It’s a well-known fact that most of us spend a lot of time in our living rooms. After all, we don’t refer to them as “living” rooms for nothing! While most living rooms are comfortable spaces, they can start looking dated and simply a little “too” lived in after a while.
Several minor changes can change the way your living room looks and feels. Everything from a fresh coat of paint to opting for a skylight! Many contractors who do the skylight installation Sydney residents are so fond of, have said the effect of adding natural light to a space is remarkable! What else can you consider doing?
Expert Tips to Make Your Space Homier
When your living room space starts feeling dated it might be time for a few minor changes. Fortunately, with our expert tips, these changes can be done on a minimal budget.
1. Declutter
The first step to changing your living room space will be to declutter. Cleaning out all the cupboards, shelves and tables will be an ideal way to instantly change the space. It will also give you an idea of how much space you have for redecoration.
While you’re cleaning out the space that no longer serves a purpose, if you have a side table that’s in the way, throw it out. If your coffee table is too big, consider getting a smaller one. An old chair that no one sits on anymore because it’s no longer comfortable, can also be tossed out!
2. Install a Skylight to Add Natural Light
One should never underestimate the power of natural light in a space, especially if the space is dark and dreary. While it might be possible to add more windows, it’s also possible to add a skylight or two. A strategically placed skylight adds natural light and improves the ambience of the space.
Additionally, there are a few other advantages to incorporating more natural light into the space. Some of these include the following:
- Skylights that open increase ventilation and dry out spaces eliminating mould and mildew
- You save money on your energy bill
- Skylights are environmentally friendly
- Natural light has many health benefits
3. Create a Gallery Wall
Since living rooms are generally family spaces, it makes perfect sense to create a gallery wall. Here you can let your imagination flow. You can simply display photos in a grid pattern, or you could alternate frames in random patterns using different colours and shapes.
A common idea is to incorporate other items related to your general theme. For instance, if your theme is family, you can add any items with the word “family” on them. You could even create a collage with your whole family for the centrepiece of the gallery. A popular idea doing the rounds is to paint the gallery wall a contrasting colour to the rest of the walls. This accentuates the whole gallery section. The ideas are endless!
4. Consider Adding a Rug
One of the easiest ways to change the ambience of a room is to add a rug to your living room floor. Large area rugs are the ideal way to make a room feel cosier. They also look good over a polished hardwood floor!
Before you go rug shopping, remember to measure the space you’d like to add the rug to. Buying a rug that’s too big or small will ruin the effect you’re trying to create.
5. Add a Few Floating Shelves
If your living room doesn’t have any shelving, it might be a good idea to add a few shelves. Floating shelves are a great way to place all the little knickknacks often found all over a living room. Having a few shelves helps to declutter the tables and cupboards.
6. Change a Few Statement Pieces
Changing a few of the worn-out décor items will go a long way to changing how the space feels. Items such as throws and scatter cushions can give your space a pop of colour.
The trick is to choose a colour that will accentuate the curtains, furniture and rug. It’s important to remember that everything doesn’t have to match! Something in a unique colour can tie the whole room together.
7. Add Some Real Greenery
If your living room doesn’t have a few live plants, it might be time to add a few. A large clay pot with a miniature tree is the perfect way to add a touch of green and spruce up a dull corner. With the addition of the skylight, the plant will also get the natural light it needs to flourish.
A few common houseplants that add colour and ambience to your space are listed below:
- Monstera deliciosa
- Kentia palm
- Devil’s ivy
- Snake plant
- Lavender (will add a floral aroma as well)
Final Thought
It’s easy to see that it doesn’t take much to change the way your living room looks and feels. A few small changes and additions will take a dated space from looking boring and old to new and fresh!