Are you feeling like your Des Moines living room is stuck in decades past? Is your decor seeming a little lackluster? Perhaps it’s time to modernize. Like most of us, you may not have a huge renovation fund, and purchasing brand new furniture can get a little pricey. Here are some ways to give your room the update it needs without breaking the bank.

Add Some Color

Painting the walls of a room gives it an instant makeover, and the room looks cleaner and brighter with a little effort. Choosing the color all depends on the mood you’re going for in the room – if you want the room to feel calm and Zen-like, you may want to choose a neutral color such as a cream, white, or light grey. If you want the room to feel cozy, you may want to lean towards a darker and richer color such as burgundy or dark blue. If you want a space that is bright and cheery, choose a pastel. It all depends on the way you would like to feel when you are using the space. You aren’t limited to one color either, as adding a feature wall gives the room depth as well as a point of interest.

Rearrange the Furniture

Arrange your furniture towards the middle of the room as opposed to up against the wall, which will create a conversation area. If you’ve decided to incorporate a feature wall, then that should be your focal point. While it may be too expensive to buy all new furniture, purchasing a few new and interesting pieces may be doable. Don’t limit yourself to the large furniture stores either, as many unique and functional pieces can be found at antique shops or thrift stores. If your existing end tables and coffee tables are feeling dated, give them a makeover by painting them or distressing them. Use an discerning eye when placing the items back into the room, as clutter will send that room right back into decades past.

Make It Cozy

Adding pillows, throws, or an area rug is a great way to add pops of color and texture to a room while also giving it warmth and comfort.  Choose prints that will complement the paint color as well as the fabric of the sofa. Stay away from trying to match everything exactly – you want the added pieces to accentuate the decor but also add some interest to the room.

Add Some Art

The art that you choose for your home should evoke some type of emotion or memory for you, telling your story and your taste. Again, stay away from matching pieces, you don’t want your living room to look like a hotel. There really is no rule to hanging your art aside from keeping the pieces at eye level. You can choose to hang a large piece on one wall and cluster smaller pieces on another, or you can do a wall of mirrors, which will also add depth to the room. Hang instruments on the wall if you’re a music lover, or display your grandmother's china. Bottom line is that the art that you incorporate should make you happy and tell guests a bit about you.

Bring the Outside In

Breathe some life into your home by adding plants and flowers to your decor. Plants have a way of making a space feel vibrant and bright. Select pots that are lighter in color to keep the brightness going. Be creative and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Large mason jars are great for smaller plants, while old metallic milk tins or old milk crates are a great idea for larger plants. Put some fresh daisies or sunflowers on your coffee table or group plants together on your windowsill or in a corner. The more the merrier, literally.

Giving your living room a makeover can be done in a weekend and the results will surprise you.  What are some things you have done to refresh your design style?