(Image Credit: Flickr / jinkazamah)
If you’ve ever watched a home improvement show or browsed websites on the subject, you’ve probably seen some pretty dramatic room transformations. In all likelihood, some of those changes involved an enormous investment of time and financial resources.
The reality is that not all of us are ready to start ripping down walls and tearing up flooring to make a change to our living space. The good news is that you can put the sledgehammer away. You can dramatically transform your living space through some creative tactics. Here are just seven ways that you can add elegance to your living room without hiring a contractor.
1. Crown Molding
Yes, we just said that you didn’t have to hire a contractor to add elegance to your living room. Even with some crown molding installations, you can go the DIY route if you’re somewhat handy and willing to watch a few online tutorials about using a coping saw for the corners. The fact is that crown molding finishes off a room and makes it look complete. You can now find the material in wood, plastic, and even high-end foam.
2. Pillows
The strategic use of pillows in your living will accomplish two things. They will add a layer of comfort to your furnishings, making your room more inviting. They can also make your room appear more elegant if you pick the right size, shape, and color of accent pillows. A good choice is a 24-inch down insert covered with a 22-inch pillow cover, which provides an overstuffed and plush appearance.
3. Artwork
You can add a burst of elegant and tasteful color to your living space by choosing the right artwork to put on the walls. Find a bold or elegant piece that pulls out the colors of either your living room sofa or a side chair. Artwork and accents on side tables are another way to define the elegance in your living space.
4. Art Glass Candle Sleeves
Speaking of accents, one of the best choices for instant elegance are handmade glass candle covers. These patented, handmade pieces are both works of art and a functional piece for your living room. You use them to cover existing freestanding candles while placing an LED tealight inside.
5. Lighting
Most of us can’t live by candlelight alone, so you may want to look at the other lighting choices in your living room for a few adjustments. It’s a fact that most contractors and builders put standard light fixtures in homes, so it’s up to you to add a personal and elegant touch to your living area. The good news is that you can find some interesting and classic pieces at thrift stores and flea markets. You can also add new flair to a table lamp or chandelier by changing out the shades.
6. Glass Furniture
One way to bring a touch of elegance to your living room is to use glass furniture and accents. These classy pieces work with almost any color scheme and deliver a sophisticated look to your room. A few of the other benefits of using glass are that it is long-lasting, easy to maintain, and makes your room appear larger.
7. Window Treatments
Another must-have in an elegant living room is the right window treatments. A room without this detail simply looks cheap and unfinished. Not only will curtains or shades allow you to better control the lighting in your room, but they will also give it a more refined look. Look for affordable and quality options that are made of cotton, linen, or silk instead of man-made materials.
Fortunately, you can have style and elegance without breaking the bank or tearing down walls. These methods for sprucing up your home decor emphasize quality over quantity, so you can pick and choose which ones best suit your needs and style.