Interior Decorating Information

Tips for Updating Your Living Room

The living room is the entertainment and living center of a home. It is where many happy gatherings occur with family and friends and also a place to relax and take your shoes off. Because this room tends to be such a high traffic area, it is often the first room to show signs of wear and tear and begin to look outdated. You can make small changes as simple as changing the lighting to big changes like installing a fireplace mantel to change the look.

A splash of paint can brighten things up and give your living room a different vibe altogether. Just repainting with the same color can refresh the room, eliminating any dings and scuff marks. Painting one wall a deeper or lighter shade can transform your living room with a new inspiring look! If you decide to paint the entire room, start from the ceiling and work down.

The fireplace is often a neglected area of many living rooms. This is a pity since a fireplace can be a lovely focal point, if handled properly. Installing a new fireplace mantel, or replacing an existing one, does not take as much work as you think. If your existing fireplace does not have a mantle, consider getting one, as it will give a more plush, polished look. If you already have a fireplace mantel, replacing it with something a little different can have a major impact on your living room. Installing a wood fireplace mantel is easy and you don't need to hire a contractor. Or, you can paint or stain a wood mantel to match the decor of your room. Fireplace mantels are excellent places for displaying items of importance, such as heirlooms and family pictures. It is also an excellent place to hang the Christmas stockings and cards during the holiday season!

New living room lighting can make a major change to the room. New lampshades can create a different look, as they diffuse soft light with a hint of color. Adding a few more lamps can brighten it up and also add accent to certain areas. For a simple modification, try changing the wattage of your existing bulbs. You may see things you've forgotten were there! Changing to a lower wattage will create a cozier, more intimate atmosphere.

Rearranging the furniture will also create positive change. Add a new focal point by arranging the seating around the fireplace instead of the television. Or, perhaps placing couches and/or chairs so people are more able to converse with one another. Move the coffee table, end tables or bookcases to make a change without buying new furniture. Consider switching furniture and/or items from other rooms of the house for that "brand new" look.

Finally, looking at what you have on display in your living room can give you ideas for small changes that have a high impact. Do you have a vase of artificial flowers that have been there for a decade? Perhaps now is a good time to replace it with something more modern. The artwork you have on your walls might also be ready for change. Prints can be obtained fairly cheaply, and can really uplift the ambiance of your room. Remember, even small items can add something to a room. Decide if it should be changed for something new or simply placed elsewhere. Use your imagination!