Karl Lohnes: Let’s conquer winter with these hibernation helpers

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Winter has set in and the sparkle of the holidays is long gone. January can seem like the drabbest and longest month of the year. Freezing temperatures, lack of natural light and lockdowns have many of us looking to escape — by spending more time in the familiar comfort of our bed.

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Yes, sometimes the best solution to life’s stresses is to just stay in bed. Call me an old bear, but I think this is the month to treat ourselves to a comfy and stylish place to dream away winter. That’s why this grizzly is bringing you his favourite dreamy ways to snuggle into the coziest bed and get the best night’s sleep.

Build your bedding

Bedding adds style, warmth and coziness to a bedroom in winter. I love to layer the bed with good-quality soft sheets (I am a fan of flannel), wool or quilted blankets for extra warmth to snuggle into, and easy-care washable comforter and pillow covers. The latter are necessities because — let’s face it — spending more time in bed watching movies and having phone chats often includes coffee and snacks. Duvet and pillow covers make the requisite laundering so much easier.

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The relaxed yet stylish look of worn linen or wrinkled cotton (found all over the bed linen section at Marshalls) is on trend this winter. You can further that fresh 2022 look by choosing warm colours like amber or terracotta. Accessorize with throws and pillows in complementary colours for added punch. For instance, love amber- or ochre-coloured bedding? Add a few accessories in shades of blue for variety. With terracotta, accessorize with green.

Must-haves such as a bedrest pillow, tray table and flexible reading lamp will make spending time in bed that much more comfy for TV watching, eating or reading.

Time with baby

A bassinet helps everyone in the house be more comfortable and sleep better. Having newborns bedside when they first come home makes nighttime feeding, changing and soothing less disruptive and maximizes sleep for tired parents, or those who want to spend more time relaxing in their own bed while keeping baby close by.

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Skip Hop’s versatile Cozy-Up bedside sleeper and bassinet features eight position heights to keep your child within arm’s reach. It’s on smooth rollers, making it simple to switch to the parent on the other side of the bed for a few hours — or you can attach it to one side of the bed for added security. An easy-access side panel lets you reach in without getting up from bed.

Transitioning your baby to other areas of the house is also super easy thanks to the rollers, making this a better bassinet for their first few months. Some soothing tunes (not too loud) and a clip-on mobile will have baby set to enjoy some waking time with the family.

Setting a new standard

Spending extra time in bed won’t be relaxing if your mattress is the wrong comfort level or is too old. I’m always yammering on about easy ways to make your bed more comfortable: a mattress pad and better pillows are easy ways to update an old mattress. But if what you’ve got is worn out and not supportive, maybe it’s time to invest in a better mattress.

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Montreal-based mattress manufacturer Polysleep has the perfect solution. The Zephyr luxury mattress is an investment, but its many features promise a better sleep. For instance, the temperature-regulating hybrid foam mattress is infused with a layer of GelFlex Plus — gel particles that help cool you down when you’re hot and warm you up when you’re cold.

Now all I need to do is download some Sleep Stories (bedtime stories that help adults fall asleep, from apps like Calm) to allow my mind to drift into a good night’s sleep, and I’ll be all set to conquer winter. See you in the spring — or next week; whichever comes first in my dreams.

Do you have a decor dilemma or want more decor inspiration? Follow Karl on Instagram @karl_lohnes.