It's never a bad time to update your living space. If your house could use a little freshening up, our real estate agents are here to help. Let's start with just one room: the living room. These quick and easy DIY tips will have your living room looking like new this year.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
Getting all-new furniture is expensive, but applying a fresh coat of paint is equally transformative and much more affordable. For just the cost of a few rollers and a gallon or two of paint, you can have what feels like a brand-new living room. But what color to choose? Much has already been written about the anticipated "hot colors" of 2025 — moody neutrals and berry shades are expected to be big — but at the end of the day, it's your house, so choose something you like. It's also wise to take inspiration from your furniture and decor. Look at the big centerpieces of your living room, like chairs, tables and sofas, and choose a wall color that is complimentary.
Updated Lighting
New lamps or lighting fixtures can quickly alter the vibe of your living room. Swapping out some old table lamps or floor lamps for new models is easy enough, and installing updated fixtures like chandeliers or sconces may also be a doable DIY project (though you should leave it to a pro if you're not qualified). When it comes to style, anything goes. Vintage and modern lighting coexisting in the same space is expected to be a trend in 2025, according to Martha Stewart, so don't be shy about mixing new and old.
Going Clutter-Free
A homey, lived-in look might be your style, but there's a fine line between "homey" and "cluttered." One of the best ways to make your living room look like new is to simply eliminate some of the junk that's taking up space. What should go? That depends. Stacks of old books and magazines are prime candidates for removal—they at least should be confined to tidy shelves. In a small to medium-sized space, you might also benefit from having less furniture. Envision your space with one less chair or fewer end tables, and consider whether it will look open and inviting.
A New Focal Point
What is your furniture oriented around? In a typical home, living room furniture is generally circled around a big TV, which is displayed prominently on one wall. But there are other, arguably better, ways to organize your furniture. Consider orienting your furniture with entertaining in mind, as opposed to entertainment. A conversational layout, with seating arranged in distinct groupings intended to facilitate conversation between guests, is a great way to re-imagine how your furniture is situated.
Gallery Wall
Bare walls, or walls adorned with haphazard paintings and photos, might start to look stale after a while. Consider condensing your best artwork onto a single gallery wall to create a bold statement. Gallery walls can be eclectic, with lots of different sizes, colors and styles all mashed together. Or they can be carefully refined, with related artworks grouped together and mounted in matching frames. Either way, it's a fun way to reinvent your living room decor.
Contact us today to learn more about renovating and refreshing your home in 2025. And if you're still on the hunt for your dream home, our real estate agents are here to help you find the house in Chicago you've always wanted.
