You might think a living room redesign is bound to take up a lot of time, but not with these simple tips
We all get the urge to change up our interior design from time to time. If your living room is beginning to feel less trendy and more tired, it’s probably time to treat your home to a design overhaul.
We know what you’re thinking – the idea of a redesign is all well and good, but between work, family life, socialising and daily duties, there is never any time to actually do it. But rethinking the way your living room looks and feels doesn’t have to be a mammoth task. There are plenty of ways to transform your living room easily, without eating into your time.
With that in mind, these are our top picks for easily making your living room feel brand new again. From fabrics and art to vintage and greenery, there is plenty to unpack here so let’s get started.
Rethink your living room layout
Something as simple as swapping the layout of your living room around can have extremely satisfying results. A lot of the time, the layout we’ve stuck with is just one we happen to have chosen years before without really thinking, so a refresh is always a good idea. This time, try not to plan your whole living room around your television and instead make it more of a space for conversation and socialisation.
You should also be aware of corners, and don’t be tempted to put your sofa right up against the wall. Leaving some space behind can create illusion of a larger, more inviting space.
Find the right rug
We don’t tend to think about the floor as much as the walls or furniture when it comes to interior design, but it can have a massive impact. If you don’t have the budget or time for a new carpet or hardwood floor, invest in an attractive rug that really makes an impression.
The larger the rug you choose, the better, as a big rug is a great way to create the illusion of extra space in your living room. If the rest of your living room has quite a neutral colour palette, introduce a bold coloured rug as a way to add a pop of colour that really catches the eye.
Prioritise a vintage coffee table
A coffee table should be a central feature of your living room, as it’s a practical place for you to place drinks, food, books and magazines that you use throughout the day. However, it can also be a stunning design statement. Vintage furniture is a great option as it’s completely unique, so it’s guaranteed to gain compliments. Explore online stores like Vinterior for the best vintage coffee tables available, and make your living room a hub of luxury.
You could also bring in a selection of nest tables for extra surface space that can be put away to save floor space if your living room is on the cosy side.
Allow art and photos to stand out
Artwork can immediately transform your living room from drab to fab, so don’t be afraid to bring your walls to live with some stunning pieces that bring the colour, passion and excitement to the space. And artwork doesn’t have to be a pricey investment. Simple prints, posters and even family photographs look stunning when displayed artfully in attractive frames on the wall. This will likely be the first thing your guests inspect when they come round, so take your time finding the perfect way to arrange your chosen pieces. The right artwork can make a room feel balanced as well as exciting.
Let there be light
We tend to think of lighting as a purely practical feature. But lighting isn’t just a way to allow your other furniture to shine, it can also be a dramatic design element in and of itself. Try reassessing the way you use light in your living room by trying different options. Abstract lighting brings variation, texture and colour to the space, while floor lamps or a dramatic feature as well as a practical asset. Similarly, pendant lights or wall sconces can create their own attractive effect, depending on what kind of vibe you’re trying to create in your living room.
Refresh with fabrics and soft furnishings
If you have the perfect sofa that you’ve loved for years but it’s starting to look a little on the tired side, you don’t need to give up on it altogether. The most cost effective thing you can do is add a statement throw and some stunning soft furnishings to give it a new lease of life. A chunky, soft and cosy throw in a rich print will give your décor a splash of eclectic fun that brightens up the room as a whole.
Bring the outside in with greenery
We’re often told to get out into nature when we’re feeling stressed, worried or tired. Advice like “get some fresh air” is familiar to all of us, and that’s because the outside world is naturally peaceful, attractive and soothing. So why not bring this atmosphere into your living room? Simply adding some lush, beautiful foliage will purify the air and make your room feel fresher, or you could try adding some more exotic plants for a beachy, summery vibe.