You've decided to redecorate your living room but you don't know where to start. You've scoured design magazines and searched the internet for home decor ideas but feel overwhelmed by all the information. Now is the time to take a step back and think seriously about what you want your room to look like. A good place to start is by determining your design style.
How do I choose a design style?
You may not realize it, but you know what design styles you like more than others. You may prefer contemporary or modern furnishings and finishes with clean lines, simple designs, and materials such as metal or glass. Your taste may be more traditional with fabrics like jacquard, leather, or silk. You may be attracted to mid-century designs that remind you of your childhood home. Whatever design style you choose, make sure that it suits your tastes, lifestyle and budget.
What makes a room cozy?
Once you've determined your design style, try to choose colors, furnishings and accents that will make your living room feel like a room you want to spend time in and not a store showroom. To get that cozy and lived-in feel, choose natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, and silk in warm colors. If you have bare floors, adding an area rug will make a room feel inviting. Nothing says cozy like an overstuffed couch or side chair and throw pillows. Make sure you have enough lighting in the right places, such as the chair used for reading or the desk used for work.
How can I make my living room look expensive?
By adding some special touches, you can make your living room look expensive even if you're on a tight budget. Try adding some molding to your walls or ceiling. It's a relatively easy and inexpensive project that will give your living room a luxurious feel. No matter your design style, add a few well-placed antiques. Choose items such as lamps, pictures, mirrors, or side tables. These items should be clean and in good condition. If you want to splurge, spend a little extra money and treat your living room to custom window treatments like ceiling-to-floor curtains and energy-efficient blinds and shades.
What can I use to decorate my bedroom walls?
Your new-found home decor ideas don't have to be limited to your living room. Other rooms in your home, such as your bedroom, may be in need of some updating as well. Sometimes simply rearranging your furniture can make you feel like you have a new bedroom. Try something non-traditional and place the bed at an angle or move your dresser into your walk-in closet. For a bigger design impact, try painting or decorating your walls in unexpected ways. Create an accent wall with a peel-and-stick wallpaper in a bold and vibrant color. Use stencils to make a unique design on one or all four walls. Hang a large statement piece of art or a series of related artwork either directly on the wall or on a ledge. Place a framed mirror in a wall across from a window to brighten a dark room. Add some hanging shelves to display a few of your favorite items and books.
An easy way to upgrade any room in your home is by hiding all of your unsightly cords and wires. All of your home decor ideas should include a way to decrease cable clutter around your desk, television, and audio system. A cord and wire hider will make any design style sleeker and more attractive.