Refreshing your living room might seem like a daunting task but we're here to tell you, IT'S NOT! Here at Hunker HQ we're all about simple things that make an impact and we've scoured the net to bring you some tried-and-true projects that you can tackle in just one weekend. The only thing required from you — a few spare hours and some elbow grease to get started. Clear your schedule and take inspiration from these eight simple living room makeover ideas.
1. Revamp your wall color.
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A fresh coat of paint can really make all the difference to your abode and you don't have to go crazy with colors to have an impact. Seriously, you'd be surprised how much dirt walls can pick up. Ashley of Sugar & Cloth partnered with Behr to find her perfect shade of white and the result is a brighter space thanks to the cooler tones (yes, white paint can be warm, too).
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Get the look: BEHR Ultra Pure White (PR-W15) — Satin Finish
2. Update your lighting.
Let there be light! One of the last things people consider when decorating is the lighting and this can have a drastic impact on the overall feel of a room. Don't let it be an afterthought. Ruthie of Design Soda pulled together her neutral living room makeover with a large chandelier, and we're sure you'll agree these gleaming glass globes make quite the statement.
Get the look: West Elm Sphere and Stem Chandelier, $480
3. Paint the fireplace.
Have you ever considered painting your fireplace the same color as your walls? This monochromatic look can make a huge difference to the overall ambience in a room, just ask Kimberly of Swoon Worthy! She blended her fireplace surround and mantel with the walls in the living room, allowing her beautiful trinkets to take center stage. Want to give it a try? Simply prime and paint.
Get the look: Earthborn Paw Print
4. Shake up your gallery wall.
Updating a gallery wall isn't for the faint of heart, but it can bring a whole new vibe to a room. Plan out your art refresh before getting started and try to replace pieces in the same size to avoid lots of sanding and filling in as part of the process. You could even paint your frames in colorful hues to bring something a little different. British blogger Lisa Dawson is the queen of a gallery wall makeover (can't you tell?) and has put together this handy guide on creating the perfect gallery wall without spending a fortune.
Get the look: Assorted pictures and frames from Desenio
5. Refresh your soft furnishings.
If you're sticking to a budget, another great living room makeover idea is to change up your soft furnishings as a new season hits. Think colorful linens and silks in the summer, earthy velvets and wool in the winter. In a nod to Parisian chic, fine art photographer and author Gray Malin changed up his studio living space with some new cushions, a rug, and shelves above the sofa.
Get the look: CB2 Simone Blush Chair, $549
6. Reorganize your shelving.
There's a new exercise routine in town and we like to call it the shelf shuffle — yes, it's great for your biceps, and decluttering and reorganizing your shelving can really change the overall balance of a room. And if you want to make a bigger statement, paint your built-in bookcase, too. Scottish blogger Malcolm Begg recently used this living room makeover idea, painting his walls and shelving unit in Owlswick by Sanderson. Next, he changed up the styling on his IKEA Billy bookcase hack, and the final result is warm and contemporary.
Get the look: IKEA Billy Bookcase, $59
7. Create a statement wall.
Here's one for the renters out there. If you're not keen on hanging artwork or simply want a living room makeover idea that's a little different, hanging decorative baskets and bowls is a brilliant way to transform a blank white wall. Make like Spencer Monk and add woven baskets in different shapes and sizes to your wall, finishing the look off with lots of greenery and layered area rugs.
Get the look: Urban Renewal Vintage Woven Basket, $149
8. Transform your coffee table.
Living room makeover ideas are all about the finishing touches. Simply reassessing and restyling the items you already have can bring an alternative look to your living room. Abi Dare of These Four Walls concentrated on rearranging previously bought accessories in her home — in black, gray, and white to match the minimal color scheme, with a few marble and metallic elements thrown in for good measure. Life lesson: shop your home first!
Get the look: IKEA Vittsjo Nesting Tables (set of two), $69.99