Your home living room is a versatile space that performs many functions in your family’s life. It’s often the first room visible upon entering your house; it generates the first impression, makes a statement, sets a tone. Even a professionally designed living room can use an update from time to time. As you look around your living room, is this multi-functioning room “living” up to your expectations?
If you feel it’s time for a change, here are 5 simple, budget-friendly ways to refresh your living room:
1. Rearrange your Furniture
An example of furniture centering the room’s focal point, the fireplace. Designed by MO Interiors.
Often we collect furniture and pieces that crowd our living room and impede on the flow through the room. This often occurs when homeowners do not know which wall is the focal point, around which all furniture should be centered to give the room an organized, inviting feel. A fireplace in a living room is always the focal point. If a fireplace is absent, you can create a focal point with wallpaper or a large piece of art. Once you’ve determined your room’s focal point, clear out any unnecessary pieces, reposition your seating to encourage conversation and remove any items blocking entrances. These simple changes will make your living room look more spacious, organized and inviting and it only costs sweat equity!
2. Update Your Decor Around a Cohesive Color Palette
A well-designed room follows a cohesive color palette of 3-5 complimentary shades. Use area rugs and throw pillows to bring in these colors and create a visually appealing look. Consider layering a large area rug with a smaller one for added texture and coordinate throw pillows to give your room a designer touch. I recommend pairing solid colors with graphic or patterned throw pillows as well as neutral tones with bold colors to complement each other but be careful to avoid patterns against patterns (too busy!). Finally, adding indoor plants to your living room is a great way to bring in color and soften the room with nature’s beauty. There are many low-maintenance indoor plants such as snake plants, Areca Palm and Yucca Palm. Indoor plants not only bring a pop of color to a space but also cleans the air in our home and is good for our overall health.
3. Style Your Coffee & Console Tables
A little styling will turn your coffee table into the focal point of your room. If your coffee table collects clutter, put everything away and consider storage solutions that will keep your living room clean and orderly. Decorate your coffee table with a tray holding your favorite books, a textured vase, and a decorative object. Make sure the vase is large enough for the space and looks good with or without flowers. Whether you fill the vase with silk flowers or a fresh flower arrangement, blooms can completely change the feeling in a room and add a pop of cheer. Style side tables in a similar manner, with lighting, books and decorative objects that add visual interest. Styled coffee and console tables give your living room an instant designer look!
4. Update Window Treatments
Curtains can absolutely have a fun yet subtle pattern! Designed by MO Interiors.
The most versatile window treatments for your living room are curtains because they are easier and less expensive to update than custom-made blinds. If you already have blinds, layer them with curtains for a more polished look. You can have fun with curtains - choosing a fun yet subtle pattern is 100% acceptable! Curtains are an accent piece that add depth and breathe new life into your living space.
5. Hang Wall Art
Every wall has an art piece in this living room, including a gallery wall of symmetrical frames. Designed by MO Interiors.
Finish the room by hanging art in colors that complement your decor. Every wall should have a piece. If you have many artworks of similar size, you can create a gallery wall of symmetric frames. Interesting art can be found at every price point - even your child’s drawings can become captivating pieces with the right framing.
Just one of these steps will feel like an upgrade; tackling all will be transformational. If you have the budget for more, a fresh coat of paint in a soothing, calm and warm shade will make the room look brand new. Painting an accent wall is a manageable project for any homeowner on a budget and will give the room a new life.
I love to re-imagine a space and give it new life. If you're looking for further inspiration or assistance, feel free to reach out for personalized help!