Later, it became a place for teenage solitude. Away from parents, away from rules and regulations. A place to hang out with friends, listen to angsty music and grow in the privacy of my own space. With posters adorning the walls and shelves lined with books that would later shape my mind, my room helped me turn into who I would become.
Then came romance. A love nest. Somewhere to be alone with a loved one, safe, secure and happy in the company of the one I loved. A place for first kisses and the warm glow of new romance. Scented candles softly glowing and Endless Love playing on repeat to set the mood.
Being carried over the threshold saw the beginning of a new adventure. Married life. The marital bedroom was a place for decision making. Late night chats planning an exciting future together, snuggled in the security of each other's arms. A future full of possibilities lying ahead of us. A wedding photo hanging on the wall. Ornaments on the window sill.
Pregnancy made my bedroom my safe haven. A cocoon to snuggle up inside at the end of each day. Resting and waiting as the baby inside me developed and grew. Extra cushions for comfort. A cot positioned beside the bed in readiness for the new arrival, a promise of the changes to come.
A new baby brought sleepless nights, night time nursing and silent moments where I gazed upon my tiny miracle and felt the enormity and wonder of motherhood. My bedroom was our sanctuary at 3am.
By the time that my fifth child came into my life, my bedroom had become a dumping ground for the kids' toys and clothes that they bring into my room with them as they seek me out to ask for things. An overspill from their own bedrooms. My much loved bed has become a trampoline or a place to play hide and seek beneath the covers. They play video games and watch TV in my room so my bed is always dishevilled by the time I get to crawl under the duvet at the end of a busy day. My youngest wakes up most nights so his cotbed stays by our bed for convenience. My sanctuary has become a family room. Some days the curtains don't even get opened in my rush to get up and out on the ever hectic school run. I don't think I've had a full night's sleep for years.
With the cost and responsibilities of having five children, my bedroom has been sorely neglected and in dire need of some tlc. The brown and beige paintwork is tired, the decor is shabby and there is a distinct lack of anything 'pretty' or feminine to mark it as my space. My room is functional, but not personal, relaxing or tranquil. Where once I had framed, family portraits hanging on my wall and beautiful wicker baskets on my shelves I now have a utilitarian storage unit holding plastic boxes filled with functional things. The gorgeous co-ordinating bed linen and cushions that once graced my bed have given way to mix and match duvet covers and fitted sheets. Spilled drinks, kids with tummy bugs or leaky nappies have ruined most of my luxury bedding. Practicality and necessity has taken over from beauty and comfort. I have no sanctuary anymore, nowhere to unwind and relax and simply be me. I'd love to reclaim that space again.
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| My Drab Bedroom |
A new colour scheme would be a simple yet uplifting start to a makeover. Goodbye brown, dark and dreary, hello fresh and clean. Natural hues would add a beautifully, delicate look. New lighting and fitted blinds would brighten up the room, inviting natural sunlight into our lives. A beautifully framed mirror would reflect the light, opening up the room giving the illusion of extra space. Luxury bedding, soft furnishings and rugs would give a fresh new look and add a subtle splash of colour. Soft femininity would remind me of the woman behind the mother. Shabby chic, vintage furniture would replace utilitarian storage units. A feature wall would add a striking statement and add a boldness that pays tribute to the vibrancy of my remembered youth.
A wonderfully comfortable bed at the heart of the room would once again become a place to dream, to grow, to love, to reminisce, to relax, to unwind and to simply be. A comfortable space would help sleep to find me. A room makeover could makeover my very being.
This blog post is part of the Silentnight Spring Bedroom Makeover Challenge.
