Raise your hands if this seems like the longest winter ever. Wait, aren’t they all?
OK, to be fair, as Chicago winters go, this one thankfully has been pretty mild. We’ve made it this far, and nothing came close to last year’s polar vortex.
That said, it’s still a grind. The seemingly never-ending gray skies, and plenty of cold, damp days.
The beginning of the new year can be a fresh start, but it also has brought it’s own stressors: post-holiday letdown, presidential impeachment hearings, the start of a new election cycle and other daily soul-sucking events. It all just wears you down.
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We don’t blame you if you’re feeling slouchy. Join the club. You have our permission to stay in, take it easy and seek out creature comforts.
Here are a few ways to transform your space into a retreat that you wont want to leave.
Commune with nature
Bring in the tropics with the Amazonia four-panel wallpaper mural by Brewster Home Fashions. The muted green color scheme of palm trees and flowers brings a calming botanical element to any room. perigold.com
Shag gets supersized
Start the softness from the ground up with this wool shag and flokati handwoven rug by De Funiak Springs. Your feet will beg to wiggle into the chunky, deep pile. Or just lay down and sink in. wayfair.com
Soak away your stress
Nothing like a deep soaking tub to invite relaxation, especially one that’s aesthetically pleasing, too, with tapered edges all around. This Japanese-style, freestanding, oval-shaped soaking tub by Wetstyle lets you lie deep in your own sanctuary. A wooden board allows you to add a candle or cup of tea (see below) to complete the experience. perigold.com
Aromatherapy that works
Alleviate muscle stress and strain with milk + honey’s fragrant muscle soak. It’s made with eucalyptus, arnica, rosemary and sweet marjoram, all known for their relaxation properties. A little in a hot bath and the outside world will melt away. 10 oz. neimanmarcus.com
Curl up with a classic
Nestle into Eero Saarinen’s classic, midcentury modern chair and never get up. Designed to facilitate a relaxed sitting posture, it’s perfect for curling up and seeking a sense of security, especially in this soft, ecru color. No wonder it’s called the Womb chair. Chair and ottoman. hivemodern.com
Chill with a warm cup of tea
Evoke memories of playing in the garden when you were young with Palais des Thes Childhood Garden tea. This herbal infusion is stunning to look at and contains organically grown apples, rosehip, hibiscus and other fruits and flowers. It’s caffeine-free so you drink it at night to wind down. 3.9-ounce metal tin. us.palaisdesthes.com
Take an epic nap
Bearaby’s weighted blankets are perfect for soothing anxiety and encouraging restful napping. Bearaby Classic Napper. westelm.com
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