Life has been a bit rushed these past few months. It's the kind of busy that causes me to turn completely inward in search of a little comfort and solitude.
Recharging the proverbial batteries is a way of life, as we will spend almost 30 per cent of a lifetime in a state of rest. So I have some thoughts on how to make it both stylish and comfortable.
Essential to good relaxation are the foundation blocks of a supportive mattress and soft pillows, and I personally like the cosiness of a down comforter. However, beyond these essentials lie the critical elements that truly make the feathered nest.
I recently completed a bedroom upgrade for my eight-yearold daughter. We focused on a room that is serene and neutral, where tone is light on the walls but pattern and colour abound in her oversized Dash & Albert rug and antique turquoise iron bed. She has a simple duvet over her down comforter (which assists in quick bed-making) and a pile of pillows where she can bury herself and escape in her books.
Making the palate simple also allows her artwork to shine and creates some visual harmony in what would otherwise be an explosion of 64 colours.
Of course, some of the best rest isn't bedside, but from the cosy confines of your favourite room or space where a nap can be an indulgent experience. Don't overlook cushy furniture that can hug your body.
My favourite place to unplug is the great outdoors. It's the optimal place for some rest and relaxation. Nothing beats an evening in a screened-in patio, listening to the sounds of summer.
Porch swings and platform swings suspended from tree branches are also great outdoor havens. I have spotted a trend in outdoor encampments that range from pop-up cabanas to outdoor living room arrangements with rugs, lighting and artwork.
You may be overlooking the perfect spot in your own home that can become the mini-escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
