| If you're not ready for a full renovation overhaul, | | | | Create the illusion of extra space by pulling your |
| there are a few simple, but effective steps you can | | | | furniture away from the walls. You'll give the room a |
| take to instantly update your living room. And none | | | | more contemporary look and instantly make it feel |
| of them will result in high out-of-pocket expenses. | | | | larger and more open. |
| Keep reading for living room home improvement tips | | | | 5. New window treatments |
| that pack a lot of punch. | | | | New window treatments are a fantastic way to |
| 1. "Stage" your space | | | | update a space. Add punch with designer colors or |
| Real estate agents use a practice called "staging" to | | | | modern touches. You can also create the illusion of |
| make an area seem updated and fresh. Rather than | | | | height by installing your treatments higher up on your |
| investing in expensive structural renovations or major | | | | wall. |
| overhauls, "staging" updates a space by focusing on | | | | 6. Updated lighting |
| the accessories - light switches, fixtures, pillows, | | | | New lighting instantly makes a room feel brighter, |
| furnace registries and outlet covers. | | | | fresher and cleaner. By replacing that tired, old ceiling |
| 2. Go for crown molding | | | | fan with updated, energy-efficient, sunken lighting - |
| Crown molding is a very cost-effective way to | | | | you'll create a space that's current and livable. |
| instantly add some "wow" to your living room. For | | | | 7. Paint |
| just a couple of dollars per foot, you can give your | | | | Paint is an easy and inexpensive way to make a big |
| living room a crisp and clean finish that's fresh and | | | | difference. With little effort and even littler impact on |
| contemporary. | | | | your wallet, a few coats of paint can take a tired |
| 3. Get rid of clutter | | | | living room from drab to fab. For a roomier feel, opt |
| Getting rid of excess junk is one of the quickest | | | | for lighter colors - they'll make the room feel larger. |
| ways to reclaim space and instantly improve it. | | | | 8. Throw down a rug |
| Instead of tripping over the kids' toys and piles of | | | | If you can't afford new flooring, a hot new rug is a |
| movies, keep these items tucked away in storage or | | | | great way to update a space. For minimal cost, a rug |
| give them away to charity. A good rule is if you | | | | can focus a space and bring a splash of color and |
| haven't used it in a year, it's time to give it away. | | | | warmth to a room. |
| 4. Sneak square footage | | | | |