The living room is probably the space where we spend most of our free time. That's why we pay attention to every detail. It should be a warm and welcoming room that lets you relax and enjoy with your family and friends, or on your own. But from time to time, we get bored of the same aesthetics. When you start noticing you need a change, don't hesitate. There are affordable and easy ways to make a simple change and completely transform the space into something new.

Cushions

Cushions are just one of the many affordable ways you can change the aesthetics of your living room. There are so many amazingly beautiful pillow décor pieces, that you may get overwhelmed when you walk into the store. So, before you do, you should consider a couple of things. First, the size. Look around the room and decide on the dimensions you’ll need.

They're meant to complement the sitting area, not overwhelm it. The standard size is 50-50cm square ones, but you can either go bigger or smaller depending on the available space. You can stick to the same size or mix things up and combine a few of them. Arrange the cushions starting with the smaller ones and ending with the biggest ones. Or position them in a triangle with the biggest in the back and the smaller in the front.

Next, is shape. Pillows have the power to add dimension and depth to the room with just their shape. The most popular one is square which looks great on sofas, chairs and benches. Rectangular-shaped ones are also fun to combine. They look great on rocking chairs and sofas. Box-shaped ones are less popular but look very playful. Bolsters are timeless and complement the armrests of the sitting area. Finally, round ones are unique, and when combined with other shapes, they look gorgeous.

When it comes to colour, you have 2 options. You can either match the pillows with the overall palette or make them stand out with bright tones. It's a good idea to start by identifying the room's anchor. This might be a sofa, carpet, set of drapes, or any other large enough object. You might choose vibrantly coloured pillows to give a splash of colour to a space with calm, neutral colours. Choose a more neutral colour for the pillows if you already have too much of it and want to tone it down.

Don’t shy away from patterns. They can be a good way to complement the décor. You have so many choices, polka dots, stripes, geometrical shapes, flowers, curvy lines and so much more. Besides patterns, you can also play with texture. It gives the room some depth and nuance. You can go with leather, pom poms, velvet, silk, or faux, whatever works for you. Having the right pillows will enhance the living room aesthetics and you’ll enjoy spending time in it.

Curtains

Curtains play a crucial role in the overall look of the living room. They can make or break the space depending on their colour and cut. But before you go out and buy some, consider making a home DIY with the Shibory dyeing technique. This means folding the curtains and dying them in indigo dye. This can result in amazing colours, shading and patterns.

If you're determined to replace the old ones with a fresh set, consider the size, length, and pattern. Adding another layer can enhance the depth and texture. Plus, you get more control over the amount of light that comes through them. If you like your curtains long, make sure they make a “puddle” on the floor. And if you add rods or tiebacks, you get a completely new look. You may think these details aren’t important, but they will make a difference.

Play around with patterns and colours. Use neutral tones to calm the mood or vibrant hues to brighten up the space. You can even match them with the pillow decor. By making small changes to your curtains, you can also keep up with all the latest trends and designs without spending hundreds of dollars every time you want to make a change.

Greenery

One thing that will never go out of style, is adding greenery to the space, any space. Fresh flowers or potted plants will add a fresh and airy feel. They also add oxygen and take the aesthetics to the next level. A wreath with bright flowers is not seen very often in the living room but if you place it on the right wall, it’ll have a big impact on the room. Small potted plants on the side table are also a nice element.

But the living room is the perfect place for plants that grow tall. Some of the best examples are the rubber tree, sabre fig, giant bird of paradise, macho fern or the olive tree. They can fill an empty space and bring a touch of Mother Nature into your house. Layered plants are also a good choice if you have shelves filled with books. But keep in mind the plant’s needs. Some of them need a lot of light, some need a lot of water, and some of them don’t need a lot of care.

Side Table

Side tables are one of those pieces of furniture that are often overlooked by homeowners. They can be very practical and versatile. They add extra storage space which is always a great idea. A place where you can store some magazines, books, batteries, small covers, games, remotes and so much more. According to experts, every seating space should have its side table.

You can match them and buy an identical pair. But if you want to make the space playful, you can get different ones. This gives contrast and personality to the interior design. Their height needs to be equal to or slightly lower than the armrest of the bed or sofa. This makes them easy to reach and aesthetically pleasing. Always measure the available space before you buy a side table. You don't want an overcrowded sitting area.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a great option if you want to change the wall's colour but don't want to make a mess with paints and brushes. It's a simple and clean way to add something new to the room, and you can do it by yourself. Colour is important. It'll set the mood and can make it visually bigger with green or light blue, or smaller with darker tones.

If the living room doesn’t have a lot of natural light, pick a wallpaper with smooth surfaces. This will reflect the light and brighten up the space. It's important to match the style of the wallpaper with the home décor. You can go with glam, formal, rustic, casual, modern or Victorian. If you want to make the room wider, choose horizontal lines. And vertical ones to make it look taller.