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30 Essential Tips for a Successful Living Room Remodel

Design-Build

Key Takeaways

  • Define the purpose of your remodel to ensure the space meets your needs and avoids unnecessary costs.
  • Carefully plan your budget and prioritize essential elements to achieve a successful and cost-effective remodel.
  • Incorporate timeless materials and cohesive design elements for a living room that remains stylish and functional over the years.
Living Room Remodel by BB&R Design Build and Jane Barnes Interiors

Before revamping your living room in your home, it’s necessary to pinpoint the reasons behind this undertaking. Consider whether you’re aiming for a warm and inviting gathering spot for your family, an elegant area optimized for entertainment, or maybe a versatile room suitable for assorted activities. Comprehending the objective of the remodel is instrumental in tailoring the design to match what you desire and require.

Possessing a definitive purpose not only steers choices related to design, but also aids in steering clear of extraneous expenses. Striking a harmony between personal taste and practical necessities ensures that the end product will be both visually appealing and functional. In essence, recognizing the motive behind renovating paves way toward achieving greater contentment with a space that effectively accommodates the needs of your household.

1. Budget Planning

Establishing a financial plan is critical to executing a fruitful living room makeover. Begin by detailing your requirements and weighing them against the funds you have on hand. By doing so, you’ll grasp the anticipated expenses and be able to focus on key components within your floor plan.

Seek out inventive tactics such as reusing current furniture pieces to conserve cash. Consider the expense associated with tailor-made cabinetry and niche configurations for additional storage space. Meticulous budgetary preparation guarantees that you can realize your ideal living space while avoiding unexpected monetary shocks.

Related: How a Remodeling Contractor Can Help You Stay on Budget During Your Home Renovation

2. Timeless Material Choices

Selecting materials that remain classic over the years is crucial for crafting a living room decor that endures. Rugs made from natural fibers, such as jute, are not only hard-wearing, but also blend effortlessly with various decorative styles, from antique to contemporary. These substances have an enduring quality that allows them to stay relevant despite evolving design trends.

It’s important to adopt a color scheme designed for longevity to ensure your living room's aesthetic persists through time. Opt for materials known for retaining their allure and practicality long-term. This will guarantee that your space continues to be both fashionable and welcoming.

3. Optimal TV Placement

The positioning of your TV is crucial for both comfort and the practicality of your living room design. For optimal viewing pleasure, aim to have the middle of the TV screen aligned with viewers’ eye level when seated, which typically is approximately 110 cm from the floor. This arrangement helps prevent neck strain during extended periods of watching.

To minimize glare and maintain perfect viewing angles, install the TV in a location that avoids direct sunlight and consider utilizing adjustable brackets. It’s also important to ensure there are sufficient power outlets and cable connections within easy reach to support a tidy appearance while maintaining functionality in your living room space.

4. Choosing the Right Rug

Selecting an appropriately sized rug is essential for uniting the elements of your living room decor, ensuring a unified aesthetic. The chosen rug needs to be sufficiently expansive so that it extends beyond the furniture, ideally with around one-third of your sofa situated upon it, thereby anchoring the design and enhancing stability.

Opt for high-pile rugs if you’re aiming for a more plush sensation beneath your feet—a perfect addition to any snug living area. Remember also to match the scale of your furniture with that of the living room itself to achieve a sense of proportion and visual equilibrium within the space.

5. Irreversible Changes

Before committing to any changes that cannot be undone, reflect on how they might affect your living room's design and practicality. For instance, painting a brick fireplace can lead to a lasting transformation in its look. Balance the enduring nature of such alterations with what you aim to achieve to preserve harmony within the room’s design.

Consider how these modifications in your home will influence not just the visual appeal but also the usability of your space. By making choices based on careful deliberation, you’ll fend off future remorse and guarantee that your living room continues to be an integrated and functional area for daily life.

6. Resale Value Considerations

When planning a remodel to increase your home’s resale value, incorporate built-in furniture and storage in the living room. Such additions can substantially improve both its visual appeal and practicality, likely captivate potential buyers by elevating the space.

Strategically hiding TV cables and thoughtfully arranging the room contribute to crafting a welcoming environment within the living area. Concentrating on these aspects has considerable potential to bolster the attractiveness of your living room for future sale purposes.

For more insights on home renovations that maximize property value, check out our blog Best Home Renovations to Boost Your Home's Value.

7. High-Impact Changes

Transforming your living room into a contemporary and cozy space doesn’t necessitate an extensive overhaul. Introduce a sizable sectional sofa adorned with soft cushions to establish both modernity and comfort. Consider repurposing thrifted picture frames and reupholstering existing furniture pieces for a distinct, custom flair.

Implementing a thorough lighting strategy can significantly improve the room's ambiance, catering to various activities at any time of day. By incorporating diverse textures and materials within the space, you add dimension and create visual intrigue that makes your living area more captivating.

8. Accurate Material Ordering

It is critical to order materials precisely to prevent expensive mistakes. Use tape to mark out the dimensions in your living room, which will help you conceptualize the space and determine how materials will accommodate it. Remember to include all items like coffee tables and beds for pets when calculating what you need.

Seeking assistance from skilled professionals can help avoid common errors associated with do-it-yourself projects, ultimately conserving both time and money over time. Thorough planning coupled with exact material procurement paves the way for an efficient renovation of your living space.

9. Color Scheme Selection

Living Room Color Scheme Guide Using  60-30-10 Rule

Selecting an appropriate color scheme can immediately transform the atmosphere of your living room. Adhering to the prevalent 60-30-10 rule for color distribution is a reliable way to maintain balance and cohesion within the space.

By introducing lively hues such as burnt orange and grassy green in accents and patterns, you can infuse energy into the room. To attain a harmonious appearance, ensure that there’s a continuous color palette flowing throughout adjacent spaces.

10. Heating Solutions

Contemporary heating methods have the potential to elevate both the coziness and effectiveness of a living room that exudes warmth. When considering your options, take into account:

  • Systems for underfloor heating that evenly dispense heat, thus eliminating areas of coldness.
  • Electrical systems that boast more straightforward and cost-effective installation processes compared to their water-based counterparts.
  • Thermostats with programmable features aid in the regulation of heat efficiency while also cutting down on energy expenditure.

Incorporating these innovations can lead to a living space that is not only more comfortable but also excels in energy efficiency.

Enhancements could be made by replacing old windows and entryways with models optimized for energy conservation. This helps diminish drafts significantly thereby lowering overall expenses associated with heating.

11. Flooring Options

Selecting appropriate flooring is key to a successful living room renovation. It’s vital to use materials that can withstand frequent use, guaranteeing durability and simplifying upkeep. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) stands out as waterproof and resilient, surpassing laminate in areas with heavy foot traffic while providing a plethora of colors and textures that convincingly replicate the look of natural substances.

Conversely, while laminate flooring may be gentler on your wallet, it necessitates vigilant care when dealing with liquid spills to maintain its condition.

12. Integrating Technology

Incorporating technological advancements into your living room can elevate the convenience and comfort of this central space, injecting fresh vibrancy. Home automation systems enable you to manage different appliances within the room, like lighting fixtures and temperature controls, all from one convenient smartphone interface.

By utilizing intelligent lighting solutions, you have the flexibility to tailor your environment with customizable light settings that enhance the mood of your living area. Seamlessly embedding technology within built-in joinery or in-wall structures can also contribute to preserving an uncluttered and orderly aesthetic in your home’s main gathering place.

13. Effective Lighting Plans

An effective lighting plan can transform your living room design in so many ways. Layering lighting sources, including ceiling lights, table lamps, and floor lamps, creates a curated look. Using mirrors to reflect light can make the room seem larger and add depth.

Minimalist furniture choices and continuity in flooring contribute to an uncluttered and open atmosphere in interior design.

14. Custom Cabinet Design

Custom cabinets can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your living room. Floating cabinets provide a modern look while maximizing floor space. Integrating multi-purpose furniture with hidden storage can maintain an organized living space without sacrificing style.

Budgeting for custom cabinetry should include both material costs and installation expenses.

15. Fireplace Design

Creating a captivating centerpiece in your living room, the design of a fireplace can stand out remarkably. By employing materials such as MDF and Vermiculite fire board paired with vibrant tiles, you can amplify its allure. Incorporating contrasting textures—for instance, combining a smooth modern mantle with an antique fireplace—contributes to visual intrigue and establishes a distinctive focal point.

16. Sound Insulation Decisions

When remodeling a living room, it’s crucial to think about sound insulation. You should take into account the current levels of noise, the thickness of your walls, and how much you’re willing to spend before installing any insulation.

Even though soundproofing may help in lowering unwanted sounds, be aware that it might lead to a sense of seclusion and necessitate ongoing upkeep. With careful preparation, you can make sure that adding sound insulation will improve the comfort level of your living room without causing any undesirable consequences.

17. Cohesive Home Integration

To create a unified appearance throughout your home, it requires careful planning and defining a clear end goal that complements the overarching style of your residence. The strategic placement of furniture is key—especially refraining from pushing couches against the walls—as this improves both the flow and unity within each room.

Incorporating consistent features such as baseboards and moldings can significantly add to the uniformity in design across different areas. Tailor-made cabinets are particularly useful for maximizing storage while also lifting the visual appeal, making certain that your living room blends effortlessly with other spaces in your house.

18. Layered Textures

By integrating a variety of textures, including both plush materials and coarse finishes, you add depth and visual appeal to the living room. The addition of vintage rugs alongside living plants not only boosts the space’s charm, but also infuses an organic touch into the area.

Incorporating patterns and tactile elements through items such as patterned throw pillows and chairs adorned with prints can intensify depth in a room dominated by neutral hues. Employing diverse textures within accent pieces enhances your living space’s design, fostering striking contrast that renders your living room captivatingly inviting.

19. Fireplace Focal Point

In the living room, the presence of a fireplace inherently draws attention to its architectural details and provides an infusion of color. Opting for an earthy green or pure white hue when painting the fireplace can either create a bold impact or allow it to become the centerpiece.

The use of patterned tiles surrounding the fireplace adds an arresting design feature that amplifies its prominence as a focal point in the room. By contrasting classic surrounds with sleek, modern furniture and textiles, one achieves a fresh and contemporary ambiance within their living space.

20. Modern Farmhouse Style

When planning the layout of a contemporary farmhouse living room, it is essential to consider the dimensions and configuration of the room, as well as its main purpose. Creating a clean and minimalist foundation allows for highlighting decor features while maintaining an integrated appearance.

Blending functional design components with a subdued palette results in a modern interpretation of farmhouse country aesthetics that exudes both elegance and utility. Thoughtful arrangement and choice of decorative details culminate in crafting an attractive and welcoming space within the living room.

Check out our recently completed Modern Farmhouse Renovation project for visual inspiration

21. Dark Paint Colors

Incorporating dark shades like black and deep teal into the living room can establish a moody yet comfortable ambiance. By combining darker wall paint with lighter decorative accents, you can achieve a balanced and enduring design within the space.

Opting for conventional furniture featuring classic designs complements elegant dark accent walls, enhancing the living room’s visual appeal. To give the illusion of more space in rooms adorned with rich wall colors, consider installing a brass curtain rod.

22. Expanding the Space

Taking out walls that are not essential for structural support can be a powerful method to increase the area within the living room. By eliminating these walls, one can craft an open floor plan which amplifies the sense of space.

Choosing furniture that serves multiple purposes is beneficial in conserving space while still maintaining its required use. Installing curtain rods at a higher position than usual can give rise to an impression of elevated ceilings and contribute to an atmosphere of expansive living space.

23. Adding Niches

Various designs of wall niches, such as arch shapes, can be incorporated to elevate the visual interest in a living room. These niches can serve as the focal point of a feature wall by introducing depth and character to the area.

Incorporating recessed wall niches into your living space allows for storage options that don’t take up valuable floor space. By arranging several wall niches on top of each other, you can craft tailor-made bookcase arrangements that integrate effortlessly with the overall decor of the room.

24. Refreshing Entry Doors

Enhancing the first impression of your home and making the living room more inviting can be accomplished by either updating or replacing your entry doors. Investing in a new entry door is financially wise, as it typically recoups upwards of 91 percent of its cost.

Introducing a fresh front door to your abode not only boosts its curb appeal to guests and prospective purchasers, but also fortifies security measures, contributing to an increased sense of safety.

25. New Windows

Installing new windows can enhance the amount of natural light in a room and promote energy efficiency, contributing to a more welcoming and refreshed atmosphere. They are an advantageous investment for your renovation endeavors with a cost recovery rate of 70-75%.

26. Creating Faux Extra Space

To create a sense of increased space in your living room, think about giving the ceiling a coat of white paint. By installing shelves close to the ceiling, you direct attention upwards and give the impression that the room is more spacious.

A tidy living room can greatly enhance its appearance of size, presenting an airier and more expansive feel. Opt for storage options that fit snugly against the wall. This clever tactic offers additional perceived space while maintaining practicality.

27. Neutral Colors for Resale

Neutral paint colors like white, gray, and beige are favored as they enhance buyer appeal. Using these colors can boost buyer appeal and lead to higher selling prices.

Light-colored paint on walls can make a room feel larger by reflecting light, creating a more inviting space. Recommended neutral painted paint colors for resale include white walls, gray, and beige.

28. Statement Pieces

Introduce striking statement items such as chandeliers to boost the visual appeal and infuse personality into your living room. The presence of substantial leather sofas and snug armchairs can complement these prominent features well, aiding in achieving a unified aesthetic.

A notable item like a dark teal mantel can become the centerpiece and establish a focal point within the space. Incorporating these components brings individuality and imparts an exclusive ambiance to your living area.

29. Area Rugs

Incorporating an appropriately sized area rug can significantly improve the visual appeal of a living room by serving as a foundation for the furniture and unifying the look of the space. In more compact living rooms, positioning a rug so that it not only encompasses the coffee table but also reaches out to just below where your sofa ends has the effect of making the room appear more spacious.

To achieve perfect proportions within your room, ensure there’s about 12 to 18 inches of exposed flooring separating the border of your rug from the surrounding walls. When dealing with expansive open-plan areas, opting for larger rugs can be particularly useful in delineating specific seating zones, effectively creating intimate spaces without erecting physical partitions.

30. Updating Drapes

Revamping your living room’s drapes can markedly improve the ambiance and coziness of this space. Choosing an appropriate material for these window treatments introduces a feeling of warmth and dimension into your living area as part of its decor.

By combining light, gauzy curtains with more substantial ones, you achieve better control over lighting while simultaneously maintaining privacy in the room. Not only do updated drapes elevate the visual charm of your environment, but they also represent a valuable enhancement for both property owners and potential purchasers.

Summary

In summary, a successful living room remodel involves careful planning, thoughtful design choices, and consideration of both aesthetics and functionality. From defining your purpose and setting a budget to choosing timeless materials and integrating technology, each step plays a crucial role in achieving a living room that is both beautiful and practical. Remember to think long-term, consider resale value, and don’t be afraid to incorporate bold statement pieces to add character. By following these essential tips, you’ll create a living room that truly reflects your style and meets your needs.

Transform Your Living Room with BB&R Design Build in Worcester, MA

Reimagine your living space with the expert touch of BB&R Design Build. Our team specializes in crafting beautiful, functional living rooms that reflect your unique style and meet your needs. Whether you're looking for a modern update or a cozy retreat, we provide tailored solutions that enhance both aesthetics and practicality. Ready to start your living room renovation journey? Contact us today and let BB&R Design Build bring your vision to life!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to redo a living room?

The cost of redoing a living room can vary greatly depending on the scope of the project, the materials chosen, and the location. On average, a living room renovation can range from $2,500 to $15,000. This includes expenses for new furniture, paint, lighting, and flooring. It's essential to set a budget and prioritize elements that will have the most impact on your space.

What is the 2/3 rule for living rooms?

The 2/3 rule is a design guideline used to achieve balance and proportion in living rooms. It suggests that furniture and decor should occupy about two-thirds of the available space, leaving one-third open. This rule helps create a sense of harmony and ensures that the room doesn't feel overcrowded, allowing for a more comfortable and visually appealing environment.

What are the benefits of choosing neutral colors for resale?

Choosing neutral colors for resale is a smart move because they boost buyer appeal and make spaces feel more spacious.

Plus, they often lead to higher selling prices, which is a bonus!

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Kevin Barnes

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