A List of Ten Things That’ll Make It Easy to Re-Decorate  the Living Room

We live in our living rooms. We entertain, relax  on the sofa – and sometimes on the floor. We watch TV, snack and play games in the living room; Let’s face it, we raise our kids and live our lives in this room! We love our living room, the way it feels, the way it makes us feel…and then BOOM! Just when you least expect it, we get sick of our surroundings and need something different.

 Uh-oh…It’s Time to Make Changes.

 

Don’t worry! Here’s a list to keep you focused! Here are ten ways to switch things up, fast and easy:

 1.     Before you run to the store, shop at home: Borrow items from other rooms. Or, take a look in that closet where everything you don’t want to give away or throw away is happily tucked away for the next time you may need it. Hey, that’s now! Check out what’s sitting in that closet and bring it out for its next grand appearance!

 

 

 2.    De-clutter: Cut down what you have. Clearing out things that no longer fit your style helps when you’re trying to make meaningful changes. It also allows you to re-arrange decor and gives you a better view of how and where things need to be. They will also show and flow together with the pieces you intend to keep.

3.     Move the Furniture: Discover the hidden square footage in your space by moving your furniture. You’d be surprised by how you can open up a space when you move things around. Think about conversations that will take place in the room and how your furniture placement will affect them. It should be  effortless to hold a conversation with the person sitting on the piece of furniture next to you. Getting a designer to prep a space plan for your space may be useful.  It is a formal layout that depicts exactly how your furniture will be placed and how it will fit in the room’s parameters. You can see what space planning is about in the video below.

 

 

 

 4.    Add Plants: I can’t say enough about greenery. It is one of the best ways to bring life to a space. Grab one of your outdoor  plants and give it a try. If you know plants may go home with you to die ( Orchids are my victims) then opt for silk or faux greenery. Just make sure that it is in a stylish vessel that will add character to your new space.

5.    Books, books, books : I love books but not just any kind. Foil bindings, different colors, different heights for the decorative stack you are going to set out. It’s a great and inexpensive way to fill in a space.

 

6.    Get Crafty: Are you an aspiring artist? If so, get  out your art supplies and an easel and you’re on the way to creating art. Be inspired and if you’re not an artist, it’s okay. Ask my friend Terri Davis for a few custom pieces and you’re in for a treat. Psst! Guess what? Designers use her in show houses because her work is amazing! Aside from the good feeling you get from supporting an artist, you get a one-of-a-kind from her collection. You can find Terri here:  http://www.terridavisartdesign.com/product-category/large-originals/  and here is one of her original pieces. Available at her store.

 

7.    Paint: Paint is one of the easiest things you can do to change the feel of a room. It instantly changes the mood and  the way the room looks. From bright and fun to dark and reserved, paint is one of the fastest ways to change a space. Here are a few neutral tones that will really soften up a room:

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.    Beneath your feet: A rug can make a big statement. It’s quick and easy. From plush to low pile, there are thousands of styles you can look through but focus on what anchors the room and furniture as well as ties them together.

 

9.    Over your head and beside you: Lighting is everything! I don’t know how many times I can say this but just as lighting can make or break a photographic image, it can also make or break the way your room looks and feels. It sets the tone, adds drama and can add a little sparkle on glass or metallic surfaces. Don’t forget to find a fabulous set of lamps for the space and make sure you choose the right light temperature for the bulbs.

 

10.   Treat your Windows to a new dress: Window treatments can soften up your living room. Choose something that adds depth and color or opt for something that is soft and casual. If your windows are taller than the average length draperies at the store, choose the next size up. Chances are, they may need to be re-hemmed.

 

 

Don’t get overwhelmed. Take this list with you as a reminder of what to consider. I hope you enjoyed the post and found it useful. Don’t forget: If you need a design professional’s assistance with any part of your project,  Carolina Moncion Design is only one phone call away!

Want to Read More? Here’s a List of our Other Blog posts!

 

Seven Tips For a More Productive Home Office

 

Bedding: Duvet Or Comforter?

 

The Bed: How Many Pillows Are Too Many Pillows?

 

Drab to Fab: Accessories and You!