It’s only natural occasionally to want to begin again, to start fresh, or to revamp a tired space. Whether you are moving to a new home or planning to revitalize an existing house or room, assess your wants as well as your needs before you begin any work. Even if all you plan to do is modernize the decor, it is wise to have a plan before you begin.
Here are 7 makeover tips to help you modernize your living room:
Reorganize the Space
Sometimes all you have to do to achieve a “whole new room” is rearrange the furniture. If your existing room feels less than inviting, consider changing the seating arrangement, rethinking the focal point, or adjusting the traffic pattern. Remember that less can be more, and if your furnishings are a bit tired or dowdy, think about how to present them in a new light, lighten the load, or load up on some fresh, new accessories.
Change the Background
A new color scheme can provide the impetus for a whole new personality. If you have tired of “builder beige” walls, think about colorizing in a brand new way. Consider your flooring and ceiling as background components in addition to your walls. If your carpet is dingy and cleaning won’t solve the problem, consider replacing it with wood, stone or laminate. If you already have hard floors, think about changing out (or adding) a bright new area rug. Paint walls a bright new hue, and add a lightened version of the same color to the ceiling.
Let the Light Shine
Bright is beautiful. Remove the heavy draperies from your windows and open your living room up to the views and the light. It will lift your spirits as well as livening up your decor. If you have a need for privacy, consider plantation shutters, slim mini-blinds, opaque shades, woven woods, or another window treatment that will regulate sun and glare during the day and shield your room from view at night. If you’re planning a remodel, also think about adding a skylight and updating the lighting. Install recessed cans with dimmer switches for overall room lighting, and add a trendy chandelier or ceiling fan and some accent lighting for mood-changing effect.
Separate and Segment
Modular chests and bookcases, sectional sofas, and lightweight chairs and tables that can easily be moved and rearranged make perfect sense in a living room. It doesn’t matter whether your room is small and intimate or large enough to accommodate a crowd, you will want to provide comfortable seating for conversation, convenient surfaces for drinks, snacks and magazines, and attractive vistas to stimulate the senses. Always consider “sight lines” and try to select a visual focal point that is appropriate to the room’s function. If you enjoy television, consider a wall-mounted flat-screen version; it can easily be installed above or to the side of a fireplace. If you have a beautiful outdoor view, capitalize on it by placing a pair of chairs in front of the window. Be creative and adapt your furniture placement to the activities you enjoy in the room.
Contingency Planning
Most living rooms must serve family needs as well as entertaining demands. A hard-working space, the living room should be as inviting for losing yourself in a good read as it is for playing a board game or tackling a jigsaw puzzle. A small game table can be a real asset. When extra seating is needed, a small bench or a pair of ottomans can come in handy. Easily movable chairs are versatile, especially if they are also suitable for dining purposes. A console table behind a sofa can double as a mini-desk or writing table; a large coffee table with some floor pillows will accommodate family game night or double as a dining table for the big game.
Collect and Display
Bookshelves don’t always have to contain books. If you are lucky enough to have built-ins in your living room, find creative ways to display art and collections. Heighten the impact by painting your shelving a contrasting color, or intersperse colorful art and sculpture with books and found objects. Express your own interests, display travel mementos, show off awards and trophies, or highlight family heirlooms. Use your favorites as inspiration for your decor, whether your makeover is at a beach cottage or an urban loft.
Build on What You Have
The most unique and comfortable rooms evolve over time rather than springing “fully formed” from the furniture store. Even if you want to complete your project quickly, resist the impulse to purchase “packaged” rooms that are totally coordinated. It’s the funky, quirky, individual touches that make your living room unique. A matched set may be beautiful, put it will never be as personal or as personally satisfying as a room that is developed over time, a room where every piece of furniture and art “speaks” to you, and a room that contains only those items that you love and want to keep close.
The goal of any living room makeover should be to better reflect your family’s lifestyle choices, and to please you now and in the future.
