It’s the place where you entertain guests, relax with a good book or even indulge in a little binge-watching of Netflix.
But what happens when your living room leaves a bit to be desired? As a major hub of the home, every lounge area benefits from a refresh from time to time, so here are our top tips on how to master a living room makeover – no matter your budget.
What stays, what goes?
Although your living room might be in need of an update, chances are there are some key furniture pieces that might have life, plus a lot of style in them yet.
Cast your eye around the room to audit the look and style of your existing furniture, asking yourself the question “what stays and what goes?”
Items that should be on your ‘out’ list include anything that overly dates the room or is too large for the space.
Remember most big-ticket items have a lifespan. A good quality sofa might last you 15 years, but generally most lounges need to be upgraded at about the seven-year mark.
A colour update
As you’re selecting the items you intend to keep and those you plan to say goodbye to start considering the potential colour scheme of the room.
Like anything, colours go in and out of style and it’s amazing how different a room can look after a simple repaint of the walls.
Using the 60-30-10 rule, the main wall colour will generally form the 60 per cent backdrop colour of the room, and then you’ll add two other key colours to create a real wow factor.
This can be achieved through feature walls, artwork, and soft furnishings, along with decorator pieces – which we’ll come to in a tick!
Some key pieces
If an audit of your furniture indicates that a style refresh is in order, consider the key pieces that need replacing.
When working to a tight budget, chances are the big-ticket items like lounges, coffee tables, cabinets and side tables may need to be retained.
But if money’s no obstacle and you’re after a total room refresh, it might be time to invest in a new lounge room suite and other larger furniture pieces.
Don’t underestimate how much can be achieved through the careful selection of key pieces.
For example, a stylish occasional chair, lounge, or new coffee table can help you attain a new look, if coupled with a rug, wall paint and decorator items that help you create a revived room theme.
Go the soft furnishings
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, soft furnishings are a great way to reimagine an interior space or embrace a new colour scheme.
If you’re after a quick makeover with minimum spend, look to items like rugs, cushions, throws and decorator pieces to create a fresh vibe. Oh, and don’t overlook the power of indoor plants which literally breathe new life into any room.
Would you like art with that?
Artworks and decorator pieces help tie a room together while embracing your own sense of individual style.
This makes them the perfect finishing item for any makeover, or perhaps you have a much-loved piece which might inspire the theme for your new loungeroom look.
You can find more interior design inspiration here or browse our collections to find the perfect pieces for your next lounge room makeover.
