Often times, the living room is the first thing you see when you get home. It's probably safe to say that it is also one of the most used rooms in your house. Updating this area will bring new life into your home while making it an aesthetically pleasing place to live and entertain. As you likely know, updating any room in any house tends to add up quickly. Don't panic! There are many affordable options out there. Check out the tips below and learn how to bring a fresh, stylish look to your living room without breaking the bank!
1. Clean
The key to whipping any room into shape is cleaning -- deep cleaning. Don't stop at dusting and vacuuming. Take it further by removing clutter. Get rid of things you don't use or aren't completely in love with. Avoid using the area for any kind of storage. Ridding the room of unnecessary clutter will not only make the space look bigger, but it will help create a simplified, chic look.
2. Rearrange
There's nothing as cost-effective as using what you already have! Take a look at your space, and figure out the best way to utilize it. Experiment with furniture to find what setup you like the most. Try pulling furniture away from walls or creating a cozy sitting area. If nothing else, create some change to liven things up.
3. Paint
Painting a room is a quick and fairly easy way to absolutely transform it. For your living room, choose soft, neutral colors or pull a color from something else in the room. If all your throw pillows have a little splash of color you like, tie everything together by painting the walls that color. Though, be careful not to go too dark. Dark walls quickly make a room feel small. If purchasing paint for the whole room is not an option, create an accent wall instead.
4. Add or Alter Lamps
Add a lamp or pair of lamps that will complement the color and theme of the room. If buying lamps doesn't sound so good, consider switching out the shades on existing lamps. Again, choose something that will subtly complement the entire room.
5. Get the Right Drapes
The style and color of your drapes can set the tone of the entire room. Avoid thick, light-blocking materials that will make the room feel smaller. Curtains affect lighting as well as aesthetics, which is why proper installation can make a huge difference. Check out this article for some helpful tips and visuals.
6. Use Accents Pieces
A good accent pillow, throw blanket, or rug can do a lot for a room. This is where you can choose a color or pattern that pops. The key is to avoid mixing colors or patterns that don't work well together.
7. Spruce up the Mantle
A fireplace mantle is a huge focal point in a room. If you have one, spruce it up a bit! Brick mantles can be transformed by a coat of white paint. It will bring in a modern look and help brighten the room. Decorate the mantle with a couple of simple pieces like a vase or set of candles. Just don't place flammable things too close during the winter!
8. Create a Gallery Wall
Making yourself a gallery wall is a fun and stylish way to personalize the room. You can use your favorite photographs, artwork, or get creative with it. To avoid chaos on the wall, use matching frames for each piece. You can even buy frames at a second hand store and paint them all to match. There should be an overall theme or color scheme as well. Check out these awesome gallery walls for inspiration!
Updating your living room is not only an awesome way to liven up your living quarters, but it's also good way to prep for the market if you plan on selling your home. If you're curious what your home is worth, give us a call or find out for free on our website! We are always happy to hear from you!