The living room is one of the most used places in the house. It’s where we go for recreation; when meeting friends for a drink; when inviting someone over, etc. It reflects our changing tastes and our lifestyle. If yours is looking a bit drab or outdated, and you are wondering how to spice things up a bit, it might surprise you that a little change like removing some items, adding a touch of flowers, or even swapping out a sofa will make your living room come alive while personalizing it to your taste. Here are some more small updates you can apply right now.
Change up accent pillows.
Chairs and sofas are big, expensive items. They can also be the reason why living rooms get dated pretty fast. However, by changing up your accent pillows you can make a big difference in the room’s feel. From the color scheme to the overall look of your chair and sofa, you can change from reds/orange to grays/blue, from mod to floral. People may start asking if you got a new sofa!
Pare down furniture and knick knacks.
Start by de-cluttering. Remove things like that old shelf filled with books, movies, or CD’s you’re no longer using. Get rid of that coffee table that takes a lot of floor space. Make an inventory of everything in your living room and ask yourself if it’s something that needs to be in the room, if it truly works in the space, or if it’s something you actually use. If not, do away with it. Donate it, or have a yard sale! Creating a breathing space is often the best change you can do, especially in a small room.
Customize the lighting.
Lighting makes a lot of difference when changing a room’s theme. Select a new lampshade color that suits the look you want. Switch out a drab, tired lampshade for a more modern, patterned or boldly colored shade that can instantly update the look of your living room. We love the living room because it’s a place we can relax, which means no harsh lighting. Daytime lighting should be as natural as possible, so try increasing natural light by removing an obstacle that is blocking the light. This includes heavy window treatments, furniture in front of windows, or the draperies. In the evenings, the lighting should only be soft and warm. Lighting can be vastly improved by using lower watt bulbs, changing the lamps, or by installing a dimmer switch.
Add nature’s power.
Add a touch of mother nature in the form of indoor plants, terrariums, herb pots, or fresh flowers such as lilies. Greenery will instantly freshen up the space and is nice for your health as well. Vines, potted plants, and indoor trees can make a room feel more welcoming.
Create an accent wall.
Perhaps you’re already happy with the basic color of your living room walls, but if it doesn’t match the space it can start to feel tired. Consider adding an accent wall. This is a great chance to use a bolder color choice or a wallpaper pattern that wouldn’t go with an entire room, but would be good in a small dose. I painted one wall in my beige living room a nice medium green, and it changed the entire room instantly.
Changing up a living room doesn’t have to be expensive. For a few dollars and a few hours of work, you can completely change the look and feel of your living room. Why not give it a try now?
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