Update a Living Room

Recently I worked with a client who wanted me to help her choose paint and "do something" with her living room. The room featured a comfortable neutral couch and loveseat, oak tables and entertainment center, lots of pictures of family and lots of doonies. A couple of crocheted afghans covered the backs of the furniture. The room was fine, looked lived-in, but she asked for my help, so I made some suggestions:

Paint-As I've said before, paint is the cheapest most wonderful way to add color and warmth and to update a room. She chose taupe for three walls and rust for the accent wall.

Entertainment Center-Downsize to a television stand and a smaller piece of cabinetry to house some of her collectibles. This would give her more options for placing furniture and take the focus away from the television.

Afghans-They were dated and made the room look like Grandma's house. Fold them and put them in a basket beside the couch or hearth. Buy a colorful, modern throw and a few pillows to tie in with the new paint colors she chose for the walls.

Declutter-DVDs and CDs were arranged neatly on racks and on the entertainment center, but they contributed to the clutter. Since they rarely watched the DVDS or listened to the CDs, I told her if she must keep them, but put them away in a closet.

Doonies--This is a word my friend Julie usess to describe little stuff--mementos, souveniers, little gifts your kids gave you--you get the picture. To update a room, decide what really has meaning for you, get rid of what is there just because it's always been there and think of new ways to display what you already have. For example, framed photographs. Why not buy a beautiful album and put your 8 x 10s in the album. Then set it on the coffee table so you and your guests can flip through and see your unique family.

Fireplace Mantel-Clear the mantel and decide what really needs to be there. Large pieces of art, pottery, or a vase with sticks or reeds may be all it needs. Add a large framed picture, either lean it or hang it (off-center is very now). Make the mantel a showcase for your finer things.

We get used to spaces we see every single day. If you haven't changed a room in seven years, it's probably time to take a fresh look. Of course, SpaceLift would be glad to help!