With summer just around the corner, you may glance around your living room and feel an urgent need to add a splash of colour and refresh the ambiance. After months of dreary weather, who could blame you? Fortunately, you don't have to spend a lot of money or be an interior decorator to add some pizzazz and colour to your living room decor – it's easier and more affordable than you might think.
Here are 8 easy and cost-effective ways to get your living room summer-ready!
1. A Fresh Coat of Paint
Do you tend to stick with neutral colours when painting, simply out of fear that if going too daring you might regret it? Instead, you could always did your proverbial toes in a bright, bold colour by painting a feature wall, which will change the focal point of the room. Sometimes, just painting one wall with a more vibrant, rich hue can make all the difference in the world.
2. Lighting
Good lighting sets the mood and will enhance the look of your entire living room. Let's face it –there's nothing summer(ish) about a dark, dreary room. Make sure all burnt-out bulbs have been replaced and consider adding more lamps or track lighting if needed. Lamp shades are another way to have fun with colour and texture –by simply changing your lamp shade with a different metallic silver or gold fabric, which is all the new rage right now, you can give your room a whole new look.
3. Cushions
There is such an array of comfy and colourful cushions to choose from these days, from big and bold to traditional. If you have a dark-coloured couch, scatter brightly coloured cushions or vibrant floral-print pillows to give your couch contrast and set the mood for summer.
4. House Plants & Fresh Flowers
There's nothing like the fresh look of houseplants and flowers to brighten up your living room. Aside from their natural beauty and welcoming scent, many add oxygen and freshness to your décor.
5. Area rugs
Area rugs always make a room look cozy, but are also a great way to add colour and texture. And with today's popular open-concept floor plans, an area rug can help separate one room from the next without adding any walls.
5. Drapes
Drapery or even window toppers can make a big difference when adding colour to your living room. Many change their window treatment twice a year to reflect the changing seasons. If you rocked a gorgeous set of burgundy curtains all winter, perhaps it's time to make a switch for summer. There are many different styles, designs and textures that can make a welcome change to your faux blinds.
6. Crown molding
No room looks more complete and polished without it! Aside from making your living room look more modern and finished, crown molding also hides any painting mistakes from an unsteady hand that may show on your ceiling.
7. Wall art
Everyone has those special family photo's tucked away for a rainy day. Why not get them enlarged and placed in frames? You may even have some fantastic photos of special holidays at the beach that you just didn't get around to doing anything with. If all else fails, depending on your budget, wall art can be very affordable if your looking for something more artsy!
8. Summer Cleaning
With more sunlight beginning to spill through your living room, you're likely to notice more dust and finger prints than you did over the dark winter months. Now's the perfect time to start summer cleaning by getting rid of clutter, wiping down your walls, blinds and furniture. Don't forget to also give your windows and mirrors a good clean to add a little sparkle.
And there you have it –8 ways you can bring summer into your living room. While you could spend a small fortune on hiring a home decorator, don't underestimate your ability to beautify your living space on a dime.