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Project Design How to Refresh Your Living Room with These Inexpensive Tips



Maryann from Classic Casual Home and I are so happy to invite you all back for another venture with yet another group of creative bloggers.  We asked you what you wanted us to tackle so we are here to help you find some inexpensive ways to freshen your living rooms!  I have a new client that graciously offered up her living room for this project.  Her living room has good bones and nice furnishings.  She just wanted to update her current space without doing a complete overhaul.  Here is her entry (which is part of the actual living space).  She has a nice asian inspired console with three ottomans (for extra seating) underneath.  She really didn’t care for the fabric on the current ottomans.
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We decided to recover the ottomans in the Tanzania (Charles Faudree) for Vervain.
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We added some vintage green bottles
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and left the pretty mirror and some of her accessories.
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My client could never find a coffee table that she was happy with for this space so she just “made do” with this ottoman. 
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We purchased a reasonably priced coffee table ( a great suggestion from Maryann) on sale from Dovetail and we love it!!
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We added some fun pillows from Etsy along with some custom made ones that reflect the colors in the room. Notice how the open base of the coffee table opens up the room? Rope in a florists bowl adds texture for practically no $$
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We jazzed up her bar cart with some essentials and fresh flowers
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We decided to simplify her fireplace
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by editing now that the coffee table is center stage.
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If you want to try and update your space without breaking the bank here are my suggestions.

How to Refresh Your Living Room With These Inexpensive Tips
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#1 Paint is the obvious forerunner. Almost anyone can paint their own walls. If you are trying to get the most bang for your buck paint your walls.
#2 Shop your house. Repurpose things you already have. You may have used something in your bedroom and never thought about using it in your living room.  As soon as you bring it into a new space “presto” it gains a new life.
#3  (my favorite) Shop junk shops & flea markets for vintage finds that add character to your space
#4 Rearrange your furniture (invite a friend over and ask his/her opinion) it may be something you have never even thought of…two heads are always better than one
#5 Buy inexpensive (trader joes always has great ones) fresh flowers to “freshen” the space
#6  Maximize Minimalism. Keep your main pieces neutral so you can update your pillows. This is much more inexpensive than reupholstering your sofas and chairs
#7 Make a small space seem large with a mirror that reflects the outdoors
#8 Slipcovers can be your best friend.  They are much less expensive than upholstery (slipcover in an inexpensive sunbrella that resists stain and sun damage), and can be washed so they always look fresh.
#9 Introduce Pattern in your pillows ( if you tire of them pillows are much less expensive than replacing upholstery)
#10 Have Fun! that is what design is all about!!
Maryann and I always feel so fortunate that we are able to assemble a new group of amazing bloggers/designers that are willing to take on the latest Project Design Series.   There are so many great bloggers out there some who have a large readership and some who are just starting out.  It is our goal to combine both so that we can always get a fresh take on our latest challenge so please welcome another incredible group of bloggers for our latest Project Design Series and see what they suggest.  I know you will be amazed!!! For more fabulous tips and inspiration stop by and visit these ladies below.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. pam {simple details} says

    Wonderful refresh Cindy!! That coffee table with the open base is a game changer in there, I love the wood mixed with the light palette! Thanks for your great tips!

  2. Leslie Harris says

    You are so good at editing Cindy. What a stylish room. Hey I have a quick question for you about your Windows Live Writer. I'm not able to post anything to Blogger and the forums say that Google has made some changes that now require Microsoft to update WLW or we won't be able to use it anymore. Do you know anything about this? Have you tried publishing a post today? Apparently something changed on the 26th.
    sigh. what a pain in the you know what.
    Leslie

  3. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

    Cindy, I love reading your ways to refresh a space – it's amazing how small tweaks like simplifying the mantle and restyling the bar cart gave this room a new vibe. It feels a bit more pulled together, something I am always trying to do in my own house!

  4. Kris Jarrett says

    Such a gorgeous room now that you've worked your magic! That new coffee table is killer and I'm loving the fabric that you added to the ottomans. Tip #4 is my favorite – it's always so helpful to get a fresh eye!

  5. Kim says

    Cindy, I love the pops of green on that console table and the vervain fabric is one of my favorites! Thanks for this fun round up of "refreshers"!!

  6. Deb says

    While the rooms were not bad before, they are so much warmer and inviting with your changes, especially the bar cart!

  7. Leslie says

    HI Cindy, Great ideas here! Changing texture and color .. and always fresh flowers 🙂 love it all. Have a nice weekend ahead.

  8. SHERRY HART says

    You killed it! Love the changes to the console….especially with the green bottles! Gave it so much warmth. Love the coffee table also…..great job girl!

  9. Sharon (Roses and Rust) says

    What fantastic ideas here. Love the rope in a bowl! I've got the perfect rope in my garage, guess what I'm doing today! Thanks for inviting me to join in the fun. Best of luck with your op! Xx Sharon

  10. Brandi says

    Cindy, you really made your client's home shine with the changes you made. Love all the greenery. The new coffee table and styling are perfection!

  11. Karen says

    Cindy,
    This is always my favorite blog feature. I love seeing what others do and I always come away inspired. Great tips and I really like your client's house.
    Enjoy the long weekend.
    xo,
    Karen

  12. Mary Ann Pickett says

    Wow! Cindy GREAT job. I've got to do some pinning here. Nice idea for flowers on the bar cart–that whole set-up is so pretty. And I like how to simplified the mantel–how is that for low cost!!!! All the greenery looks great on the console. Of course, I love the coffee table too. Your client needs to have a party!

  13. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    Hi Cindy, Your client must be thrilled. What a different a few inexpensive changes can make! LOVE the fabric on the ottomans! Thank you so so much for including me in Project Design! I am so honored to be in such amazing design company!

  14. Karena Albert says

    Great ideas Cindy and I love the new fabric on the small ottomans and the new open coffee table!

    Have a wonderful weekend!
    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

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