A MINI BEDROOM MAKEOVER // STYLING THE SEASONS

Decluttering the bedroom seems like ongoing/endless task, but in an attempt to create a calm space with neutral tones to encourage sleep and relaxation, I thought a mini bedroom makeover would be fun project for this months styling the seasons. I'm forever pottering around, changing things up in the flat and taking on little DIY projects, but this one particular task has been niggling at me for while.

My folks passed this mirror onto me after I graduated university and it has hung on my walls ever since, keeping me company as I moved across the country, however it's never really fitted in with my style. So rather than ditch it, I decided to show it a bit of love with some Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.

I have to admit I'm super late to the 'Annie' party, with friends raving about how good it is, but never late than never right?! I decided to use my Loaf Lazy Linen as the base colour for the room and matched it with Paloma, tying the colours in nicely with the grey marble fireplace and white shelving unit.

Once the mirror dried – suprisingly quickly – I decided to rehang it above the bed, leaving space on the mantle for my newly framed Fine Little Day UP poster *swoon* plus it looks great beside these garland lights.To bring in a bit of green into the room, I bought some fresh Hyacinth bulbs and carefully separated them out before potting them in these cute little ceramic planters, one by Atelier Stella and the other a marble effect mug I picked up in the H&M home sale. I've loved watching them bloom and F has been caring for them, whispering to them and giving them sips of water *all the heart eyes*, plus the pots really work well set againts the black frame.

I love how the mirror looks in its new spot and how effortlessly the colour flows from linen to wall, creating a calm vibe where I rest my head. Just by swapping around two small areas, the room has been given a facelift and keeps in with the style I love.  If I could only tackle the rest of the room and show it some love!

Are you thinking of giving a room a mini makeover? My top tip is to start by decluttering your chosen space by picking up five object and finding permanant homes for them, leaving your surface clear and you able to visualise your idea better.

To get involved with Styling the Seasons you need to do is share your photographs of your styled surface on any day this month – use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or your blog, if you have one. Please tag Katy and Charlotte and use the hashtag #StylingTheSeasons. You can also search the hashtag for styling inspiration from the other wonderful bloggers and creatives who are taking part.

PRACTISING MINDFULNESS & STYLING THE SEASONS

Do you feel ready for winter? I'm pretty much an all-season girl, loving each changing month with a particular fondness for that low autumn sun, but somehow it's November and I'm not quite sure how that happened?! Did you notice it creeping up? In fact this year feels like a bit of a blur and if I'm honest my head has been full of self doubt, anxiety and restlessness, which you can imagine is pretty exhausting *cue all the coffee.*

So in an attempt to quiet the noise and focus on my well being I've started practising Mindfulness. For those not familiar with Mindfulness it's a technique that uses Eastern Buddhist meditation practises, allowing ourselves to give full attention to a particular moment with purpose, to create a inner connection to our true selves and promote emotional well being.

Sounds easy enough right? But how many times a day do you fully focus on what the task at hand? I'm often doing one thing and my mind is in several other places, planning, thinking, questioning. Our thoughts are often whizzing a million miles an hour and I'm not surprised as life is busy ay.

So I've been channelling some calm vibes and used this months Styling the Season as a chance to create a quiet space, focusing on neutral colours and this geometric bowl giving it a touch of me.



How to Practise Mindfulness Meditation
Try this in a quiet space with lots of natural light where you won't be interrupted, and set a timer for five or ten minutes. Sit on the floor cushion crossed leg or on a chair with your back straight, shoulders relaxed and take a breath in from your abdomen, using the lower part of you lungs. Breathe in and out focusing on each breath and the sensation of breathing. If you notice your mind wander and thoughts coming into play acknowledge, in an accepting, non-judgemental way return your focus to your breathing. It's that simple.

Fancy trying it? I love these reasons for practising Mindfulness and giving that grey matter a break. I tend to use it on the go with my morning coffee. Whether you're pouring that first cup or standing in line at your favourite coffee shop when taking that first sip take a second to use your senses. Before knocking it back like a tequila on a night out, focus on the fresh roasted bean aroma, feel the warmth of cup on your lips and the sensation of that first sip. Sounds simple but just focusing on our senses in that moment can create a connection to ourselves.

Here are five other ways that you can use Mindfulness at home and if you need something a little more substantial then you could always try looking at a private psychologist in London for help. What do you think? Worth a try?

To get involved with Styling the Seasons you need to do is share your photographs of your styled surface on any day this month – use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or your blog, if you have one. Please tag Katy and Charlotte and use the hashtag #StylingTheSeasons. You can also search the hashtag for styling inspiration from the other wonderful bloggers and creatives who are taking part.