It’s refreshing to change things up a little every now and then. I have been known to rearrange an entire room by myself in an afternoon, paint a completely different color on the wall on a whim, and reorganize the bathroom without warning, much to my husband’s confusion (he’s not a huge fan of change).
I guess you could say I like options.
My home decor is no exception, especially the living room. This is where we gather as a family for movies, meetings, and game nights. It’s also where we entertain guests and friends when they come over for dinner. It’s a high traffic area and a common space we use everyday which may be why I like to freshen things up on occasion.
Living room decor should be inviting
Whatever your style is, social spaces like the living room should be arranged in a way that is conducive to conversation. Make sure furniture pieces are turned toward one another and are distanced appropriately (as much as possible depending on the size of your living room).
Because the living room is such a social space, it important that folks feel like they can kick their shoes off and get comfortable. And fyi, I’m not trying to tell anyone what to do, but we are full blown adults now. It’s time to part with your old (gross) sofa you got in college. Nobody wants to sit on that thing. I may or may not be speaking from past experience….
Likewise, if you like to have people over but your living room looks like a museum, you may want to rethink your set up. If guests and friends are afraid to sit on your sofa, try adding a throw for them to spread out before they take a seat. If you have friends with littles over frequently but have your favorite collection of breakables on the coffee table, maybe find a higher shelf to put those on for safekeeping.
1. Add new pillows or pillow covers to seating areas
This simple trick will soften your living room in a snap and make your seating more inviting. Tossing a few pillows on the sofa is a great way to mix textures and add a punch of color.
Currently, I am digging these velvet pillow covers in dark green and pink purple (yum), but there are tons of colors to choose from.
If you choose larger pillows they can double as floor pillows when you run out of seating.
2. Revamp your mantle
About every two months I totally redecorate our mantle. I moved items from other rooms and play with vignettes until I find something I like. A few goals I have when arranging my mantle decor include:
- focal point
- large/tall items that frame the focal point on the outer edges of the mantle
- something horizontal
- smaller items that vary in height but are shorter than the tall edge pieces
- a mixture of wood, plants (fake flowers are fine), and metal
There are literally hundreds of ways to bring new life to your mantle. Anything can be used to create a beautiful vignette.
3. Add some green
Besides the fact that they are super trendy right now, live plants are a great way to soften any space. In addition to bringing warmth to your living room, houseplants are great air purifiers.
Don’t have a green thumb? Don’t worry! There are several types of houseplants that don’t require much attention, light or water including succulents, cactus and ivy. It’s a win-win-win!
4. Adjust the lighting
Sometimes freshening up a room is as easy as changing the lamp shades. A lighter shade can brighten up a space, just as a darker shade can provide more low lighting if desired. Don’t underestimate this simple trick!
Natural lighting will also do wonders for, well, any room. If drapery is too heavy, try to lighten the load. If blinds get in the way, consider raising them to let in more light.
5. Add a funky conversation piece
An interesting picture book on the coffee table, a one-of-a-kind statement piece on the wall, or a vintage find on a side table will make for an instant conversation starter. Unique pieces tell the story of who we are and where we have been. They can set apart an otherwise ordinary space, making our homes even more inviting and memorable.
6. Use baskets for storage
Get that stack of magazine off the coffee table. Store throws in a convenient but stylish place. Contain remotes in a easy-to-reach location on a side table.
I have shared before about how I use baskets all over my house for various decorative storage uses. You can read about that HERE for great ideas on how to literally use baskets everywhere in your home.
Whether you have guests over frequently or not, it’s always nice to freshen up everyone’s favorite room in the house. If you’re looking for an easy way to change things up, any of these tips will help you get there without doing a total overhaul. Don’t be afraid to express your personal taste with items of interest and punches of color that are special to you.
When all is said and done, I think you will be shocked at what a little freshening up can do for your living room. What are you waiting for? Go for it!
What are your go-to ways to freshen up your living room? Tell me in the comments!
