Update Your Living Room in a Weekend?

Answer 1

Updated living room

If your living room has looked the same since 1992, it's time to make some simple quick changes that will refresh the room and give you a new look using the existing pieces. All you need is a weekend devoted to the update and some fresh new ideas for decor.

Choose a Color Scheme

Consider the existing color scheme in the room and decide whether you want to change it. Look at home decor sites online to get ideas for a new color scheme. Do a quick shopping trip to your local paint and fabric stores and arm yourself with fabric swatches and paint sample cards. Work with the colors until you find a color scheme you love.

PaintThe most dramatic change you can make to a room is to put a new coat of paint on the walls. For a dramatic effect, choose darker colors such as charcoal, brown, or red. For more subtle colors, anything goes; remember that the paint will look darker than the sample once it's on the walls. To paint a room quickly, move all of the furniture to the center of the room. Rather than taping the trim, use an angled brush and cut in the trim and corners by hand, keeping a damp cloth handy for mistakes. Once you get the hang of it, cutting in trim without tape is easy. Spend a little extra for quality paint, and chances are, depending on the color, you will only need one coat. Accessorize

With the room painted, you're nearly done. To change the look of your furniture, cover couches and chairs with pre-made slipcovers, available online and at home decor stores. If your furniture works in the room as-is, accessorize with some new pillows. Sew the covers yourself or purchase decorative pillows. To freshen the room, change out accessories that you rarely notice anymore. Stack a few beautiful books on your coffee table and top with a prized knickknack. Cans of spray paint can work wonders on a room; paint the picture frames on your mantle, old lamp bases, plant pots and even end tables. Use two to three coats of paint, sprayed lightly from 8 to 10 inches away. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next.