16 easy tricks to redesign your living room
The living room plays a central role in creating the atmosphere in the entire home, as unlike the bedroom it’s the heart of socialising events. It tends to be more relaxing than the kitchen with its chill and wind down function. If you want to make the most of yours, take on our 16 tips of advice!
Pick a colour scheme
If you want your room to look put together in an easy way, and simultaneously give it a burst of life, pick a colour scheme and stick to variations of that tone. For example, a room decorated with rich reds and red-orange shades. To keep it easy on the eye, pair with neutrals.
Give Window Trims a Splash of Colour
As they say, the windows are the eyes of the home. Give them a bit of loving with a splash of colour, which also draws attention to them and makes the room seem larger as a result. Wide open spaces even with a small room? Achievable!
Paint small rooms in light colours
If you feel your living room looks crushed rather than cutely compact, then redecorate using light colours. Light colours tend to give the illusion of width and open spaces. This room looks airy and light as it mimics wide, bright skies.
Use decorative spaces
Having certain areas more heavily decorated means you can show off your interests and let your creativity flourish without having the entire room overcrowded. Incorporate plants and greenery, paintings, photos, books and ceramics, for example.
Pile on the pillows
Even if you aren’t going to lie on them all, having fluffed pillows adorn your chairs and couch creates a relaxed and inviting space. Have somewhere guests or house members can put them aside if they don’t like sitting on too many, such as a chair beside the couch or a corner they can stack them in.
Mini bar cart
This doesn’t mean you’ll be trundling down to AA meetings just because you have a bar cart sitting in your living room! This is mainly for when guests come over, or when you want to relax in the evening with a glass of your favourite bevvie! It also happens to look classy and vintage!
Mix and match
If you want to give the room an eclectic vibe, mix & match the fabrics, textures, patterns and prints, as well as the price range! Have cheap and cheerful finds mixed in with more of your treasured splurges.
Fireplace tiles
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace in your room, make sure it’s decorated fittingly! If it doesn’t already, surround it with beautiful tiles that fit the space and match your taste.
Go for a theme
Nautical, Islander, Open Spaces, Gem Tones, Clean Spaces, Global Decor, Boho and Antique… The list goes on when it comes to potential themes! If you’re afraid of going overboard, tone it down with neutrals and limit yourself to under four prints or symbols relating to the theme (anchors for example).
Go for prints
If you prefer bold prints and statement rooms, with little fear of going overboard, then this is the type of room for you! Push the boundaries with plenty of print and statement pieces such as large plants, vases, statues or centre pieces like this surfboard below.
Invest in your sofa
Something people don’t realise until they move into a place of their own is how pricey a couch can be! Yet, investing in a couch that fits the room and your comfort needs is important, and as a bonus it will determine the amount of time you’ll relax in that room too.
Pick a centre focus
Consider the purpose of the room and then determine where the focus should be. If you want to keep it as social as possible, face the chairs and sofa towards each other to stimulate conversation, rather than faced at the TV.
The reading corner
Having a cosy spot to curl up and read in will facilitate more reading on your part. Little things like a warm lamp, a tableside for hot drinks and fluffed up cushions are the perfect ingredients for a nightly nook.
Coffee table game night
Board games have made a massive comeback in the last year, so why not get a more expansive coffee table to get in on the action? If gaming isn’t your thing, fill it with beautiful coffee table books!
Metallic touches
Metals never go out of style, so go for gold and design your space with little touches of gold, silver or bronze. Also, don’t be afraid to mix them! From vases to hanging ornaments, cushions, chairs. Metallic threaded throws or rugs, there’s an endless list of options.
Ottoman comfort
Ottomans have a vintage style, which really give the room a classy vibe in such a subtle way. They also come in handy for holding snacks & books as well as resting the legs! There’s something so grown up and plush about an ottoman… Sigh!