If you thought all bedrooms were the same, think again. Oh, sure! You’ll always find one common factor, like a bed. But everyone has their own unique style. Others have bedrooms that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. But one thing’s for sure, they all represent a place for people to rest, to worship, and in some cases, to ponder those difficult life choices. So, photographer Barbara Peacock went on a journey across America to get an intimate look at everyone’s personal sanctuary with her project “American Bedroom” and it will definitely blow the lid off the top of your head.For 71-year-old Jon, from Boone, North Carolina, there’s plenty of space in his bed for his wife and pets. “My wife and I, along with our Charley dog and two cats, live in a round house at the end of a ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, because we believe in the circle of life and that what goes around, comes around.”
Just ask 38-year-old Alice and 40-year-old Chris from Portland, Maine, who consider their moment in the bedroom a rare treat. “Time alone is rare with busy lives, two kids, and a cat. Any time we get we savor, as summer just seems to seep away.”
71-year-old Elmer from Boone, North Carolina, may live in a trailer, but his bedroom is soul-rejuvenating. “I have lived a life of miracles, and I shall live forever, the flesh looks wasted but the spirit is alive and well.”
18-year-old Jessica from Milford, New Hampshire, knows all about those curves. But is thankful for her confined, yet comfy living space. “Sometimes life throws you in all sorts of directions, the most important part about life is to remember you are exactly where you need to be.”
No one understands this better that 15-year-old Cody from Portland, Maine, who has the drive of a teenager but is being held back by his rheumatic fever. “It’s been really frustrating. I can’t do anything. I can’t hang out with my friends, can’t play sports. I’m stuck here…just me and my illness.”
For 88-year-old Pepere from Jay, Maine, his bedroom is a place of memories, a place of sadness, and a place of loneliness. “When I wake up in the morning, I try to be very quiet so I don’t wake her, then I remember she is not there.”
For 35-year-old Nito from Cambridge, Massachusetts, his clutter is like a treasure trove full of memories he can cherish for al lifetime. “Much of what you see isn’t some showcase of fun colorful things I’ve acquired. Everything contains a story attached to my friends and life experiences. So, despite its cluttered look, having easy access to those cherished memories is quite calming and helps me still feel close to those people and experiences.”
95-year-old Carroll from Biddeford, Maine has a tough time making sense of her surroundings. In some cases, this makes her feel even more confused. “Is this my home?”
Just ask 20-year-old Winslow from Westford, Massachusetts, who wound up leaving everyone he knew, but fortunately, he got to keep one member of the family, who made his transition a little easier. “I just moved home from Chicago, leaving behind dozens of friends and my life for the past year. The only thing of merit I was able to bring home was my cat Juno.”
Just ask 37-year-old Rean from Merrimac, Massachusetts, who along with her husband Josh, 38, and their kids, Jackson, 5, and Amelia, 1, make this bedroom look like the ultimate full house. “I hate my bedroom. It’s so cramped and small. But, we waited a long time to have kids so when we are all together I’m happy.”
Just ask 3-year-old Avey from Portland, Maine, who learned early on that like is a precious gift and very often unfair. But before you know it, that delicate gift is gone forever. “My fish is died.”
