{"id":23402,"date":"2024-01-29T20:17:28","date_gmt":"2024-01-29T20:17:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/?p=23402"},"modified":"2024-02-09T11:49:29","modified_gmt":"2024-02-09T11:49:29","slug":"easy-living-room-updates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/living-room\/easy-living-room-updates\/","title":{"rendered":"Try these easy\u00a0living\u00a0room\u00a0updates\u00a0to create a new\u00a0room\u00a0for less"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Aside from your kitchen, the living room is probably the busiest room in your home. So it’s understandable that it can quickly look tired \u2013 and that’s where our easy living room updates come in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unless you have unlimited funds, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to (or want to) completely redecorate your living room<\/a> every year or two. But if you’re desperate to ring the changes somehow, there’s a lot you can do to make a difference on a budget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our tricks and tips can be worked into any style of home. And most, if not all, are rental-friendly decor ideas<\/a>. Only two \u2013 cladding the walls and repainting \u2013 will ultimately rely on your landlord agreeing that a little light decorating is beneficial to both of you. But do ask permission first in those cases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Cover a tired floor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’ve bought or are renting, a scratched-up wood floor or stained carpet can be the bane of a living room. Replacing it may not be an option for multiple reasons \u2013 and not worth it if, say, you’ve got pets or small children. But an area rug can provide an instant transformation. Best of all, it can be rolled up and put back down as and when the occasion requires it.<\/p>

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\u201cAdding a new rug can instantly transform a living room and is one of the easiest ways to create a luxurious touch without making a large investment,\u201d says Punam Chada, carpet buyer at Carpetright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re looking for an area rug to refresh a space but not sure where to start, here\u2019s a good
checklist to follow: purpose; material content; dimensions; colour and pattern; aftercare;
price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Apart from its extra \u2018snuggle-factor’, what else is the purpose of your rug? Do you want it to
sit like an art piece and make a statement? Is it needed to create zones within an open-plan
space, used to unify or break up parts of the room? Or might it be needed for an injection of
colour as well as added comfort?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Plima Rug by Oka<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to composition, area rugs made from wool are the best for keeping warm
and creating spaces perfect for getting comfortable on, but they can be pricey. Cotton or polyester rugs are usually less expensive, can look just as good and are easier to clean.<\/p>

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Punam adds, “Determining the size of rug is a great starting point and will depend on not only the
dimensions of your room but also what you\u2019re looking to place upon it. Look at how many
pieces you\u2019re hoping to place on top of the rug and work from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The fun part is picking out the colour and pattern for your new rug but always consider the
likely traffic through the space. Earth coloured sisal or bold patterned rugs will perform
better beneath a busy dining table than a light-coloured soft rug.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. (Ad)dress your sofa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A stain here, a scuff there \u2013 your beautiful sofa may still be comfy but not necessarily that presentable. That’s where a cushion-and-throw-based makeover is in order. Start with cushions \u2013 they\u2019re one of the most underrated yet most impactful buys to change up your upholstery in an instant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mix up your sizes – but make sure you include larger cushions of 40cm or more \u2013 and go for feather-filled pads for luxury. It’s important to play with texture, too. Mongolian lambswool is a particular favourite of this writer, but there’s so much to choose from. Boucle or fur and velvet work well, as do cotton, knits or sheepskin. <\/p>

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Throws can go a long way too, and not just as a cover-up. Try draping one over the back or arm of a sofa or armchair \u2013 the added layer will bring style, texture and a ‘come cosy up’ vibe to your furniture. Natural fibres and neutral shades are a stylist go-to, so a good jump-off point for beginners, while a check will give you a strong heritage look. Pastel blue- or green-and-white stripes will feel classically French \u2013 read country chic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n