Over the past year, chances are you’ve spent a lot more time at home. As we move into the spring, it’s natural to take a long hard look at our surroundings and decide it’s time for a change. When budgets are tight, the question is, how to refresh the look of a living room, while spending as little money as possible. Here are just a few suggestions to spark your creativity and help you breathe new life into a tired space.
Stage your coffee table
Let’s start with your coffee table. If it’s not adding something special to the room, there are plenty of ways to liven it up. What about a coat of paint? Go for a chalk effect paint in a bright pastel shade, or create a shabby-chic look by layering on different colors and sanding it down. Once that’s done, accessorize it with a vase of flowers, a treasured object, or a bowl of fruit.
Organize your bookcase
The most talked-about item in 2020 was definitely the bookcase, which featured in every zoom call and was the backdrop to countless TV interviews. When did you last arrange yours? Remove the junk, organize your books by size and color, and leave some spaces clear to display photos and ornaments.
Bring nature inside
Indoor planting is big news in 2021. Use a variety of modern planters, of different shapes and sizes, and decorate them in whatever style you prefer. Choose a single theme or color scheme, such as Mexican or retro, and paint one or more of them to express your unique personality. If you’re not confident about your painting, consider using stencils or even hydro flask stickers which won’t come off if the planter gets wet. Select plants whose leaves have interesting colors and a variety of textures and you’ll immediately add life and interest to your room.
Clear your clutter
If you’re room is cluttered and full of too much ‘stuff’, it’s time for a clear out. Throw away whatever you really don’t use of need. The rest needs to be tidied away, out of site, in a cupboard or attractive storage boxes. This will instantly give your space a sense of calm.
Cover the sofa
If your sofa is looking tired, but you can’t afford to replace it right now, invest in some fitted covers. If you already have these, then consider dying them in a bright color, perhaps contrasting with your renovated coffee table. When the budget is really too tight, just throw some colourful old scarves, in contrasting textures, over the back and arms
Change the lighting
This can make a massive difference for very little cost. First, change the position of any lamps you already have – this can give the room a whole new look, especially at night. A couple of small floor-based uplighters or downlighters can provide dramatic highlights and transform the atmosphere of your room at night.
Once you get started, there are endless simple and inexpensive ways to tweak your living room and give it a fresh new look. We hope these ideas will help to spark your creativity, so have fun and good luck!
