12 DECORATING TIPS TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIVING ROOM
YOUR LIVING ROOM IS UGLY...
Ok so maybe it isn't UGLY, but you're itching to switch it up and just can't figure out where to start. You have nice pieces but it just doesn't have that something you're looking for...don't worry we got you.
Below are 12 of the easiest ways to get kickass style in your living room. Trust me, you'll thank us later.
1. ADD FRESH FLOWERS
Fresh flowers are a small touch that can add an element of life and a splash of color to an otherwise dull room. Plus, they're just pretty! If allergies are holding you back, opt for low-pollen flowers with less cloying scents (stargazer lillies, we're looking at you) like roses, tulips, and ranunculus. Our personal favorites are calla lillies because of their sleek shape and thick stems!
2. USE TRANSPARENT FURNITURE IN SMALL SPACES.
Small spaces are...well...small lol. Bulky furniture in dark colors can take up lots of room visually, so using transparent pieces throughout your room allows your eye to pass through them and makes your room feel lighter and more open. We LOVE ghost chairs for their classic shape and design and the transparency also adds some modern high style to your space! Get the original, designed by Philippe Starck, here...or a replica for a STEAL here. Wanna know more about maximizing style in your itty bitty abode? Peep this.
3. ADD A TEXTURED RUG WITH A BOLD PATTERN.
We love rugs! Seriously, there's nothing like coming home, taking off your shoes, and burying your feet in a soft plush rug...or we could just be weirdos...either way. Don't skip on adding a rug to your living room because it not only grounds the space and designates sitting areas, but its a chance to add some texture and color!
4. MIX MATERIALS AND TEXTURES.
Keep things interesting by mixing up your textures and your materials. Play with smoother textures against more rugged and rough ones to create a little more fun! It gives your room that little something and totally makes you look like a decorating pro. Think of it like this, don't you love crispy tortilla chips with smooth and creamy guacamole?? ZACTLY. The same principle applies to your living room. Brb, going to order some Mexican food because all this guac' talk has our stomachs growling!
5. ADD ACCENT PILLOWS WITH BRIGHT AND BOLD PATTERNS.
Pillows are one of the easiest ways to add some fun and interest to a room, and they're cheap! We love switching up our styles at home pretty often, and we do it mainly by changing out the pillows. Find bold and interesting patterns that will show off your unique style and make that boring sofa a little spicy! Pro tip: Amazon sells TONS of cushion covers for anywhere from $7+ all you need to do is unzip and stuff your existing pillows inside for an instant pillow makeover! Just don't get mad at us when you get in trouble for ordering too many ;) we warned you.
6. BUY TABLE LAMPS THAT ARE PRETTY TO LOOK AT.
Lighting in your living room is key! Its important to have various levels of lighting in your home which means more lamps. Why not make those lighting sources pretty? Skip the boring hand-me-down Walmart lamps you got in college and swap them for a more modern, pretty version. Right now we are absolutely IN LOVE with Target's Project 62 collection and have our eye on quite a few pieces. Lamps are another small way to get even more of your personal style infused into your decor so make sure they look good too! Can't quite find a lamp that's unique enough? Roll by your local thrift store or garage sale and look for vintage items you can diy to make a custom creation EXACTLY the way you want!
7. POSITION A MIRROR TO REFLECT LIGHT & A VIEW.
Want an easy way to visually double the space in your room? Add a mirror! Your living room will benefit from the reflected light and it adds a sense of openness. Oversized floor mirrors make a statement while giving the optical illusion of having more space. Don't stick to the plain old boring shapes and sizes, find interesting pieces that fit into your overall personal style. Hate the idea of a large, clunky mirror taking up space? Group several smaller mirrors together to create visual interest and a gallery effect.
8. OPT FOR A NEUTRAL SOFA.
Lets be honest, we're human and we change our minds...A LOT. So while you may be totally in love with that emerald green velvet tufted sofa NOW, chances are that at some point you may grow weary of looking at it and want something new. It's ok, we've been there too. Now I'll be the first to say that whatever your little heart desires GO FOR IT. Taking risks is what life is made for, but some people really do like to switch things up and having a neutral key piece like a sofa will allow for you to get that variety without shelling out big bucks for a new one. Whites, greys, blacks, and tans are all subtle neutrals that can support a wide variety of color palettes.
9. PAINT AN ACCENT WALL.
The options for accent walls are ENDLESS! Paint is one easy way to add instant interest, but don't sleep on wallpaper either. There are tons of options for creating an accent wall in your living room but remember to follow a few simple rules.
-Think outside the box. Play with textures and tones that will compliment existing furniture.
-Choose the wall that will look best in your accent finish upon entering the room.
-Consider your other walls and how the accent will play with their existing color.
10. DE-CLUTTER YOUR SPACE.
We're talking more than just shuffling those clothes off the side of the couch and picking your socks up off the floor (admit it...we all do this lol) when we say de-clutter we mean it! Start with pieces in the room that are of little practical use; blankets strewn about, magazines collecting dust, computer bags hanging out in the corner, etc. These items not only cause visual clutter, but can alter your mental state as well (learn more here.) Look for practical storage solutions like a chest or storage bench that will either hide those items away, or display them in a visually pleasing way a la woven baskets. So to boost your mood AND free up your living room, momma says CLEAN IT UP!
11. DEFINE CONVERSATION AREAS.
The best part of entertaining is enjoying the good food and conversation, so aligning your furniture and rugs to create a comfortable space to do just that is SO important. Group your pieces in a way that encourage interaction, rather than all facing the tv or other points in the room. Use the graphic below or check out this article from homedit!
12. ROTATE YOUR CURRENT DECOR.
Am I the only one who remembers the show Freestyle on HGTV? The main premise of the show was to transform spaces using existing items and I LOVED IT! Sadly, the show is no more but the concept lives on. Consider swapping the accent pillows in your bedroom with the ones on your sofa. Got that art you bought on vacation just collecting dust in your closet? Hang it up! Use unconventional items as accessories to give your space a funky, eclectic feel. Who said decorating had to be expensive?
