Update Your Living Room in Five Easy Steps

June 07th, 2010 | Category: This Old House, DIY

Filed under: Your Home, Living Room, Projects, Design, etc

Some pattern, a sisal rug and a coat of black paint are just a few easy ingredients to update your living room. Photo: Monica Pedersen

Save yourself some remodeling money and try these steps for an affordable makeover with impact.

Interior designer Monica Pedersen has worked on her fair share of living rooms. Monica, whose work has appeared in Domino and the Chicago Tribune, among others, is also a member of the HGTV family, appearing in Designed to Sell, Home for the Holidays, Bang for your Buck and a few other programs. This self-taught designer’s experience is far reaching, so when we asked her for some of her best tips for easy living room updates, she jumped right in.

Bringing a whole new look (or “feel”) to your space doesn’t require a full-blown makeover, Monica says. Even the simplest of swap outs can alter a room and give it a freshness that feels like new. Take a look at her tips below, and get ready to spruce up your space one simple step at a time.

Monica Pedersen

SIMPLE LIVING ROOM SPRUCE UPS

1) Bring old lamps back to life: Just swap out their tired, old shades for a modern drum shade. Drum shades aren’t just for contemporary styles, either. Even in a more transitional or traditional home, the look still works — and a fresh new shade can do wonders to brighten up an interior. Check out the collection of affordable drum shade options at Lamps Plus. Shown below at left: Platinum Grey Dupioni Silk Lamp Shade, $39.99, Lamps Plus.

2) Paint something black: When you ask many designers for tips on refreshing a room, most might advise to paint a wall or piece of furniture a bright, cheery color. Not Monica. “Paint something black,” she says. “A piece of black furniture grounds a space and fits any design style.” Try Really Really Black from Benjamin Moore.

3) Choose accessories that transcend seasons: Artwork and pillows are always a go-to when it comes to simple updates. Instead of using these items to refresh a space just for the season (think: bright colors or summer-themed art), Monica likes to use affordable accents that will have a lasting effect (think: pattern). Wallpaper can be expensive, and patterned area rugs can overwhelm, so instead introduce pattern through throw pillow covers — and select colors that you won’t tire of once the season ends. Shown below, middle: Poppy Pillow Covers, $34 each, West Elm.

(clockwise from left): Stacked Ball table lamp, $119.99; Platinum Grey Dupioni silk lamp shade, $39.99, Lamps Plus. Silver Hardback fabric drum shade, $20, Lamps Plus. Classic Home Handspun Jute Collection 4×6′, $180, RugsUSA. Poppy Pillow Covers, $34 each, West Elm.

4) Go sisal: Oriental rugs are stunning, but they have a way of making a room feel ancient. Traditional pattern rugs do the same. So Monica recommends hunting down an affordable eco-friendly sisal or mountain grass rug. The style is an easy refresher for a dreary room, especially in the sunny months. Shown above, right: Classic Home Handspun Jute Collection 4×6′, $180, RugsUSA

5) Ask yourself: “What do I really need?” Once you have your answers, making a shopping list. Does your room need some new vases? Or perhaps a tired, worn accent chair needs to be replaced. Even larger items need not break your bank. Monica, who is a spokeswoman for MasterCardMarketPlace.com, an online coupon and deals site, recommends scouring the web for sales and steals on items from your shopping list. If you’re a MasterCard holder, the market place is a free site that features offers from stores like Home Decorators Collection, Target and Kohls. But you could also take a look at sites like CouponCabin.com, or (of course) Overstock.com to find great deals.