Living Room Upgrades That Don't Include Updating the Furniture

When designing a perfect home, it might be surprising to discover that the space that tends to get neglected the most is actually the living room. While this is the area guests will spend most of the time in your home, it’s also often an afterthought when it comes to upgrades. This is in part due to the fact that upgrading items in the living room can be slightly more costly than elsewhere in the house. Quality couches cost a pretty penny - and so do living room rugs and coffee tables. However making updates with impact go beyond just the furniture. Just like how your exterior can benefit from strategic changes on things that might need attention or updates, so can your living room. Here are a few ways to make your living room your favorite room in the house - without changing out a single item of furniture.

Incorporating Nature into Your Living Room 

A little nature in your interior can make a huge difference to the tone of a room - and your mood. Try using nature itself as the centerpiece for your coffee table or sideboard or shelves - from rocks, wood from fallen trees, or even dried flowers, creating a vignette is a wonderful way to add a unique, biophilic touch. Driftwood is another great way to bring in a sculptural element to a room without using an actual sculpture.

Another way you could incorporate nature is by hanging large plants or flowers from hooks on the walls of your living area. These can fill a space while opening it up simultaneously, and looks gorgeous while doing so! Plus, plants are also great for purifying the air in your home, and they can help you relax when spending time at home.

General Home Repairs

Before looking at specific living room fixtures and decor, starting with general repairs is a good idea. From walls to floors, cracks, dings, and chips should to be fixed before moving any bigger moves like the installation of new flooring or paint, and can make a huge difference alone even if you choose not to paint or replace anything bigger.

Unseen elements can also make a big difference to a space, such as a good working AC or heater. If a room tends to be slightly drafty or too warm, there’s a high chance you won’t spend a good deal of time in it. Fix your heating systems by calling in a 24 Hour AC Repair company and you may be surprised at how much time you want to spend in a room you previously avoided.  

Change Decor and Curtains

Because the living room is often the first place that guests see when they come to your home, it should be inviting, comfortable and stylish as well.

If you're going for a bold look – try using only one or two colors. If you prefer a softer look, opt for varying hues within the same color family with a few accent shades. And instead of replacing the furniture, a swap in your drapes can change the tone of a room dramatically. There are so many new styles available that you can find the perfect curtains whether your style is modern, contemporary, rustic, or traditional, and all of them will change the feel of a room.