Making the most of simple home pleasures with Secret Linen Store

[Advertisement – this is a paid partnership with Secret Linen Store, but all words and opinions are my own]

It often feels as if we’re so conditioned to focus on the future and strive for ‘more’ (more money, more success, more everything) that we totally forget about the present. Add in work deadlines, family pressures and busy calendars, and it’s all too easy to rush through each day without stopping to savour simple pleasures. But it’s often those simple pleasures that make life enjoyable in the first place.

I’ve long thought that incorporating little treats into our daily routines is one of the keys to contentment, and it’s a view that’s only been cemented over the past couple of years. When everything seems overwhelming, I find it helps to slow down and cherish the small things. Whether that’s taking time over coffee or creating a morning routine that eases you into the day, it’s a chance to reconnect with your surroundings and find some calm amid the chaos.

With that in mind, I’ve teamed up with Secret Linen Store to share a few ideas for making the most of everyday moments at home. Founded in 2013 by sisters Molly and Harriet, Secret Linen Store has long been my go-to for bedding that balances style, quality and affordability – in fact I’ve bought their sets for both our main bedroom and the guest room. But that’s not all they do, as you’ll also find cushions, throws, towels, nightwear and other things that help make daily life that little bit more special.

So, read on for my top tips for enjoying three simple pleasures – plus details of how you can get 15% off Secret Linen Store’s beautiful range…

A pampering shower

I’m starting with an everyday moment that we can easily turn into a luxurious treat. I’ve made a real effort to replace my morning dash in and out of the shower with something more intentional and it’s become a key part of my daily routine, awakening my senses and helping me get in the right frame of mind for the day ahead. Whether you’re showering when you get up or as you wind down for bed, here’s how to turn it into a spa-like experience to rival any long soak in the tub:

• Make your bathroom as inviting as possible with gorgeous textiles. I’ve used Secret Linen Store’s light grey striped hand towel and bath mat, along with super-soft graphite-grey cotton waffle towels and white waffle face cloths
• Swap harsh overhead lights for the relaxing glow of a candle
• Create a scented shower spray by combining water with a few drops of essential oil then spritzing it into the steam. I like to use invigorating eucalyptus, but if you’re showering in the evening you might prefer something calming like lavender or jasmine
• Alternatively, make a ‘shower bouquet’ by tying some fresh sprigs together with string and hanging them from your shower head
• Enjoy a few moments of mindfulness when you’re under the water. Breathe deeply, notice the feel of the droplets and soap on your skin, and imagine any tension washing away
• End your shower with a 30-second burst of cold water. It may sound anything but pampering, but it releases lots of feel-good endorphins and makes your skin glow. It can even improve circulation and give your immune system a boost
• Make sure you have a snuggly robe to wrap up in afterwards. Secret Linen Store’s flint-grey linen ‘Ella’ robe is ideal

A quiet cuppa

Even on the busiest of days, I try to schedule time for a coffee or tea break – a much-needed pause when I can step away from work to recharge. It always helps restore my focus, and I tend to find the email I’ve been struggling to write or the photo styling that’s been eluding me comes much more easily afterwards.

If you want to make your mid-morning or mid-afternoon cuppa as beneficial as possible, here are a few ideas:

• Find a peaceful spot near a window, where you can gaze out and focus on something in the distance. It will help relax your eyes and relieve tension, especially if you’ve been staring at a screen for hours
• Create a calm, cosy environment with neutral tones and layers of soft texture. Here, I’ve added Secret Linen Store’s grey and off-white ‘Grace’ blanket, which is partly made from recycled cotton yarns, along with the beautifully tactile and relaxed black and natural striped cushion and ‘Porto’ cushion. There’s also a large ‘Sony’ floor cushion to rest my feet on
• Treat yourself to some super-soft loungewear. Secret Linen Store’s ‘Jo’ organic cotton jumpsuit is one of the comfiest things I’ve ever worn – perfect for curling up with a cuppa!
• Use flowers, grasses and plants to establish a connection with nature – research has shown this can lower stress levels and improve productivity
• Incorporate scent with candles or incense. I also like to dot homemade bundles of dried herbs here and there, as their woody green notes subtly perfume the air and bring a bit of the outdoors in
• Turn your coffee- or tea-making into a mindful ritual. Spend time choosing a blend that suits your mood, take care over the preparation, inhale the aromas, and savour that very first sip
• Swap endless phone scrolling for a book, or just sitting back and enjoying the moment. If you’re anything like me, you might have to leave your phone in another room to remove temptation!

Breakfast in bed

Finally, a moment I look forward to all week long: breakfast in bed on a Saturday or Sunday morning. It’s a chance to take some much-needed me time, and I have a few tried-and-tested tricks to make it all the more special:

• Invest in soft, luxurious bedding that will stand the test of time. I’ve been using Secret Linen Store’s 100% linen bedding for years and it’s a brilliant choice – relaxed, breathable, warm in winter, cool in summer. Best of all, you don’t need to bother ironing it!
• Add a throw for warmth on cold mornings; there’s something about the weight of an extra layer that’s very comforting, too. I love the ‘Porto’ throw and matching cushion, which are woven from a textural blend of linen and cotton and fit the colour scheme in my bedroom perfectly
• Choose versatile nightwear that you can layer according to the season. I’m a big fan of Secret Linen Store’s linen range due to the comfy shapes and temperature-regulating fabric
• Light a candle with a scent designed to energise and uplift. Fragrances that incorporate rosemary, mint, lemongrass, ginger or citrus are great morning choices
• Have a glass of water before eating or drinking anything else (I keep a small carafe on my bedside table to sip from as soon as I wake up). It will clear your head and rehydrate you after a night’s sleep
• Spend a couple of minutes doing some gentle stretches (you don’t even need to get out of bed!), and savour the feeling of your muscles lengthening and your blood flow increasing
• Bring in the sunshine and the breeze. I’ve dressed my bedroom window with blackout blinds behind semi-sheer linen curtains (Secret Linen Store has a great selection), meaning I can have total darkness at night, then let in light and fresh air without losing privacy come morning

If you want to treat yourself to some beautiful things to help you enjoy simple pleasures at home, Secret Linen Store is offering 15% off all full-priced items until 31st March 2022. Just click here to shop and use the code ‘Thesefourwalls15’ at the checkout. 

All photography by Abi Dare