A living room should be a space that is welcoming and full of life, but if you haven’t made changes to your space since in a while, it may be outdated and uninviting. Not everyone has room in their budget to re-do an entire room, but with these tips and trick you can give your living room the update it needs without starting over and breaking the bank!

• Update your walls. Different colors and patterns seem to go in and out of style as the times change. For instance, loud colors and busy wallpapers were more popular years ago and are now considered to be a bit tacky. The best way to give your living room a new look is to ditch the crazy colors and patterns. Martinsburg, WV professional painters suggest using a light, neutral color on walls so that you can use brightly colored accent pieces throughout the rest of the space.
• Give furniture a new look. Buying new furniture can be costly and unnecessary, especially since it is easy to update the furniture you already own. Pairing simple walls with accent furniture that stands out is the best way to make your home look less dated. If your walls are a light color, try painting certain wooden furniture pieces black or any other dark, rich color you prefer. As far as seating, instead of buying a new sofa or loveseat, cover up that loud patterned couch with a solid colored slip cover for a more modern look.
• Change the floors. Old carpets, especially if they’re dirty or just plain ugly, can make a room look and feel dated. Give your living room the attention it needs by redoing the carpeting or going for hardwood floors. By simply redoing the floor coverings, your room will be transformed and updated. If you already have hardwood floors, try re-finishing them for a polished look.
• Add repurposed furniture. For a modern and more interesting look; try decorating your living room with repurposed items. This will make your living room feel less outdated, as up-cycling and the reuse of industrial items is becoming increasingly popular in home decor. Instead of a traditional coffee table, make your own using wooden pallets, or try creating a shelving unit of recycled pipes to create a modern and industrial look. You’ll save the hassle and money involved with buying new furniture by up-cycling old items.
• Fix the lighting. Lighting plays a big role in the look and feel of your living room because warmer light can make a room seem older and outdated. Try changing your light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights which are more energy efficient and give off a brighter white light that can make a room feel more airy and modern. Give those outdated table lamps a new look by transforming the base with a new coat of paint, or simply by adding a different lamp shade. This small change can make a big difference!

With these easy tips, you don’t have to break your back or the bank trying to get your living room up to date. All you need is some paint and a few other fixes to transport your space from last century to this one!