6 Ways to Revitalize Your Living Space

6 Ways to Revitalize Your Living Space

Sitting and enjoying a good book or binge-watching, your favorite TV series usually starts on the sofa in your shared living space. However, if your living room is outdated, cramped, and cluttered, it can create more anxiety rather than tranquility and may be the last place you choose to unwind after a long workday. Here are six ways to revitalize your favorite living space and create a stylish oasis. 

 

1. Display Wall Decor Creatively 

One way to create height and depth to a room is by bringing artwork or rustic farmhouse wall decor up to eye-level. Artwork displayed up to the ceiling in smaller rooms can potentially create a more open feeling. Additionally, lifestyle blog te-esse.com suggests that creating a gallery wall in larger rooms is another excellent way to establish a focal point and sophistication.  

 

2. Let There Be Light

If your living space has windows, large or small, take advantage of the natural light. Even if you like to maintain your privacy, try using light-colored window coverings instead of dark curtains or valances. Accenting natural light and brighter tones is especially crucial for rooms with small windows. Maximizing the light you do have can be easy by simply using white lamp shades or drapes to create a more airy and open feeling. 

 

3. Add Ottomans or Chairs

Rustic farmhouse chairs or ottomans in place of large furniture can be a practical use of space. Often chunky coffee tables or sectionals create a cramped and cluttered illusion. To revitalize your room even more, add decorative tray toppers that hold flowers or books. Mismatching, yet color and pattern complementing accent chairs and ottomans, can also help create a space dimension and help define spaces. People with small living rooms might consider adding lower sofas or settees to generate the visual effect of taller ceilings or broader space. 

 

4. Accent High Ceilings

If your home has high ceilings, it’s essential to accent them using pendant lights or ceiling fans. They can potentially reduce the feeling of overwhelming space and make a room feel more inviting. According to bobvila.com, rooms with tall ceilings often appear more massive and grander. Other ways to create a more updated look in your spacious living room is by adding long curtains or unique wallpaper. However, it may be wise to keep curtain designs more basic when using vibrate and patterned wallpaper. 

 

5. Paint Your Walls 

One complaint many people have about their outdated living space is how dark the room appears. Updating walls and flooring with neutral tones and colors will brighten any space and help create an eye-catching sanctuary. If you’re the kind of person who likes color, supplement your room with furniture, pillows and other colorful home decor items to add more variety and contrast.

 

6. Float Furniture Pieces

It's easy to want to push all of your furniture together, thinking it will create a cozy atmosphere, yet spreading it out may help your room seem even more spacious and less crowded. Using accent tables and stools to fill in additional open space helps tye in empty-looking areas and harmonizes your room's overall feeling. 

If your family room is dark and outdated, it can be difficult to spend time doing the things you love. However, when your living space is bright, open and updated, you will likely enjoy spending more time doing the things that help you relax and unwind. Updating your home can be easy and doesn't need to cost hundreds of dollars. Simply painting a few walls or adding some accent chairs or rustic farmhouse wall decor can drastically change your space's overall look and feel. 

Shabby Chic Style in the Bedroom

Shabby chic is a wonderful blend of elegance and comfort. The style mixes antique decor, weathered furniture, and a palette of soft colors to create a warm and inviting space. Keep reading if you want to discover more about this interior design style, including how you can create your own shabby chic bedroom.

 

History of Shabby Chic

The term "shabby chic" was coined in the 1980s, but the style itself actually originated much earlier. During the 18th century, the grand country manors in Britain often included many heirlooms that had been in the family for generations. Rather than discard and replace items as they aged, the British nobility embraced the worn and faded vintage pieces. They proudly combined faded drapes, distressed chaises, chintz sofas, old paintwork and elegant antiques, and the resulting look was viewed as one of good taste and old money. 

 

The popularity of this design aesthetic took off in the 1990s thanks in large part to Rachel Aswell who opened a furniture chain called Shabby Chic in 1989. The style caught on and has been making its mark in the world of interior design ever since.

 

Shabby Chic on a Budget

Shabby chic is one of the most cost-effective styles to adopt. Because worn and weathered furnishings are considered ideal for this style of decor, you don't need to rush out and buy new furniture. Instead check out nearby thrift stores, flea markets and yard sales. You might be surprised at some of the bargains you can find including:

• Solid wood furniture that has a wonderful old patina
• Furniture that can be painted for a new look
• Worn upholstered furniture that can be revived with slipcovers
• Secondhand accessories that are charming and unique
• Unusual items that can be repurposed

Using whites, pastels and neutrals to paint the walls is another budget-friendly way to achieve a shabby chic look. Similarly, fabrics that fit the shabby chic aesthetic can create a big impact at a bargain price.

 

Shabby Chic in the Bedroom

Because your bedroom is meant to be a peaceful and relaxing retreat, shabby chic style can be the perfect fit. The best place to begin your makeover is with the bed. The bed plays the starring role in a shaby chic bed room and offers many opportunities to personalize your design style. You could choose a more traditional approach by using a vintage wrought iron bed frame or a classic European headboard, but if you want to be more creative, shabby chic style offers many alternatives.

There are a number of creative ways to create a unique headboard that makes a big statement about the style of your room. Using repurposed items to create a bold and unexpected twist fits into the shabby chic aesthetic perfectly, and any of the following items would work:

• Reclaimed wood paneling
• An old farmhouse shutter
• An antique door
• A section of picket fencing

All of these items can be converted into a headboard by removing any hardware, stripping the existing layers of paint, and repainting with a soft color that complements the shabby chic look you're trying to achieve. 

 

The linens on the bed are also a great way to add to the shabby chic look of your room. Start with soft and cozy sheets topped with a beautiful comforter or duvet, and don't forget to add shams and throw pillows. The goal is to create a layered look that infuses the room with the whites, pastels and neutrals that are so central to the shabby chic color palette.

 

Next, choose paint for the walls that will instantly create the mood you want. The shabby chic palette includes many relaxing hues so it should be easy to add the elements of both warmth and relaxation that your bedroom needs.

 

Last but not least, have fun accessorizing the space. Items with a vintage feel are especially good so enjoy creating a personal look with old picture frames, vases, light fixtures and other accessories.

Shabby chic, with its warm mix of soft colors and weathered furniture, is a style of decor that has endured over time. Since it adds warmth and elegance to a space without breaking the bank, it's easy to see why its popularity continues.