping you unwind after a long day. This simple spray transforms your nightly routine, making bedtime a cherished ritual. It’s a gentle way to enhance your sleep environment, promoting relaxation and tranquility. A must-have for those seeking restful nights.
Citrus Sunshine Room Diffuser
A room diffuser that’s all about bringing the sunshine indoors, this citrus-infused project is perfect for brightening your space. Combining citrus essential oils with water in a stylish bottle, it releases a continuous flow of freshness. Ideal for living rooms or offices, it makes any space feel more inviting and vibrant. The cheerful scent of citrus lifts the mood and invigorates the senses, making it a delightful addition to your home. Easy to make and maintain, this diffuser is a testament to the power of natural fragrances in enhancing your environment and emotional well-being.
Peppermint Foot Soak
After a long day, indulging in a peppermint foot soak can be the perfect way to unwind. Blending Epsom salts with peppermint essential oil creates a refreshing treat for tired feet. This aromatic soak not only soothes muscles but also invigorates the mind. The cooling sensation of peppermint provides relief and relaxation, turning your bathroom into a mini spa. Simple to prepare, it’s an accessible luxury for anyone needing a moment of peace. Whether it’s a weekly ritual or a spontaneous treat, this foot soak revitalizes, leaving you feeling renewed and refreshed.
Fresh Herb Garden
Cultivating a fresh herb garden is more than a hobby; it’s a lifestyle choice that brings nature indoors. Growing herbs like basil, rosemary, and mint offers a sensory feast, with each leaf exuding its own delightful aroma. The process of tending to these plants can be incredibly rewarding, providing a peaceful escape from daily hustle. Besides the joy of nurturing life, these herbs enhance culinary creations, adding fresh flavors to dishes. The aroma of fresh herbs having a calming effect, making your home feel more vibrant and alive. It’s a simple pleasure with aromatic rewards.
Coffee Ground Face Mask
Revitalize your skin and spirit with a coffee ground face mask, a delightful treat for coffee lovers. Mixing used coffee grounds with honey and yogurt creates a gentle exfoliant that perks up your complexion. The aroma of coffee stimulates the senses, making this mask a rejuvenating ritual. As you apply it, the rich scent envelops you, providing a comforting and invigorating experience. It’s a simple DIY that leaves your skin glowing and your mood lifted. Ideal for weekend pampering sessions, this mask is a testament to how self-care can be both indulgent and practical.
Aromatherapy Playdough
Aromatherapy playdough combines creativity with calming scents, making it a fun activity for all ages. Infusing homemade playdough with essential oils like lavender or chamomile turns playtime into a soothing experience. Kneading the dough releases the fragrance, offering both tactile and aromatic stimulation. This project is perfect for kids and adults alike, promoting well-being through sensory play. It’s an innovative way to integrate aromatherapy into everyday life, bringing relaxation and joy. Whether used as a stress-relief tool or a playful craft, this scented dough captivates the senses and uplifts the mood.
Chamomile Tea Bath Soak
Unwinding with a chamomile tea bath soak is like bathing in tranquility. Using chamomile tea bags or dried flowers, this DIY bath treatment soothes both skin and senses. The gentle aroma of chamomile promotes relaxation, making it ideal for an evening soak. As you immerse yourself, the tea infuses the water with calming properties, easing tensions and softening the skin. This natural remedy is perfect for stress relief, turning your bathroom into a sanctuary of peace. It’s a simple yet effective way to nurture yourself, offering a touch of serenity in a busy world.
Orange Clove Pomander
Orange clove pomanders are a festive delight that infuses spaces with a spicy-citrus aroma. Crafting these involves studding oranges with cloves, creating both a visual and olfactory treat. Perfect for holiday decor, they emit a warm, welcoming scent that evokes the spirit of celebration. As the orange dries, the scent intensifies, making it a natural air freshener that lasts for weeks. This traditional craft is not only decorative but also offers a nostalgic touch, bringing a touch of old-world charm to modern homes. A fragrant reminder of the joys of simple pleasures.
Sunshine Citrus Soap Bars
Sunshine citrus soap bars bring a burst of freshness to your daily routine. Using a melt-and-pour soap base, mix in orange zest and lemon essential oils. These bars are not only refreshing but also cleansing, leaving your skin feeling rejuvenated. The bright, cheerful scent lifts the spirit, making each shower a revitalizing experience. They make thoughtful gifts, offering a handmade touch of luxury. Crafting these soaps is both fun and rewarding, allowing for creativity and personalization. With each use, the vibrant aroma of citrus energizes and refreshes, embodying the essence of summer.