A living room gets used a lot in a home: it’s where the family gathers to relax and unwind, and also where you entertain guests. That’s why it’s so important that it’s a space that you can enjoy and love. Otherwise, you’ll probably find yourself unable to properly relax or appreciate your time with friends and family.

If you think that your living room needs a visual upgrade, keep reading to hear some great tips on how to completely improve its overall look and feel.

1. Upgrade Your Windows

No matter what changes you make to your living room, you won’t get very far if there’s not enough natural light getting into them. You can achieve more natural light with better windows or a change in window style. For example, installing a bay window will allow an ample amount of sunlight into your home and also give you a lovely view of the outside. Natural light improves moods and creates a bright atmosphere that will make any space look that much better.

2. Switch to Hardwood Flooring

Carpet isn’t really in style anymore, mainly because it’s hard to clean and maintain. It’s also because they are believed to collect dust and other allergens that contribute to the symptoms of allergy and asthma sufferers. Not only is the idea of walking on a surface that houses containments a turn off, but wall-to-wall carpeting just can’t compare to the sophisticated look of hardwood flooring.

3. Use an Area Rug

While carpeting is off the table, you can use area rugs to section off spaces of a room – like if you need to separate the living room from the kitchen. They help bring the room together and are also practical in that they are nice to rest your feet on if the floor is a bit chilly. Unlike carpet, they’re also easier to clean meaning you don’t have to worry as much about nasty things living inside them. 

4. Paint with Neutrals

If you’ve updated your windows and want to keep your room looking bright, make sure you paint your walls a light, neutral colour. The reasoning is science: lighter colours are reflective, meaning that light will bounce off of them and into the room, while darker colours absorb light, making your space look darker.

Colours that work best are white and off-whites with warmer tones, like beige, cream, eggshell, and even light grey.

5. Accessorize with Colourful Accents

The accessories are where you can have some real fun in your living room. You can select colourful pillows, throws, lamps, and wall pieces as compliments to the neutral background. If you chose a colder, grey coloured wall, then consider accenting with shades of blue. If your wall colours are warmer like beige and eggshell, shades of green would complement them well.

With these tips in mind, make sure you finish off any room with some lush green house plants – then you’ll have a living room that you’ll be more than proud to call your own.