Chances are you spend a good amount of time in your family room, so why are so many of its components out of date? It’s totally understandable if you’ve been allocating your remodelling funds for other key areas of your home, but now it’s time to focus on your main living space. You may not be able to afford to redo the space from top to bottom, but that’s OK. We share some of the most important elements to focus your attention on.
The walls
Believe it or not, a fresh coat of paint can do a lot for a room, especially if the space feels dull or flat. It doesn’t even have to be a particularly bold or striking colour — just something that makes the room you spend so much time living in feel more alive. For an extra-fun vibe, consider painting or wallpapering one wall in a cool, bright hue and leaving the remaining walls neutral. Benjamin Moore has a huge variety of colours to choose from, and its website offers some great tools to help you decide which one will work best in your space.
The floors
No matter how much you cover the floor of your family room with rugs and furniture, it will never disappear completely, so you might as well like it. If you have an old-looking carpet or scuffed-up hardwood, it’s time for a change. Re-carpeting or re-flooring can be pricey, so shop around at a few dealers to find one you’re comfortable with. Ask for samples and swatches to test out in your living room, and don’t settle until you come across one you love.
Television stand
These days we spend a fair amount of time in the family room, looking at the TV. So the last thing you want is for it to be sitting on a table or inside a cabinet that looks worn down or as though it’s from the ’70s. Look for a piece that truly fits in with the rest of your decor. If your living room is filled with antiques, go for a classic wooden look. Or if you like a more modern feel, track down a TV stand with clean lines and a glossy hue.
The couch
A worn-down or out-of-date couch can really detract from a space. If you feel yours isn’t doing anything to add to the look and feel of the room, consider investing in an update. The important thing is to look for a sofa that has an element of “timelessness” to it. Couches are expensive, so it is often best to buy a piece you love and know will fit in with your space for years to come. If you can’t afford to purchase a brand new sofa, consider a slipcover and some inspiring throw pillows to spruce things up. Ikea has dozens of fun pillows to choose from, so you’re sure to find several that fit in perfectly with your look.
Artwork
The easiest and most budget-friendly way to update your family room is through the decorations and artwork you incorporate. It’s easy to get used to looking at blank walls or random paintings, but having such a scattered or uninspiring space isn’t as much fun as having a warm sitting room to come home to. So liven it up! If you can’t figure out how a piece of art fits with the room, maybe it doesn’t belong there and it’s time to try something new. Have fun with it!
Compliments of: Martha Small | Austin Portfolio Real Estate | 512.587.0308
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