Transforming a living room might seem like a major project, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. Here, we’re going to look at budget-friendly makeovers that can instantly add new appeal.
1. Get Back to Basics
Throughout the years, we pick up little bits and bobs that once we were in love with, but now we only keep around because we’re used to them. Your living room might be full of choices that no longer have any appeal to them. More than that, they might be cluttering up the space.
Take a quick audit of everything in there and ask yourself if you can still find the appeal. If not, freeing up some space and going for a more minimalist look can create a more relaxing room.
2. Let the Light In (mirrors, different light placement)
A living room that’s feeling dark and dingy is no good. You need more light, and opting for a smaller, less obtrusive light fixture can offer some.
However, choosing thinner window treatments as opposed to thick, heavy curtains can allow in a lot more natural light, which is much better for you and the home.
You can maximise its spread throughout the room with the placement of a large mirror, too. Place the mirror in a position where light from the window will hit it directly and it can reflect it to banish more of those dark corners.
3. Freshen Up Those Walls
The walls, floors, and ceilings are the basis for the look of the room and the easiest to change, and most noticeable, are the walls. New wallpaper or a fresh lick of paint can instantly add new context to the room.
Digital image wallpaper can create a whole feature wall without having to hang lots of art and photos, too. Even if you like your current walls, you can freshen them up with wallpaper restoration that lets you maintain the look you love.
4. Add a Little Life
When it comes to making new additions, there are few tools as versatile as a houseplant. They instantly add a touch of colour, but they also bring with them a natural, calming element that can brighten up a room and make it a place perfect to sit back and relax in.
Snake plants are perfect for those who want a little life and a touch of the exotic while keeping it low-maintenance. If you want something a little more colourful, the tropical flair of the kalanchoe is worth checking out, too.
5. Rejuvenate Old Pieces
The furniture is a vital component too, of course, often serving as the focal point of a living room. You don’t have to buy brand new furniture to help achieve a new look, however. Upcycling has become a craze as of late and could help preserve and refresh some beloved pieces.
A lick of paint on wooden furniture can make it look brand new, but if you’re more hands-on, you can even manage some impressive conversions. For instance, you can use foam and some fabric to upholster a small coffee table, turning it into a plush new ottoman.
6. Floor It
A change in floor is a change felt across the whole room. However, you don’t necessarily have to go as far as getting brand new carpets or hardwood panels. If you have a hardwood floor, softening it with rugs can make the room significantly warmer feeling and more welcoming.
If you have a darker floor but brighter, more colourful elements of décor on top of it, then go with brighter patterned area rugs to better blend the two together.
7. Make Room for You
If you want a little more sentimental impact from your room, a few small changes can make a big difference. Consider choosing one of your more under-utilized walls and placing an arrangement of frames for a photo display. If you have a hobby that’s a major passion in your life, think about giving it some room, too.
For instance, framed movie posters if you’re a cinema aficionado or an arrangement of your favourite vinyl records if you’re a music lover. If you have some prized possessions, use a display cabinet or a shelf to lay them out. Let your living room tell a story about you and your family.
You don’t have to go all out with new furniture, new fixtures, and new everything to transform your living room. Sometimes, a deft touch and a few little inexpensive changes can be all it needs.