DESIGN TIPS
The living room is the social and entertaining part of the home. It's where you host guests, relax with family and friends, and it should be a space that reflects who you are and how you spend your time. But if this room seems too dull or dated, don't worry! Here are our tips to help you elevate your living room in no time at all.
Posted by Room Edit Team
3 years ago
As we transition into warmer weather, we start to crave a change. The home is typically the place we want to reflect these changes in; more specifically, our living rooms. It’s a fact, your home decor can take on a dated look over time, as trends come and go and your personal style evolves. By adding some new accent pieces, you can give the space a fresh feel and add style that is all your own. Our team is here to share a few essential tips for refreshing your living room and achieving that designer look.
The easiest way to refresh your living room is with new accent pieces. Throws, pillows, and other decorative items can change the look of a room in just minutes! Pillows of different colours, shapes, and patterns give you more options to spice up a room that might have grown old after years in the family home. Try using modern designs within neutral colour schemes if you are looking for an accent piece with less upkeep than bolder prints would entail. Don’t be afraid to mix up different textures and patterns in an arrangement – it will look more interesting.
Adding a new piece of wall art to your living room is a quick and easy way to update the space. From prints that are perfect for your favourite spot, to oversized installations that will make you say “wow”, you can choose what you love. Minimal prints, illustrations or pop art (depending on your taste) are instant pick-me-ups for your wall space. They instantly create a new mood and transform your walls, and you can always find an array of pieces suited to your budget — Etsy and Society6 are great online markets to do so. Fun tip: Play with mirrors, they can be considered wall art too.
Choosing colour is an important decision that can make or break a design. The first step is figuring out what kind of mood you would like for your space–exciting and happy, sophisticated but warm, neutral? And go from there. You can also create a paint palette by choosing three colours from the same family, or pick a predominant hue, such as terracotta. Find some inspiration by browsing sites like Pinterest or our project gallery to find what you may love. Use light colours when you want to create a soothing atmosphere in your living room or choose an artsy, minimal wallpaper for one of the walls to bring out a theme and add visual interest.
The living room is typically the place to lounge in your home, so make it welcoming by lighting it well. The hues of your lighting can dramatically change your space, and there is new technology in the form of LED bulbs and smart lighting apps to play with. You don’t need anything too complex – just some strategically placed lights on both sides of the couch or coffee table will do. And if you’re craving more natural light, there are new ways to hang curtains that can transform a room with colour and texture, so consider investing in new breezy, light curtains that let the sun shine through.
There are a lot of great modern and vintage styles that can be used to freshen up your living room. These styles range from modern minimalist designs all the way to old-fashioned, charming decor. Mixing sleek, modern furniture with small vintage elements is always a good way to add a certain charm to your living room. It can be through the use of accessories such as an old camera, a vase with some history, or a vintage trunk (as a coffee table), while still maintaining the overall modern and timeless look of the space.
New coffee table books are always a good idea. They not only reflect the present season or what you’re interested in, but they act as interesting conversational pieces to your living room. They can instantly elevate your coffee table game and be a chic addition to your space, without breaking the bank. Designer books, Architecture magazines, Fashion issues are all easily accessible and look just as chic as any other decor.
Additionally, you can incorporate more fresh and airy neutral-coloured items, as they will work well in any setting and add continuity to a contemporary style. Adding a pop of colour to your neutral aesthetics is also a wonderful way to pick up the mood and freshen up your environment. Think bright oranges or greens that can act as accent pieces in the form of cushions, vases or even plants. You can also refer back to wall art, and add some abstract prints to your living room.
If you’re feeling you may need fresher picks with more impact, changing up a key piece of furniture is a great way to update your space. A side table, accent chair or coffee table all fall in this category and are essential pieces of furniture that can be replaced without investing too much in them. Think timeless but modern styles and if you are the kind of buyer who updates their designs with the seasons, consider getting a piece that reflects your current mood.
A final way to perpetuate the homey chic and luxury classic styles for your living room is through a new rug. These floor pieces are oftentimes overlooked but they are great in order to change up the decor of your living room in one easy transaction. Choosing a carpet that breaks the monotony is key so opt for a contemporary yet artistic pattern (if possible) that will be neutral enough to stay on and not obstruct visually with the rest of the living room.
And of course, if you need any further inspiration, you can freely browse our room designs and packages or get started with your room design.