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When you’re renovating your home, there are a lot of things to consider. Most people work room by room, and you know that jobs like ripping out and replacing the kitchen are going to be massive. But one room that can get neglected is also the room you spend the most time in as a family. The living room should be a sanctuary, and it’s best to give it the attention it deserves.

Paint or Wallpaper

Your walls are kind of like a blank canvas, especially if you have neutral colors that easily fade into the background. This means that changing the walls can have a huge impact on how your room looks, even if it doesn't take long to do.

You can paint or even wallpaper your room yourself, although if you don't have the time or aren't sure of your skills, you can easily hire a professional.

Some popular ideas are to focus on a feature wall, so you can go for a bright or more extreme color or pattern for one wall, while leaving the rest plain. Don't forget to also use wall art and mirrors to add color and light to your room.

The Flooring

Another thing to consider is the flooring of your living room. Some floors, like carpet flooring, are very warm and cozy. You can get carpets that are also easy to clean, making them ideal for households with kids or pets.

Another option is to pair a hard floor, like wooden floorboards or laminate flooring, with a rug. The rug adds warmth, softness, and breaks up the flooring so the room doesn't seem as big or empty as it might be.

Controlling Light

One of the most underrated things you can do to transform your living room is to change how the light moves and acts. Obviously, we don't have magical light powers, but you can do a lot to tweak the lighting in your home.

Artificial light is the easiest to control. You can use dimmer settings to make the lights brighter or dimmer as you want them, allowing you to have cozy lighting in the evening without being in darkness. You can even change the color of your lights.

Natural light can be diffused into the room with sheer curtains that still give you privacy. Blinds block this light, and some blinds and shutters can create patterns.

A Fireplace Centerpiece

While in the summer, a fireplace might be the last thing on your mind, it's actually a really good time to consider getting one set up in your living room.

Fireplaces provide warmth, and can also be lit during power cuts, which is obviously practical. But fireplaces are also a really nice feature for any living room. They completely transform a space and give you a centerpiece that isn't just a television.

There's nothing like sitting around a fire on a cold or rainy evening and soaking in the warmth and the flames.

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