Our living rooms are the epicenter of life in our homes. Whether you’re binging a billion new Netflix shows at once or helping your kids set up a pillow fort- this room is for entertainment. Unfortunately, not all living rooms live up to their potential.
Here are 12 ways you can change and transform your living room into a real summer oasis.
12 Ways Your Living Room Can Change to a Summer Oasis
Consider Plants
The quickest way to drag summer indoors is to bring in some life. Plants are a fantastic, low-maintenance thing that will bring in the fresh air. There are endless types of plants to pick from, but go for a species that has what you need! Succulents are incredibly summery and are also very low maintenance. They’re a win-win!
Get Creative With Textures
Textures often get overlooked when it comes to designing spaces. Think about what textures remind you of summer! Whether it’s cotton, linen, or a faux cowhide rug- play with textures, you usually don’t have in your living room. This step can be as small of a change as draping a blanket over an armchair, or as massive as replacing your carpet with bamboo flooring. Consider what suits you best.
Try A New Color
Does your living room have a color that’s overwhelmingly there? If yes, consider throwing in some elements of a complementary color to balance it, or replace the color altogether to give yourself a fresh mindset. Color guides thousands of decisions we make every day, make sure the colors in your living room are fun and inspiring for you.
Don’t Fear Changing Decor.
If you’ve had the same poster hanging on your wall for ten years, now’s the time to change it up. Replace the trinkets you keep on your coffee table, or the art you have hanging on your walls. Look around and think about what imagery you picture for summer, and then put that to use.
Find Some Fun Furniture
This move is more drastic, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Some furniture can drag down the mood of an entire room. If you’re tired of trying to dress up a boring couch with fun blankets, buying a couch can change your living room. You don’t have to get a brightly colored or wild one, but think about what kind of furniture would make you want to enjoy your living room more.
Let In The Sunlight
Summer exists for the sunlight. Don’t block out these gorgeous rays with thick curtains- open your home to it instead. Sunlight can increase the perceived size of rooms, helps fight against depression and anxiety, and will make a place feel more natural. Don’t block the sun from your life; let it in. If you’re worried about this making your living room too hot to stand, consider getting natural light lamps instead.
Give It a Good Cleaning
A clean home is a happy home. You don’t need to go overboard, but removing clutter from your life can feel free. Instead of focusing on dust particles, and blankets just tossed on the ground or the couch, focus on relaxing. If you aren’t sure about where to start cleaning, look into decluttering first, and then work out from there. What things do you want or need in your life, and what things could you sell, donate, or trash? A clutter-free living room is a stress-free living room.
Change That Layout
Furniture and decor can get pricey quickly. If you want to spend less but still end up with more, look at your living room’s layout. Is it the best use of space? Changing up your furniture to allow in more sunlight, or ample ground space for lounging can be the change you need to enable your family to relax in your living room.
Gain Space With Mirrors
If you want to add a feeling of more air, and more windows letting in sunlight, mirrors can help. You don’t need a wall to wall mirror like a ballet studio, all that matters is placing it so that the mirrors enhance the space you already have. Pay attention to what part of your living room lights upmost, and use mirrors to make that light go a little further.
Change Your Scents
There are plenty of smells that scream summer. What comes to mind when you think of it? Whether you’re getting a watermelon candle or a jasmine wall plug-in, pick fragrances that soothe and relax while making your home feel good. If you don’t like artificial scents: when picking out a plant, get one that flowers and can lend its smell to your home.
Don’t Fear Mess
Although you should clear away clutter and clean up your living space- don’t be afraid to have messy fun. A pillow fort can get put away when it’s no longer serving its purpose. Enjoy your living room in messy and creative ways, because you can always clean up after.
Make It a Gathering Space
If it’s not just you living in your home, use design elements and ideas from everyone. Branch out on the feeling of your living room, and open it up to what your other housemates might want. This room is everyone’s living room; by opening it to everyone’s design tastes, you make it more likely that they’ll spend time in the room.
Your living room is already an essential staple of your life. With decoration, furniture, plants, and a little work- you can make sure the most prominent place in your home doesn’t go to waste.
