Sometimes just a few small changes can make a dramatic impact in your home. Like this living room, for example. Today’s design idea is for an email subscriber, with a home just like yours! Jessica reached out for design help for her small space living room. So I put together some easy living room makeover ideas she can implement without spending a ton of money and buying all-new everything.
This design is in a cozy, rustic style with a coastal influence, and works with items they want to keep: the rug, TV, and taxidermy.
Then I gave them ideas for:
- Couches
- Ceiling Fan
- Artwork
- New mantel display
- More lighting
I can see that her living room is narrow but with tons of potential.
Here are a few design solutions for this living room makeover!
Easy Living Room Makeover Ideas
Idea 1: Use a wider TV stand.
I see this design mistake often, and it’s a pretty easy change.
A wider TV stand will help balance the taxidermy decor and the width of the TV along this wall.
And provide a better visual anchor for this back wall. It will also give you more storage. Win, win!
Idea 2: Upgrade your couches.
A skirted couch will instantly elevate your space into the charming coastal look you’re after.
Additionally, a light-colored couch would look elegant with your fireplace design and paint colors! It would brighten up the room.
If you have kids and pets in the mix, be sure to invest in a quality material that can endure messes.
Idea 3: Add more storage.
Always consider how you can make a room more efficient, while also providing interest and beauty. It looks like you need more storage in here.
For this living room, try adding a big, natural wood bookshelf on both sides of your longer couch.
Or on just one side if that feels like too much.
This will give you more storage in this small space while adding height to this room.
Use these shelves for your smaller pictures and everyday decor.
Add pretty bins for easy storage, hiding any clutter.
Idea 4: Less is more.
You’ve got a lot packed into this room!
See what pieces you can take out without impacting the functionality too much.
Taking out some side tables, or swapping them for something smaller, might make this room feel bigger and more open.
Instead of having a handful of pictures spread out on the wall, try grouping them together. Or use 1-3 big pictures above your couch.
Idea 5: Add cozy lighting.
Lighting is king. I see a few lamps in your living room, but see if you can add more.
Eye the dark corners, like yours between your TV and couch. Can you add another floor lamp there?
Don’t rely on light from your adjacent rooms. Make sure to use lots of lighting layers to brighten up each corner of your living room.
You could also add a colorful lamp on top of your bookcase, or a wall sconce around your fireplace if room.
Idea 6: Add a modern ceiling fan.
Modern-looking fans can be hard to find, but I promise they exist.
For this living room makeover, I’d suggest something white or black.
To compliment the wider black TV stand in this design, I added a modern black fan as well.
Idea 7: Hang art above the fireplace.
Your fireplace is so beautiful! Let’s dress it up more.
A leaning mirror on a fireplace mantel is great when you have a pretty ceiling detail or a beautiful light you want to accentuate.
But in this case, let’s try hanging some vintage art above the mantel instead. Since you’re ceiling is so tall, this will help draw your eye upwards. Be sure to find one that fits within the moulding above your fireplace mantel.
Add some candlesticks or simple decor on the fireplace mantel to help style it.
Idea 8: Adjust your rug.
Tuck your rug at least 6″ under the front leg of all your furniture.
It looks like your rug might be the right size for this space, but try scooting it away from the fireplace and under your couch a few more inches.
Idea 9: Place decor at the right height.
When adding decor behind a couch, place it high enough that it won’t feel like you might hit your head on it while you’re leaning back on the couch.
Especially for picture ledge shelves! Install it a few feet above where your head rests when sitting on the couch.
This will help it feel less cluttered and more comfortable.
Easy Living Room Makeover Ideas: Summary
- Use a wider TV stand.
- Upgrade your couches.
- Add more storage.
- Less is more.
- Add cozy lighting.
- Add a modern ceiling fan or light.
- Hang art or a mirror above the fireplace.
- Adjust your rug or get a bigger one.
- Place wall decor at the right height.
I know how overwhelming it can feel to DIY update your living room. The number of options available are paralyzing—from paint colors to furniture styles.
If you’re like me, maybe you get nervous about investing your hard-earned budget on items you aren’t 100% sure will be right for your space and your style.
So you hesitate and don’t take action.
But with a few easy tweaks, you can make a huge impact.
I hope this design helps you visualize what’s possible in your home. And helps you imagine how everything can come together.
These design ideas will help you create a balanced, layered space. With plenty of storage, lighting, and intentionality. While keeping a lot of the elements you already have.
My goal always is to make home design feel achievable and actionable.
After two years of working with homeowners, Jessica’s living room brings to mind many of the spaces I’ve helped transform with creative design ideas and solutions.
Try these easy living room makeover ideas in your own space, and let me know if they made a difference for you.
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