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Living Room Lights Article
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Livingroom Decorating Tips
from: Maxx Home GuidesLivingrooms are usually the main living area of most homes. It's the room in the home where everyone relaxes and enjoys the company of family and friends.
Since the livingroom tends to be a high traffic area, it's often the first room to begin showing signs of wear and tear. Fortunately, there are a few small changes as well as major changes you can implement to provide your living room with a new look that won't turn into a major DIY project.
One of the easiest ways to quickly update the look of your livingroom is new paint. A splash of paint is sure to brighten up and even provide your living room with a different feel. You can either repaint using the same color which will freshen up the color and eliminate scuff marks and dings. Or you can change the color altogether to create an entirely new environment.
If you're planning to paint the entire room, it's a goood idea to start from the ceiling and work your way down. However, if you'd prefer just adding a bit of a color change without having to cover the room in plastic, you can create a feature wall. Adding an interesting color that blends with the room while creating some spice is a great way to quickly transform your livingroom.
A fireplace is often a neglected space in many livingrooms, which is unfortunate since it can be a wonderful focal point. Installing a new fireplace mantel doesn't require a lot of work. If you don't have a fireplace mantel, adding one will provide your fireplace a more finished, elegant look.
If you already have a fireplace mantel, consider replacing it since it has such a major impact on your livingroom. You can easily install an elegant wood fireplace mantel -- no contractor needed. Paint or stain your wood mantel to match the decor of your room. Fireplace mantels are perfect for displaying important items such as family heirlooms and pictures and you can hang your Christmas stockings and display cards during the holiday season.
Consider changing the lighting in your livingroom to create a whole new atmosphere. A change in lampshades will create a different environment since they can diffuse soft light with a hint of color throughout the room. If your living room feels a bit dull, add more lamps to brighten it up, and you can also add accents to specific areas. Changing the wattage of your lamp bulbs will also have a major effect on the atmosphere, whether you increase or decrease the wattage. A lower wattage creates a cozier, more intimate feel and also saves energy.
If you're ready to do some heavy lifting, you can make some major changes to your living room by rearranging the furniture to create a totally different feel. Design a new focal point for the room by orienting the seating around the fireplace, if you have one, and not the TV set. You should also move the coffee table, end tables and bookcases around to come up with a new look. If don't plan to buy any new furniture, try switching out your current livingroom furniture with furniture from other rooms, such as the family room.
Finally, reviewing what's on display in your living room may spark ideas for minor changes that could have major impact. Have you got a vase of fake flowers on display that's been there for years? Maybe it's time to replace it with something more modern. How about the artwork on your walls, perhaps it's time to change them as well. You can purchase lovely prints relatively cheaply, to really change the atmospher of your livingroom.
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