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Home improvement projects require substantial financial investment . But just because a homeowner wants to bring a fresh look indoors doesn ’ t mean he or she has to break the bank along the way .
Living rooms are some of the most frequently used spaces in a home , and they can use an update from time to time to stay on trend or to make the area more functional for a changing family dynamic . Here are some budget-friendly ideas for breathing new life into living room designs .
• Establish the budget . Homeowners should figure out how many dollars they can designate to a living room makeover before purchasing supplies or hiring out the work . Figure out the scope of the remodel , visit stores or suppliers to price out materials , get estimates from contractors , and then plan for some unforseen circumstances along the way to determine if this type of renovation is affordable . If not , scale things back until the project more closely aligns with your budget .
Low-cost ways to revamp living areas
• Change the paint color . Lighter and brighter colors are on trend . A can or two of paint can do wonders for updating a space without a large financial commitment . Pair that new paint color with new window coverings and complementary throw pillows to pull the theme together with minimal expense .
fraction of the cost . Plus , many are sold at home improvement retailers and even at warehouse clubs or online for reasonable prices . Laminate flooring also may be a potential DIY job for a skilled homeowner , saving even more money .
• Introduce a fireplace . Fireplaces were once hot commodities , but that popularity waned in the 1970s and 1980s . Homeowners with chimneys may discover a fireplace was boarded over and the bare bones still exist that can be renovated to bring back character . There also are ventless freestanding units that are quite affordable that can mimic the look of a built-in fireplace .
• Reupholster instead of replace furniture . There ’ s no need to throw away quality furniture if the fabric is the only thing impeding design . New upholstery or even a slipcover can update designs .
• Conquer clutter . Rather than adding something to the living room , remove clutter to give the room a more airy feel . This can instantly change the look of the room . Use cord covers to tame plugs for electronics and remove unnecessary furniture from the room .
• Improve lighting . Another easy and often inexpensive fix is to change lighting fixtures , including using brighter , more energy efficient LED bulbs , and to assess lighting needs to eliminate dark corners of rooms that can make the space seem drab .
• Update the flooring . Tired , outdated carpeting or other flooring can use an overhaul . While solid hardwood flooring may be preferable , there are many types of laminate flooring that mimic the looks of popular wood colors and styles for a
Living room spaces in need of an update often can benefit from improvements that go easy on the wallet .
48 Winter 2022 Thomasville Scene