10-Minute Living Room Makeover
It only takes 10 minutes to implement one (or more!) of our clever tips for a whole new look.
We understand just how easy it is to end up in a decor rut—and who has the time or money for a complete redo? Our design pros are here to save the day with their tips and tricks for updating your living room in ten minutes or less.
1. Create a Home Bar
"We love to set up a bar in the living room. Using your cut crystal and a tray, usually from your dining room or kitchen, is an easy way to create a living space that’s always ready for entertaining."—Dan Mazzarini, BHDM Design
2. DIY an End Table
“Get creative by repurposing a stack of books as a side table. It both frees up space on your shelves and creates an interesting focal point in the room.”—Kate Maloney Albiani, KMID
3. Repurpose a Cheese Board
“One of my favourite and most versatile items in our home is a wood cheese plate. We use it for serving guests welcome treats, but we occasionally use it to corral our favourite travel trinkets on one of the side tables in the living room.”—Mollie Ranize, dmar interiors
4. Pare Down Decor
"Think seasonally! Sometimes simply removing things can make a space feel newer, lighter, and fresher. For summer, lighten a room by removing rugs and curtains."—Dan Mazzarini, BHDM Design
5. Up Your Frame Game
“Reframe art to change the look of a piece, or paint the frame in a colour that contrasts your walls for more of a statement.”—Lindsay Bentis, Thread by Lindsay Bentis
6. Hide the Clutter
“I'm obsessed with boxes of every size and colour. I'll typically have one on my bedside table holding miscellaneous loose items, but I also tend to shift them around the house. I use one on the coffee table to conceal remote controls and matches for candles.”—Mollie Ranize, dmar interiors
7. Swap Out Artwork
“Change up your artwork by moving pieces from one room to another. The new and different colours may give you a whole new take on your space!”—Kate Maloney Albiani, KMID
8. Split Up Pairs
“We try to steer clear of items that come in pairs. Matchy-matchiness can be a dud. Add interest and dimension to your space through odd numbers and one-off pieces that you’ve collected over time.”— ZOOM Interiors
9. Consider New Uses for Old Carafes
“Enjoy your favourite wine carafe year round, even when you aren't entertaining, as a vase for fresh flowers near a stack of books on your coffee table.”—Mollie Ranize, dmar interiors
10. Trade Decor With Other Rooms
"Swapping in or out accessories from different rooms is a great way to mix up your look. Consider swapping table lamps, art, mirrors, pillows, and throws for a quick and easy refresh."—Dan Mazzarini, BHDM Design
