Guest Post by HomeAdvisor
No matter where you live or what kind of home you own, you probably spend a lot of time in the living room. Generally, the living room is the focal point of the home — the place where friends and family members gather. So, it’s important to keep it looking its best.
#1 Add a fresh coat of paint.
A fresh coat of paint is the simplest and least expensive way to lighten and brighten your living space. A dark-colored living room can look cold and uninviting. Simply changing to a lighter shade can make a world of difference. Best of all, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to give your living room a whole new look.
#2 Update lighting fixtures.
New lighting can brighten up your living room in the most literal sense of the word. Simply swapping old light bulbs with higher-wattage versions can make a huge difference, as can adding a few tower lights to the corners of the room. Replacing old fixtures with modern recessed lighting can also brighten your living room while increasing energy efficiency.You can even step it up a notch with smart lighting!
#3 Incorporate more natural elements.
Nothing brightens up a room like fresh flowers. If you love to garden, pick a few of your favorite blossoms, channel your inner flower arranger, and create a living space you can be proud of. Even if you’re not a gardener, you can always pick up a bouquet at the local florist or supermarket.
#4 Display a photo gallery.
Whether you buy a collage frame to display your favorite family photographs or just arrange some stylish frames on the mantel, you can share the story of your life and spark a real conversation. Make your gallery even more special by swapping out photos for each new season — think vacation photos in the summer and photos with Santa for the Christmas holiday.
Conclusion
Brightening up your living room can give the space a whole new look and feel. The tips listed above can help you get started, so get out there and start creating a space you will be proud to show off.
Andrea Davis is the editor at HomeAdvisor, which connects homeowners with home improvement professionals in their area for free. Connect with Andrea on Google+