Your living room is
the entertainment and living center of your home. Chances are that you've had
some very memorable gatherings there, and it’s where you relax and enjoy the
company of family and friends. Since this room tends to be such a high traffic area,
it’s often the first room to show signs of wear and tear. Luckily there are
small changes (like switching out light bulbs) and big changes (like installing
a new fireplace mantel) that can give your living room a new look and won't
turn into a major DIY project, or turn your home into a construction site.
Often, Austin home staging projects end up
focusing on the living room first and then branching off into the other
secondary rooms.
Consider painting
your living room. A splash of paint can brighten things up or give your living
room a different vibe altogether. You can repaint your living room the same
color which will refresh the color and get rid of any scuff marks and dings. If
you decide to paint the entire room, starting from the
ceiling and working down is a good idea. On the other hand, if you'd like a bit
of a color change without covering everything in plastic, a feature wall could
be an option for you. Picking an interesting color that goes well with the room
but adds a little spice can be an excellent way to transform your living room
in no time at all.
The fireplace is an
often neglected area of many living rooms, and this is a pity because it can be
such a lovely focal point if handled properly. Installing a new fireplace
mantel – either buying one for the first time or replacing an existing one –
does not take as much work as you think. If you don't have a fireplace mantel,
consider getting one as it will give your fireplace a more finished, polished
look. If you have a fireplace mantel, replacing it with something a little
different can have a major impact on your living room. A wood fireplace mantel
is easy to install so you don’t have to hire a contractor. You can paint or
stain a wood mantel to match the décor of your room. Fireplace mantels are
excellent places to display items of importance to you and your family such as
heirlooms and family pictures. A fireplace mantel is also an excellent place to
hang stockings and display cards around Christmas time.
Changing the lighting
in your room can also make a major difference. Different lampshades can create
a different atmosphere as they diffuse soft light with a hint of color about
the room. If you find your living room a little dull, adding a few more lamps
can brighten it up, and also add accent to certain areas. For an even simpler
modification, try changing the wattage of your existing bulbs. Going from 60 to
120 watts makes a big difference; you might see things you had forgotten were
there at all! Changing to a lower wattage can create a cozier, intimate feel.
A little heavy
lifting can change your living room; rearranging the furniture can create a
totally different feeling in the room. Create a new focal point to the room by
orienting the seating around the fireplace and not the television, or perhaps
put the couches and chairs so that people are more encouraged to talk to one
another. And don’t just think about the seating, moving the coffee table, the
end tables and bookcases can make a difference. If you need a new look without
buying new furniture consider switching out the living room furniture with
items from other rooms of the house.
Finally, taking a
look at what you have on display in your living room can give you some ideas
for small changes that have a high impact. Do you have a vase of fake flowers
that has been there for a decade? Perhaps now is a good time to replace it with
something a little more modern. The artwork you have on your walls might also
be due for some scrutiny too. Prints can be obtained fairly cheaply, and can
really change the ambiance of your room. Remember that every little item and
picture adds something to the room – it is up to you to decide whether or not
it should be changed out for something new.
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