Project Design How to Refresh Your Living Room with These Inexpensive Tips

Maryann from Classic Casual Home and I are so happy to invite you all back for another venture with yet another group of creative bloggers.  We asked you what you wanted us to tackle so we are here to help you find some inexpensive ways to freshen your living rooms!  I have a new client that graciously offered up her living room for this project.  Her living room has good bones and nice furnishings.  She just wanted to update her current space without doing a complete overhaul.  Here is her entry (which is part of the actual living space).  She has a nice asian inspired console with three ottomans (for extra seating) underneath.  She really didn’t care for the fabric on the current ottomans.

We decided to recover the ottomans in the Tanzania (Charles Faudree) for Vervain.


We added some vintage green bottles

and left the pretty mirror and some of her accessories.

My client could never find a coffee table that she was happy with for this space so she just “made do” with this ottoman. 

We purchased a reasonably priced coffee table ( a great suggestion from Maryann) on sale from Dovetail and we love it!!

We added some fun pillows from Etsy along with some custom made ones that reflect the colors in the room. Notice how the open base of the coffee table opens up the room? Rope in a florists bowl adds texture for practically no $$

We jazzed up her bar cart with some essentials and fresh flowers



We decided to simplify her fireplace

by editing now that the coffee table is center stage.


If you want to try and update your space without breaking the bank here are my suggestions.

How to Refresh Your Living Room With These Inexpensive Tips

#1 Paint is the obvious forerunner. Almost anyone can paint their own walls. If you are trying to get the most bang for your buck paint your walls.
#2 Shop your house. Repurpose things you already have. You may have used something in your bedroom and never thought about using it in your living room.  As soon as you bring it into a new space “presto” it gains a new life.
#3  (my favorite) Shop junk shops & flea markets for vintage finds that add character to your space
#4 Rearrange your furniture (invite a friend over and ask his/her opinion) it may be something you have never even thought of…two heads are always better than one
#5 Buy inexpensive (trader joes always has great ones) fresh flowers to “freshen” the space
#6  Maximize Minimalism. Keep your main pieces neutral so you can update your pillows. This is much more inexpensive than reupholstering your sofas and chairs
#7 Make a small space seem large with a mirror that reflects the outdoors
#8 Slipcovers can be your best friend.  They are much less expensive than upholstery (slipcover in an inexpensive sunbrella that resists stain and sun damage), and can be washed so they always look fresh.
#9 Introduce Pattern in your pillows ( if you tire of them pillows are much less expensive than replacing upholstery)
#10 Have Fun! that is what design is all about!!
Maryann and I always feel so fortunate that we are able to assemble a new group of amazing bloggers/designers that are willing to take on the latest Project Design Series.   There are so many great bloggers out there some who have a large readership and some who are just starting out.  It is our goal to combine both so that we can always get a fresh take on our latest challenge so please welcome another incredible group of bloggers for our latest Project Design Series and see what they suggest.  I know you will be amazed!!! For more fabulous tips and inspiration stop by and visit these ladies below.

classic•casual•home

Don't Disturb This Groove

Lime In The Coconut

Little Black Door

My Sweet Savannah

Rough Luxe Lifestyle

Roses and Rust

Stone Gable