Growing up, we always had a beautifully decorated living rooms revamped.  My mother is the queen of gracious living, and regardless of her budget she always created a living space for us that looked effortless and was endlessly comfortable and welcoming.  It took me years to discover one of her greatest secrets – the main “backbone” of her décor rarely changed! 

Oh, small things changed.  Things that had an immense impact, often changing the overall look and feel, but the basic bones of the room rarely altered.  And now that I have my own home, it’s become my trick as well.  I’m always looking for easy ways to transform my living space that doesn’t involve a huge budget or a major time commitment.  Using my mother’s framework, here is how you can achieve the same in your own living rooms revamped:

Tip 1: Create a Statement Wall

People may tend to congregate in the kitchen, but it’s the living room that people truly spend time in.  It’s essentially the “entryway” to other rooms revamped in your home and often provides the first impression.  Creating a statement wall in your living room can provide some serious bang for the buck.  And statement walls can be affordable, too – some paint or wallpaper, a collection of art or found objects, and a bit of creativity and you are well on your way.  PRO TIP: One of the hottest trends in statement walls is vertical strips of wood.  They can be painted or stained based on your décor and create such a fun textural element.

Tip 2: Add Accents
A fresh take on your decorative objects can be just the ticket for a visually impactful change.  An easy rule of thumb is to look for items of varying heights and textures, arranged in odd numbers. You don’t have to buy everything brand-new, either; you can easily curate a beautiful collection of thrifted finds, or haunt online sources for special pieces that fit your taste and theme.  PRO TIP: Don’t forget to “shop” your own home – even the closets and attic!  Most people have a few things tucked away, or a beloved collection that doesn’t get time in the sun.  

Tip 3: Upgrade the Rugs

Bringing in a fresh rug makes such an impact on a room!  You can either replace the one you have or upgrade tired flooring with a fresh look.  Inexpensive rugs are available now in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and they come in every color!  Another fun look that is very “in” right now is layering rugs – you can alter the look in so many ways.    PRO TIP: Interior designers often say the #1 mistake in home décor is rugs that are too small.  Generally speaking, bigger is usually better.  Aim for a rug large enough that the front feet of the couch and chairs are on the rug; that will help keep your furniture pieces from looking like marooned islands.

BONUS TIP: One way to really make a splash is by adding (or changing) a pop of color.  Choose a bright or rich color and replicate it throughout the room with accessories, flowers, picture frames, or art.  The secret to an impactful pop of color is to add just a little in several places.  It’s much like perfume; a touch is alluring and mysterious.  Too much is an onslaught and will repel people who visit.