If your living room has seen better days, you certainly aren’t alone. Around 47% of Americans haven’t updated their home decor within the last five years, so it’s safe to say that your main living space could probably use a refresh. The features that your interior decorator used years ago are probably no longer trendy. If your living room is filled with once-fashionable elements you just had to have five or 10 years ago, it’s time to update your interior design!
While we love to hear from DIY interior designers, there’s nothing wrong with getting a little professional help. At Janet Brooks Design, we provide fresh and exciting interior design that Phoenix and Scottsdale homeowners can count on to transform your living space. Whether you’re thinking of selling your home in the near future or simply want to spruce up the living room, here are six design tips.
- Change the paint color
While using a “power color” to paint a room (or even one wall) might have seemed like a brilliant idea a few years ago, it can be polarizing. If you find that your mood suddenly dims when you walk into your living room, your paint color may be to blame. You may be much happier in a clean and airy room, rather than a dramatic decor.
- Address the lighting
If you find your living room is too dark and there aren’t opportunities to add more natural light, you may need to add some artificial light into the mix. Standard lighting fixtures tend to look cookie-cutter, so if bland and boring lights are getting you down, go hunting for some lighting fixtures that better represent your personal style. You can opt for more elegant designs that can act as a statement piece or more neutral ones that act as a welcome addition.
- Rethink the flooring
The majority of people prefer hardwood flooring instead of carpet. Carpeting can easily look dingy and dated, but well-maintained hardwood floors can look great for decades. Switching out your old carpets for hardwood can instantly transform your space. You can use beautiful rugs for areas of high traffic or to define the space. If making the change to hardwood flooring isn’t an option, a more neutral and contemporary carpet choice can work wonders as well.
- Change the window treatments
Heavy, colorful curtains might have been en vogue the last time you worked with a team of interior designers, but they may not be the right fit for your home today. And if you have flimsy treatments of odd lengths, it can make your whole space look cheap. Polyester and other man-made materials have a tendency to look unrefined, so using natural materials like silk, cotton, linen, and bamboo can change the look.
- Add accent pillows
You don’t even need brand new furniture to give your living room a facelift. Many designers like to add or take away accents in the form of pillows. Switching these out according to the seasons can also work really well, as they can completely change the way you see your favorite chair or couch. Large, over-stuffed pillows are always sophisticated, but you can add in smaller, patterned pillows for contrast. - Have an artful eye
Wall art can make or break a space. Make thoughtful decisions when it comes to your wall art. If there’s a famous print you really love, by all means, use it. But be sure to have it framed professionally in a style that’s in-keeping with the rest of the home. You need to ensure that the art you pick is the right size, right color scheme, and works well in the space. Find art that really speaks to you and reflects your personality.
Our interior design team can help transform your space! Get in touch with Janet Brooks Design, Phoenix interior decorators to find out more about our design process.
