5 Easy Ways to Update Your Living Room Now
May 6, 2020
5 Easy Ways to Update Your Living Room Now
May 6, 2020

How is everyone doing? Welcome to part 3 of my series: 5 easy ways to update your home now. Sometimes, I start itching to change things up. If you are looking for some easy and budget friendly ways to update your living or family room, then this post is for you.



5 EASY WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR LIVING ROOM NOW


*contains some affiliate links, read more here


Pillows


This is hands-down my favorite way to update the living room. Throw pillows are functional and decorative. They can liven up a tired-looking sofa or they can add a pop of color to your chair. 

If you like to switch up your pillows on occasion, then my advice is to buy some quality inserts and just change the pillow covers. This way, you can store your pillow covers and bring them out again when you want a new look. 

pillow covers


Why? Quality pillow inserts will last you much longer than the pillows off the shelf at most retailers. Yes, I have some from Target and love them, however, the polyester inserts will break down after a little while and thus lose their shape. I recommend down or down alternative.


I recommend these pillow inserts from Pottery Barn. These inserts from Amazon also get great reviews. This pillow shop is one I highly recommend as well as this one for pillow covers.

Greenery


I love to have a plant in every room. Even some faux flowers are just as good as the real thing. It’s just not reasonable to keep fresh flowers (my favorite) all of the time, but I do purchase them when I’m doing a photo shoot or for a special occasion or whenever I feel I need a little pick-me-up. 

See more of my spring home tour: modern transitional.


This little succulent that sits on my coffee table only cost me $8 at Trader Joe’s.


I really do love this faux succulent. It comes in a gorgeous pot, and would make a great gift!

Plants are not only decorative, but they are good for the air quality in your home. It’s a way of connecting to the outdoors and bringing nature in.


Artwork


Are your walls bare? Just add art! Etsy and Minted are my go-to shops for shopping for art online. It’s easy to purchase and then you send it to your favorite online printer.  Mpix has been my go-to for a while now.

How do you select? Go with what speaks to you. Maybe you like a piece because of the colors, or maybe you like to spend time at the beach so you search for beach prints. Art is a very personal choice, and sometimes it takes a while before something jumps out at you.


I found some beautiful pieces of art here and here. They even have contactless curbside pickup.


One of my favorite ways is to use the Waterlogue App on my phone. You can upload any photo from your phone and its changes it to a watercolor-like print.  Amazing, right? I’ve done that with several photos in my home of favorite vacation spots.


Take a look at this photo I took in Charleston while on a trip with my daughter last year.

Take a look at this photo I took in Charleston while on a trip with my daughter last year.

Now I can upload to an online printer and have it delivered to my home. Quick and easy, plus it has special meaning to me.


Accessories


Accessories are the jewels of your room. They add that final touch to complete the space. Your fireplace mantle or entertainment center is the perfect spot to add a few accessories. Again, go with what you like. This is a favorite combination of mine. 

Books, vases, small photos, candles and sculptural pieces are some of my favorites. I like to use a few meaningful accessories when styling a room. That little green and white pot was gifted to me by my daughter for Mother’s Day. The photo in the frame is one I took of some flowers I received once. Put it in a frame and you have art!



You can find many of my favorites here in my accessories shop.

Rugs


Adding a rug or swapping one out for a new one will instantly update your space. Rugs bring in additional texture and pattern. Add a colorful rug to liven up a room or use a neutral colored one to calm it down. Use a rug to tie in all of the tones of your room.


TIP


When you purchase a rug, make sure it fits the room. Often, I see clients who have purchased a rug but it’s too small. You want to make sure the front legs of your furniture are sitting on the rug.

Our Perfecting Manor


I love the texture of this rug in Janice’s living room at Our Perfecting Manor. Looks super cozy!

Can you layer a rug on top of carpet? Yes you can! Especially if you have a low-pile, neutral-colored carpet, adding a rug can really make a big difference!


See my favorite pillows and rugs in my shop here.


These are just 5 easy ways to update your living room now. If you’re looking to do a quick re-fresh and don’t have time to shop, then check out my new Refresh Your Space packages. I have created a mood board that is all ready for you to click any of the items that will update your living space.


As a reader, what would you like to see in the next part of my series? Bedroom or Bath? Let me know in the comments below! Have a wonderful day! 


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Interior Designer Jen Morrell | Charlotte & Waxhaw | An Inspiring Home

I work with busy families to create beautiful and functional spaces by providing local design services in the Charlotte/Waxhaw area and beyond through online design.

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What’s your design style?

Find out what kind of interior design best suits your inner self. From Transitional to Modern, it's time to make your home a place you’ll love!

You can opt-out at any time. Please note we do not share your information with anyone.

TAKE THE QUIZ

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