As stylists, we like to make a good first impression to those around us, so it’s not unusual that ‘public’ areas like dining rooms, living rooms, patios, and even bathrooms get more attention than rooms in what would be a more private sphere. Living rooms are in the very top of the list of most renovated spaces. While lost homeowners work within limited budgets, even those which have access to unlimited funds like to cut a few corners and find better deals on materials and furniture. Here are the main points of a stylish living room makeover.
The depth of remodel
If your main complaints about your living room are mostly related to aesthetics, like carpeting, light fixtures, and the colour of wall, you’re looking down a light remodel that doesn’t require permits. On the other hand, if you’re unhappy with the layout and functionality of the space, you’re into a bigger project. A more in-depth project that includes knocking down walls and electric work requires a permit and hiring a licensed contractor. If you don’t have a solid idea of what you want the end result to be, you may want to have a brainstorming session with an architect or interior decorator.
Consider your lifestyle
Apart from the scope of the remodel, you need to envision yourself and your family using the space. Will it be used for parties or intimate gatherings? Would you be better foo with one large sitting area or several different seating groups? This kind of long-term thinking allows you to plan not only for this stage of your life, but also for the next stages. A newlywed couple, for example, should include their future kids into account when planning a remodel. Also, they can benefit from asking people with kids what they wish they had in their living rooms, what works and what doesn’t.
Go for functional practicality
By using furniture and upholstery that is functional and reusable, you can make the décor both cost-effective and personalised. Removable sofa and cushion covers are always more practical than sewed on covers, as you can change them whenever you decide on a new look. If you’d like a place for work or study in your living room, make a small section in one corner where you’d place a small bureau and a char. Apart from keeping this corner clean od any clutter and mess, make sure the chair matches the rest of the furniture so it ca be used as an extra seating. You can even add fabulous custom made curtains that not only have a practical element but also make your space look warmer. With countless materials, colours and patterns choosing the best curtains for your space is certainly an art.
Add contrasting furniture
Contrasting textures add and interesting element to your living room, preventing the space form becoming dull. However, this can be done without spending a fortune. For example, place your favourite items at interesting angles – if you have and old, wooded, heirloom side table, place it next to one of contemporary leather lounge suites, which combine incredible comfort and versatility with and remarkably good looks. In addition, you can heavy pillows with embroidered covers placed on chairs and paint the lampshades yourself. In any of these cases, make sure to leave enough space between individual pieces to avoid clutter.
Choose a colour theme
Once you settle down with a colour theme, everything else becomes much easier. When talking about colours, area rugs, sofas, cushions, and window treatments allow you to get creative and achieve the right mood. However, it doesn’t mean you should spend a fortune on colourful pieces. You can even play with shades of the same colour and give your room a unique feel. The trick here is to have colours match and contrast each other without making it monotonous. For example, you can have one main colour that dominates the room, and the other one for decorative touches.
Hiring an interior decorator to do all the work for you is always a good choice but your budget most likely wouldn’t agree. That apart working by yourself, you can ensure that the personal feel that you and your partner initially imagined doesn’t get lost in the décor executed by a third party.
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