As we head into yet another lockdown you might be finding yourself getting sick to your back teeth of the way your home looks.
Spending so much more time indoors than ever before can mean that the little things in your home you could once gloss over are now becoming more and more irritating. Nowhere is this more true than in your living room. In an ideal world, it would be the place where you can decompress and unwind after a long day holed up in the home office or homeschooling the kids.
If your room is more drab than fab, read on for my top five ways to give it a new lease of life.
Radiators
I bet you weren’t expecting a new radiator to be top of the list, were you? It might seem like it’s coming out of the left field but chances are high that the current radiator that you have heating up your living room is rectangular and perhaps was once white but is now edging more towards a dingey yellow. If this is the case then consider getting your hands on a sleeker and far more stylish designer radiator. With no shortage of designs and colors to choose from you are sure to find something that will elevate the look of your room.
Accent wall
Give your room a focal point with an accent wall. Traditionally an accent wall is one that is painted a contrasting color from the rest of the walls. However, you don’t need to stick with paint. Explore highly detailed, patterned, or textured wallpaper too. The benefit of an accent wall is that you can go with a much more intricate pattern or vibrant color with the risk of it being overwhelming.
Curate some art
Ever looked at Instagram and marveled how the rooms pictured just look so… put together? Take a closer look and you’ll probably spot framed pictures, interesting objects, and maybe some plants. You probably have similar items in your own home but the difference is that your bits and bobs are sitting wherever they have landed, while the “Instagrammable” room has had the objects placed deliberately and carefully.
A dedicated kids area
If the pitter-patter of tiny feet is somewhat of a constant in your home then creating their own area in the living room could be an ideal way to make the space more functional. We are not suggesting that you’ll never find a toy outside your eye line ever again, but some simple tweaks can help focus your kid’s attention.
Consider painting an area of the wall with blackboard paint (or simply add an easel or dry erase board) to help the creative juices flow. Large play equipment or toys can also have a permanent home here. And don’t forget, storage bins are always your best friend. At the end of the day, you and the kids (if they are willing) can scoop everything back into them to make cleaning up a breeze.
Rugs
My last tip is all about keeping things cozy. Rugs can work wonders on almost all floor coverings, even carpets. Treat choosing a new rug a little like an accent wall. It can contrast your existing floor covering and be a statement in itself. If you already have a patterned carpet choose a block of color to stand out. Simply unroll and you’ll give your living room a totally different look.
Give some of these tips a try or be adventurous and try them all out and before long you’ll be over the moon to spend another day in your living room.
