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I love my living room but I am in need of some bright spring time cheery-ness.
It is pretty "wintery" in terms of colors...Red, Black, Golds etc.
I really want to give the space a spring time update but on a BUDGET! I can't afford to replace things like the couch, shelves, bookcases, etc...
I can replace decorative items like wall art, curtains and things along those lines...

Any ideas would be so very appreciated! Thanks

-Please excuse my puppy who likes to be in pictures and the random giraffe head on the shelf...and the gigantic tv (surprise from my dad..........)

Hi! Welcome to the message boards. I think one way to lighten up a room is to add lots of white. It's a bit difficult to see your room because of the small size of the pictures and my poor eyesight, but I think you could remove the dark window treatments and use light floor length sheers. If white doesn't work with your rug, try a natural linen color. Lighter colored throw pillows can add some summer fun to your room, too. I don't know if you like florals or more geometric prints, but Target.com has a nice selection of throw pillows with red in them. I usually check out Pier 1, too, as they tend to change out their stock seasonally.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Graciepj,

In order to lighten the room, you need to add lighter things. Start by replacing the dark curtain panels with something white or cream. If privacy is not an issue, sheers would look nice. Get some that go to the floor so they look graceful.
The addition of lighter pillows on the sectional would help too. Perhaps something in white or cream with a touch of red.
http://www.calicocorners.com/p...ering+branch+silk.do
http://www.calicocorners.com/p...darjeeling+sorbet.do
http://www.calicocorners.com/p...red/sakari+claret.do

It is hard to see the colours in your rug. Can you post a larger picture of it?

Gracie and I were posting at the same time. We both seem to have the same ideas.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SusanBradfordKent,

TO give your space a lighter warmer weather feel w/o breaking the bank here are some ideas to consider:
Lighten window treatments to allow maximum sunlight without risking privacy or UV damage.

Introduce a summery print in fabrics such as florals, birds, butterflies to name a few. These prints might be found in window topper, table runner, lamp base or shade or pillows.

Feature some plants in variegated greens.

Add crisp whites.

Hang seasonal art.

Consider the transformation or replacement of a dark stained piece to a lightly painted piece.

Use some summery fabrics around the room like cottons, linens, sheers, crochet, ginghams, ticking, cabana stripes, dotted swiss, ticking, to name a few. Remove heavier fabrics like suede or wool.
Wicker pieces such as a chair or stool, a Seagrass rug, moss balls, river rocks, coral, shells.
, are some summery elements that also offer texture.


Feature some glass or mirror to bounce light.

Add a lighter hue or cool color like SPRING GREEN or SKY or TROPICAL BLUE to your Fall/Winter palette. Replace the gold hues if possible, for sunny yellow.

Frame summery fabrics and/or papers for inexpensive summery art.

Botanical prints or vacation destination posters can be used for seasonal art.

Use some outdoor garden inspired pieces in unexpected ways. For instance, a birdbath or fountain base can be turned into a side table. A wagon or backless bench can be utilized into a coffee table. Garden statuary can serve as dramatic table, shelf or floor art form.

Place seasonal books on a coffee table such as travel books, gardening books, landscape books, nature books.

Hang framed botanicals from calendars, magazines or old books.

Welcome Ari, I had the same problem a little over a month ago with my living room! I was tired of winter and looked around my living room and realized a lot of my stuff was so dark - dark lamp bases, the blanket I had covering the back of my couch (cat sits there), pillows were bland. Like everyone else has said, just add some light covered accessories and if you can change your curtains. I went to Pier 1 and found some really pretty colorful pillows, went to Kohls and found a soft, cream colored blanket for my couch, and new glass-based lamps with light shades. I was able to buy everything on sale so you can do this on a budget! Really made a difference in my living room. I love the pillows that Gracie posted.

Maybe a lighter colored slipcover for the couch & pillow covers for the throw pillows. Some crisp white accessories such as, candlesticks, a vase and a pretty white pitcher could also do the trick.A pretty mirror hanging on the wall could also help lighten & brighten up the room.

I don't have much to add. Totally agree on the suggestions made by the others.

I am seeing lots of printed fabrics and accessories with red as the main color and accented with gold or turquoise. I really like that and it would bring in a lighter element while staying within your red color scheme(I love red!)

How about some potted plants? They add real life to a room and help clean the air. Your room looks so bright, they would thrive

My first thought too was "white". I like the idea of something lighter on the windows as well.

LOVE the idea of bringing some greenery in your space too. Look like you get lots of light in there.

Love your red furniture BTW.

Love the idea of adding whites to your room.

Just wanted to second the idea of a mirror on the wall opposite the window. I have one and it really brings additional light to the room.

Excuse the painters tape.....

quote:

Originally posted by annie17:
Love the idea of adding whites to your room.

Just wanted to second the idea of a mirror on the wall opposite the window. I have one and it really brings additional light to the room.

Excuse the painters tape.....

I have the same mirror Annie

here is another example of mirrors lightening the space.....

and another example by our own "lilsophie"....

annie!
GREAT photos! I like mirror to add reflective light, and it is always a treat to see something reflected in it!

I agree with what other "posters" have said...lighter curtains, colorful pillows and plants. How about rearranging your room (if you can)....TV in center of wall or between the windows...with sectional in far corner and chair pulled up for a conversation area....I do that in the spring and rearranging furniture makes all the difference. Sometimes winter means furniture away from heat registers and in summer you CAN put furniture in front of heat registers...that sort of thing. Love your red couches.