Relaxation Essentials for Your Summer Staycation
When the Best Escape is Your Own Bedroom
Not everyone jets off to the Amalfi Coast or spends weeks by the sea—and that’s okay. Some of the most restorative summer moments happen at home. When done intentionally, a staycation can become a reset, not just a pause.
But to fully relax in your own space, you need to shift your environment—even slightly—to signal to your mind and body: this is time to rest.
Here’s how simple changes in decor (plus one puzzle and one perfect duvet set) can help turn your home into a calming, creative sanctuary for summer.
The Science Behind Restful Spaces
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend nearly 90% of their time indoors (epa.gov). That means your space is directly influencing your nervous system—how you breathe, how you sleep, even how much cortisol you produce.
Researchers have found that our brains respond positively to soft textures, warm colors, and natural light. A study published in Building and Environment found that biophilic interiors (those mimicking nature through color, texture, and materials) contribute to reduced anxiety and increased emotional wellbeing (sciencedirect.com).
Start With the Softest Layer: Your Bedding
The first place to begin your staycation transformation is your bed—because it’s not just where you sleep, it’s where you start and end each day. During summer, your bedding should feel fresh, breathable, and mood-boosting.
That’s why we’re featuring our Seaside Stripes Duvet Cover Set.
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☀️ Lightweight & breathable for warm weather comfort
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🌈 Bold rainbow stripes that feel cheerful, nostalgic, and retro-fun
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🧺 Easy to wash, soft to the touch, and designed to spark joy the moment you walk in the room
This duvet set invites the energy of a beach cottage into your bedroom—without going overly themed or cliché. It’s grounded in modern color theory (see: dopamine decor) and plays beautifully with both neutrals and colorful accessories.
Don’t Just Rest. Engage Your Mind Gently.
A staycation isn’t just about sleep—it’s about intentional slowing down. Puzzles are the perfect addition to your relaxation toolkit because they provide quiet focus without screen time.
🧠 A 2020 study in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience found that jigsaw puzzles activate memory, attention, and problem-solving centers in the brain, while also improving mood. Better yet, puzzling in a calming environment helps you reach a “flow state,” where time slows down and mental chatter fades.
At Durazza, we design our puzzles for visual joy and cognitive comfort. Whether you choose a nature scene, whimsical landscape, or bold color-blocked design, you’re gifting yourself something more than a challenge—you’re giving yourself presence.
Staycation Styling Tips: Room-by-Room
You don’t need a full makeover—just a few strategic shifts. Here’s how to create calming mini-moments throughout your home:
🛏 Bedroom: Anchor with Softness
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Swap out dark or heavy bedding for a cheerful, breathable duvet like Seaside Stripes
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Add one or two accent pillows in complementary colors (navy, peach, or ivory)
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Keep a puzzle nearby for evening wind-downs
🛋 Living Room: Create a Calm Corner
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Layer throw blankets and soft pillows where you sit most often
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Light a candle with a summer scent like sea minerals or coconut
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Store an in-progress puzzle on a table or tray as a visual “invitation to relax”
📚 Reading Nook or Window Seat:
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Add plants (real or faux) and use light-filtering curtains
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Keep a stack of feel-good books, a journal, and a quiet playlist nearby
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Place a soft rug or mat beneath for tactile comfort
Why This Works: Sensory Regulation at Home
Increased anxiety during summer is real. From overstimulation to disrupted routines, our systems can feel out of balance. But by shifting what we see, touch, and smell in our homes, we can return to a state of ease.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about intention.
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Your duvet becomes a visual reminder to rest
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Your puzzle becomes a gentle way to pause
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Your home becomes a place you actually want to slow down in
Don’t Just Stay In—Stay Well
Staycations aren’t second-best—they’re sacred when done right. When you layer in softness, remove visual stressors, and curate your space to serve you emotionally, you create something truly luxurious: a summer experience that’s slow, present, and entirely your own.
Whether you’re turning off your phone for the weekend, opening the windows, or lighting your favorite candle before bed, let your space reflect the peace you’re trying to create.
Because rest isn’t a reward—it’s your baseline.
What You’ll Need for the Ultimate Summer Staycation:
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🛏️ Seaside Stripes Duvet Cover Set – Bold, joyful, breathable bedding
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🧩 A Durazza puzzle – Designed for slow living and mindfulness
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🕯️ Soy wax candle – Choose Sea Breeze or Mango Coconut for seasonal calm
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🪑 Pillows, throws, and soft lighting to layer your sanctuary
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best type of bedding for summer?
Look for breathable materials like cotton and light microfiber blends. Our Seaside Stripes set is designed to be cool and comfortable while adding color to your space.
Do puzzles actually help reduce stress?
Yes. Studies show that puzzles support cognitive function and reduce anxiety by creating a meditative state. They're especially helpful for those seeking screen-free calm.
How can I make my home feel like a staycation?
Simplify and soften your space. Start with new bedding, light a candle, keep entertainment screen-free, and set time boundaries to protect your rest. Add texture and color that make you feel good.
Warmly,
The Cozy Corner by Durazza
Blankets | Candles | Puzzles | Journals | Pillows | Duvet Covers | Wall Art
📚 References
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Environmental Protection Agency. “Indoor Air Quality.”
https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality -
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. “The Relationship Between Jigsaw Puzzling and Cognitive Function in Older Adults.”
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2020.00138/full -
ScienceDirect. “The Impact of Biophilic Design on Anxiety and Well-Being.”
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360132313002981