Embrace the hopeful ambience of the new year with a new take on resolutions

Uncertainty has been a prominent part of our lives in recent years. The pressure of bringing in more changes can at times feel daunting, and even timid the excitement of new experiences. With this in mind, we were inspired to take a different approach to how we enter this new year. Instead of new year’s resolutions, we wanted to focus on the new year rituals of designers. Discovering sustainable ways to improve our waking days and sleeping nights. The importance of our well-being should never be overlooked, so what better way to start the new year than to focus on mindful rituals?

Over the years we’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the most extraordinary people. From nutritionists to award-winning designers, ballet dancers and sleep specialists, to name a few. Although the tools of our craft may differ, what we all share is a considered approach to everything we do. And the basis of that approach is the focus on our well-being. Join us as we talk to some of our partners and learn about new year rituals of designers and business owners, and how they plan to prioritise being mindful and present this year.

 

New year rituals of designers and business owners: Alistair Hughes, Claudia Baille, Bill Amberg, Nicole Fuller, Teo Yang

 

Sharon Lillywhite, Founding Partner at Oliver Burns

“I always try to start and end each day positively. I’m embracing the extra time in the mornings at the moment as there isn’t the usual mad rush for the school run and using this as an opportunity to adopt a slower, more relaxed pace. I meditate in the mornings before exercising, as well as setting my intentions for the day. I find keeping some beautiful stationery by my bedside reminds me to keep up this practice!

As part of my bedtime routine, I light my favourite candle and relax in the bath in our master suite whilst listening to podcasts. I then reflect on what I’m grateful for that day and note it down in my journal. I will then put my phone on Airplane mode and leave it to charge in another room. This allows me to fully disconnect and limit any distractions and ensures my bedroom feels like a welcome retreat at the end of each day.”

“As part of my bedtime routine, I light my favourite candle and relax in the bath in our master suite whilst listening to podcasts.”

Read Sharon’s guide to Designing a Calming Bedroom

 

Elizabeth Harrod, Soloist at The Royal Ballet

“With a busy life, I can often find it hard to switch off. I now make a conscious effort to go to bed early, read and fully enjoy the ultimate relaxation experience our Savoir bed offers.”

 

Alistair Hughes, Co-founder at Savoir

“Sleep is of course a great restorer, and vital to our mental and physical health.  This is more than ever the case now.  A great bed helps, but your brain also needs to be ready to sleep.  Checking messages on your phone before turning out the light is a disaster on two fronts.  Firstly, messages can be stressful or set your mind racing, this is not what you need.

Secondly, electronic screens emit a blue light which we know stimulates the brain, again not good for sleep.  So, my resolution is to avoid my phone for the hour before going to bed. I’m unwinding with a good old-fashioned printed novel.  I find I get to sleep faster, and I’m also getting more of it, without spending longer in bed.”

“So, my resolution is to avoid my phone for the hour before going to bed. I’m unwinding with a good old-fashioned printed novel.”

 

Teo Yang, Founder at Teo Yang Studio

“I’ve started to create a soothing playlist which I listen to before going to bed. I’ve also always made time to read for 30 minutes before going to bed. It definitely leaves me in a relaxed state which helps me sleep better. It’s been said that those who read before going to sleep show significantly greater memory and mental abilities!”

Discover Teo’s design for Savoir.

 

Nicole Fuller, Founder & Principal at Nicole Fuller Interiors

“A scent that calms you can do wonders. A mixture of Lavender and other soothing oils in a bottle with some added water to spray on your bed linens prior to going to sleep can be invigorating and calming at the same time. It can bring you to a soothing place and can almost instantly transport you into an even deeper sleep.

Also, a good morning stretch is the best way to start the day out beautifully. It stimulates and prepares you for the adventure ahead and resets your body from a wonderful sleep. These are two things that I try to incorporate into my self-care routine on a daily basis and now with the exciting new year ahead I am even more focused on following my own bedtime tips!”

“Also, a good morning stretch is the best way to start the day out beautifully. It stimulates and prepares you for the adventure ahead and resets your body from a wonderful sleep.”

Nicole designed the Stella for Savoir, view the design here.

 

Carole Annett, Interiors Editor at Country & Town House

“After years of going to bed surrounded by the same set-up, I have now found an ideal combination. Instead of identical pillows, I’ve gone rogue with four different types, with varying levels of squidge. Each has a white cotton cover. One pure linen, one 300 sateen and two at 600. Whether I’m sitting up and reading, sinking into slumber or having a daytime doze, I have the right pillow for every scenario.”

 

Carole Annett, Sania Pell, Winder Ton, Sharon Lillywhite, Jonathan Mason and Gregor Rosenkranz share their new year rituals

 

Jonathan Mason, Craftsman at Savoir

“Sleep has always been a priority for me and it’s becoming increasingly important as the years go by. I have a comfortable bed that the team in Wales Bedworks crafted for me which helps me achieve a great night’s sleep. However, I find it hard to switch off in the evening as my mind keeps running. So, this year I’m going to focus on finding new ways to help me relax and devise a self-care routine. I’m not sure what they may be, but I’m going to first try to avoid looking at my mobile phone.”

 

Claudia Baille, Design & Interiors Journalist

“Much effort has gone into perfecting my bed over the years, and now with the right mattress (relatively soft), topper and bedding (all down and feather as luckily, I have no allergies) it really is the comfiest, warmest nest.

“One thing I have started doing is layering different colours and patterns of bed linen, rather than using matching sets.”

I split my all-season duvet and put each half in different covers, mix up the pillowcases then layer on throws and cushions too. This gives the bed a little more personality, and you can add in alternative linens to switch things up whenever you fancy.”

 

Winder Ton, Head Nutritionist at Anatomē

“In your bedtime routine you need to achieve full relaxation of the body and introducing relaxing essential oils can help you to achieve better sleep. Therefore, when adding essential oils, we recommend that you’re calm and still. Put your phone away, and be present. At your bed, drop the oil onto your fingertips, then start breathing in and out slowly at the same speed.

Massage vigorously and slowly on your shoulders, chest, ears and the soles of your feet. Allowing the scent to travel into your nose, opening your airways which will help promote better relaxation of the body. That way you decrease your breathing rate and blood pressure, which consequently releases relaxing neurotransmitters that will support you through the night with a great night of sleep.”

Enjoy 20% off at Anatomē with code SAVOIR20.

VISIT ANATOME.CO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TRANSCENDING POWER OF SCENT

 

Gregor Rosenkranz, Strength & Conditioning Coach at The Royal Ballet

“Our recommendation to dancers is at least 8 hours of good quality sleep to ensure the benefits of recovery. Studies performed on athletes show that even 10-12 hours of sleep would be beneficial yet, due to the busy schedule (late performances, early class) of professional dancers, this might not be feasible in this context.

Therefore, it is important to have good sleep hygiene, ensure sleeping and waking times are consistent, with no light-emitting screens (phone, tablet, computer, tv) at least 30 minutes before going to bed, having a dark room with a cool environment (~18°C) and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants prior to sleep.”

 

Taryn Toomey, CEO of The Class

“Consider setting up what feels like a sanctuary to you…for your mind and body. Do you like soft blankets? Aromatherapy? Think about some specific things you can set in place to signal to your body that it’s time to rest.

“Consider setting up what feels like a sanctuary to you…for your mind and body.”

Try to stop drinking liquids an hour to two before bed. Get your hydration early in the day instead. A solid night’s sleep is much more important than evening hydration, which you should begin in the morning. Waking up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night interrupts your sleep, which is essential for your health.”

 

Bill Amberg, Founder at Bill Amberg Studio

“My new resolution is to go to bed a little earlier with a fantastic book. It’s a treat to read where it’s warm, quiet and comfortable and to drift off to sleep with a head full of great ideas.”

Discover the Ocean bed by Bill Amberg.

 

 Sania Pell, Interior Stylist & Author

“On awakening, the first thing I see is a shelf ahead of me displaying a few of my favourite things – a calming piece of pale abstract art resting and some of my most treasured ceramics. Organised in a pleasing composition, this scene makes me happy.”

Discover The Homemade Home by Sania.

Taryn Toomey, wellness expert and founder of The Class, shot by Jaimie Baird for Savoir

From adjustments to bedtime routines, which can be easily implemented, to creating a calming bedroom, it is the simple changes that can help us relax and recharge. So, in place of resolutions, why not introduce self-care routines which will help you on your wellness journey?

To discover more stories about sleep and wellness, visit the House of Savoir.