Elevate Your Space: Affordable Living Room Decor Tips

So you just moved into your new home in Olympia, Washington. You have all your belongings moved in, and now it's time to set up your rooms how you want them. You may be coming from an apartment and now have the space to make it feel like home. Now, if you're on a budget, you can do some simple things to make rooms, like your living room, feel like home, even when you're on a budget or don't feel like doing any major remodeling. Adding a fresh coat of paint can instantly transform your living room, giving it a new and vibrant feel. Rearranging your furniture can also significantly impact it, as it creates a different flow and can breathe new life into the space. Incorporating textiles, such as throw pillows, rugs, and blankets, adds warmth and texture, making the room feel more inviting. Wall art can provide focal points and add a personal touch to your decor. Finally, bringing in greenery, such as potted plants or fresh flowers, enhances the visual appeal.

Rearrange Your Space

One of the simplest ways to refresh your living room is to rearrange the furniture. Changing the layout can give a room a new flow and feel without costing a dime. Consider moving larger pieces like your sofa or coffee table to create a more open and inviting space. Play around with different configurations until you find one that maximizes the room's functionality and aesthetic appeal. It is a good idea to consider the function when doing this. Here are some questions to consider:

1. Do you have kids?
2. Does this space double as a playroom?
3. Is this room for conversation or entertainment?
4. How much storage do you need, and how can you make your shelves aesthetically pleasing using baskets, storage ottomans, and cabinets?

Create Small Vignettes

Vignettes are small, curated displays that can significantly impact your decor. Use items you own, such as candles, plants, and picture frames, to create these little scenes on bookshelves, side tables, or mantels. If you have a yard, go outside and gather some branches or wood for free decor. These natural elements might only last a few weeks but can add color, texture, and a touch of nature to your living room. Bookshelves don't just have to be for books. Break up the shelves with baskets and these vignettes to create a less cluttered look for your space. If you're an aspiring photographer or have photos of family, consider printing them your selves and creating a gallery wall.

Thrift Store Finds and Vintage Books

Don't have any books to fill your bookshelves? Consider old books from thrift stores. Or look for designer coffee table books that look great on shelves and coffee tables. Decorating with color can also be very effective; look for books with the color scheme you want on their cover and spine. Thrift stores and garage sales can be great places to look for budget decorators. Look for classic books with covers that match your style. Old books can add a touch of sophistication and history to your decor. Stack them on coffee tables, elevate other decor items, or display them on shelves. Not only do they serve as decorative pieces, but they also add a personal touch and charm.

Swap Out Sofa Pillows

A super easy way to make a quick change is with pillows. Changing your sofa pillows is an easy and affordable way to introduce new colors, patterns, and textures into your living room. Opt for bright, vibrant colors in the spring and summer, and switch to cozy earth tones in the fall. Don’t be afraid to mix and match textures like leather, fur, or velvet to add depth and interest to your space. Not only do pillows update the look of your room, but they also enhance comfort, making your seating area more inviting and stylish. You could even add floor pillows and poufs for more seating options.

Add Light Fixtures

Lighting can dramatically change a room's atmosphere. Add floor lamps, wall sconces, or table lamps to create a warm and inviting ambiance. You can even swap out old lampshades for new ones to give your existing fixtures a fresh look. Choose light fixtures that complement your decor style and provide adequate lighting for your space. Many stores will sell shades and lamp bases separately, so you can save a little by swapping one or the other,

Introduce Wall Art

Depending on what style you want, you can opt for various art pieces. You can use a giant print as a focal point behind a sofa or create an art gallery look. Try one large piece, a set of three, or a grid of nine. Remember, it's always a good rule to decorate in odd-number groups and arrange items from left to right, with tall and heavier items on the left. This creates a balanced and visually appealing display and naturally directs the viewer's eye across the arrangement. Wall art is a way to express your personality and enhance your room's overall aesthetic.

Sometimes, a single trip (or multiple trips) to a home decor store can provide all the inspiration and items you need for a complete makeover. Look for budget-friendly stores that offer a wide range of decor items, from throw pillows and rugs to wall art and lighting fixtures. Remember, you don’t need to remodel or tear down walls for a fresh look. Small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference.

It's a good idea to ask your realtor after you close if they have any ideas. Some agents have experience in interior design or even have designers they know and trust that they can refer you to. Realtors are often well-connected and may have valuable insights or recommendations based on their extensive experience viewing and selling homes. Their suggestions could be constructive in transforming your space into a house that looks great and meets your personal needs and style preferences.