The Complete Guide to a Living Room Remodel

You spend most of your time in your living room, whether relaxing or entertaining. Having a comfortable and stylish space is essential. However, a remodel takes careful planning. Here is a guide to a successful living room remodel. 

1. Do Your Research 

Before you start your living room remodel, you want to do your homework. Take time to plan what you want, so you have fewer changes down the line. Watch HGTV, follow interior design accounts, or get inspiration from your friends’ homes. Narrowing down your style makes it easier to make fast decisions. 

Another essential part of planning is having a budget in mind. That way, you don’t splurge on things you might not need, like a new countertop. Keep in mind it costs between $2,500-$15,000 for a living room remodel. 

2. Consider Your Current Lifestyle 

As you do you’re planning, consider your lifestyle. How do you want to use the space? For example, are you into entertaining? Then you may wish to several different seating areas. On the other hand, suppose you want a space to relax with family. Then you may want to have one larger seating area for more intimacy. 

Also, if you have animals look for pet-friendly furniture, like leather. Another thing to consider is your long-term plans. For example, are you hoping to have kids in the future? Then you want to have a more open layout, so children can run around safely. 

3. Measure the Room

Before you start adding new decor, know the living room’s square footage. This will allow you to pick the right size furniture and prevent a trip back to the store. In turn, you then end up saving both time and money. 

Here are the steps to measuring your space:

• Measure the door where you’ll bring in the furniture. Get the height and width and the diagonal measurement from top left to bottom right. Remember to get the numbers inside the door frames. 
• Measure from the entrance to the far wall. 
• Record the length and width of the room.
• Measure the height of the walls. 
• Measure any architectural features, such as doorways, windows or fireplaces.

4. Have a Theme

You want to determine a design theme for your living room to feel more cohesive. This will also make it easier to pick out decor. So, you could have a farmhouse aesthetic and include multiple wooden pieces. If you want a more romantic setting, use reds or pink hues with soft lighting. Look at design books or magazines to get more inspiration. 

Here are a few more themes to consider:

• Contemporary
• Coastal
• Eclectic
• Cottage style 
• Bohemian

5. Design a Room Board

Before heading to the store, create a room board. This is an important step in a living room remodel to ensure all the furniture fits within the space. It gives you a visual representation of how everything will work together.

For example, maybe you notice a rug pattern clashing with a piece of curtain fabric. Catching these things earlier will save you money and stress. Consider playing around with different layouts before choosing your favorite one. 

6. Head to the Store 

Once you have a style in mind, it’s time for the fun part, which is shopping. Start by taking inventory of what you have at home. For example, do you have a chair from your bedroom you can bring downstairs? Repurposing items saves you money and is good for the environment. It can also be a fun way to add a personal touch. For example, you could display your grandmother’s sewing machine. 

The one thing to consider is how well these pieces will blend into your new space. When you shop, start at affordable retailers, like Walmart, to stay on budget. Another tip is to spread out your purchases and buy larger pieces first, such as the sofa. 

7. Spruce up the Walls 

Painting is a common living room remodel trick. However, why stop there? You want to give your walls more character. So, hang artwork, mirrors or family photos. You can place one larger piece of artwork to draw the eye or create a gallery wall of multiple elements. 

Your gallery wall could display antique items or decorative plates. If you’re more artistic, you could paint a personalized mural. Another idea is to add extra shelving for better storage. 

Living Room Makeover Ideas

Renovating your living room comes with lots of planning and design choices. It can feel a little overwhelming. Here are a few remodel ideas to get you started. 

Go For a Neutral Color Scheme

Neutrals provide a clean and modern appearance. They also make the space more calming and allow for more brightly colored decor. Consider colors such as white, gray or beige. 

Have a Focal Point

A focal point can enhance the room’s look and give your guests something to admire. It also makes your space stand out. The focal point could be any of the following:

• A beautiful view from the window
• A fireplace
• A feature wall
• A vintage item 

Add in Layers of Texture

Mixing patterns and textures can make the space more visually appealing. For example, fur paired with a leather sofa can create a cozy atmosphere. Decorating with plants can also increase the space’s texture and create a sense of peace. 

Living Room Remodel Steps

When it comes to updating your home, there’s a lot to keep in mind. You have to do your research and make design choices. So, follow this guide to have a successful living room remodel.