living room renovation

Living Room Renovation Tips for 2024

Deciding you want to renovate your living room is one thing – planning it is another. This is the perfect opportunity to create a space you love spending time in, and style it how you like.

But getting a renovation right needs careful consideration right from the very beginning. Here we list all the things you need to think about at the drawing board, from sweeping changes to final details, so you can turn every inch of a dated room into your very own haven.

Assess Your Space and Layout

The very first thing you should do when renovating is to take a step back and have a good look at the space you have to play with. This includes floor space and the layout, but also the furniture you already have and how it fits into the room.

Also consider where your natural light source comes from, and how it impacts where you place your furniture or TV – where would you and your family guests prefer to be sitting? Do you want it to feel open-plan, or cosied in? What is the focal point of the room – perhaps a fireplace or log burner, TV, or view?

Always take time to think about what you want to keep, what has to change, and how you’d like everything set out.

Set a Budget

This is where you set aside what you want for a moment. A budget is absolutely crucial to achieving a look that makes financial sense, rather than setting a goal and getting in financial trouble to achieve it.

Budget is always top. Figure out what you can afford to spend on a renovation. Once you’ve done this, it’ll be easier to delegate funds on different aspects.

Materials and labour are perhaps the biggest considerations. If you’re paying professionals to do it, check their credentials and get a few quotes. If you’re doing it yourself, will you need time off work to complete it? How much will your tools and equipment cost?

Weigh up both, and calculate whether it’s more cost-effective for you to manage it yourself, or have a professional come in with their own tools and experience.

There are plenty of ways you can keep costs down in materials and tools. Write a list or create a spreadsheet on all the costs involved, and search around for deals and differences in quality and durability.

With some creativity and a clear, strict budget, you can achieve your dream space without causing yourself financial worry.

Choose a Style

So far, we’ve got the basics in – the layout of the living room, how much you’re able to spend, and where you can cut costs. Choosing a style will bring your renovation together.

What is your style? Do you want a space that’s slick and stylish, or traditional and classy, or homely and quirky? That’s the joy of renovating – you can have it however you like.

Having said that, it’s a really good idea to have a vision in mind and stick with it throughout the renovation, rather than make it up as you go along. I sometimes make the mistake of choosing a light fixture I love simply because I love it, only to find it doesn’t work well with the rest of the furnishings or décor, or even the space itself.

Map out the colours and textures you’d like to see. Colour is a tricky one to get right – you need to consider the natural lighting and how the paint will look in light and day. Get a few samples and try them out in a sunny spot and darker area. You’ll also need to make sure your wall colours work well with your skirting board colours and choice of flooring.

If you want panelling, think how you’d like them mapped out, and in tune with your skirting boards and architraves. All this will impact your overall choice of style.

Adding The Details

modern style room

Living Room Furniture

A living room needs to be comfortable no matter your style. Are you keeping your furniture, or buying new? Whichever it is, you’ll need to incorporate it with how you plan your panelling and skirting boards. For example, if your furniture is bold and colourful, it’s better to go for a more subtle choice of panelling and skirting boards so they all complement each other.

In contrast, if your furniture is mostly neutral, your panelling and skirting boards would play an effective role in adding some texture and style. Figure which aspect is most important to you – most likely your choice of furniture for the living room – and prioritise it.

Lighting and Ambience

contemporary room layout

The lighting in your living room can truly set the scene for your desired ambience. From flush ceiling fittings to chandeliers and wall dimmers, the details in your lighting will make all the difference.

Natural lighting could be the focal point of your living room. If it is, use it to its full capacity by letting the light drench into the room, perhaps softened with linen voiles. Light, airy and neutral décor usually works best with natural light.

If you’ve opted for panelling but also want wall lights, think about how they both can be integrated. You can even design an area that borders a wall light, adding real class.

If you’ve opted for a super modern look, we often see some of our clients opt for LED lighting to add a glow to certain areas of the room, such as around the media units or skirting boards.

Flooring and Carpets

large sofa and feature art decorated with wall panelling

Will your living room be subjected to heavy traffic? Are you in an apartment, where hard flooring may cause a lot of unwelcome noise for the apartment below?

Whether you choose carpeting or something like hardwood flooring, or a combination of both, it needs to match everything else you’ve chosen, especially the colour of your paint and your skirting boards.

Your choice of flooring can impact the warmth of your room, too. If you struggle to retain heat in your home, carpet may be better. Pets can also impact your decision!

Carpet and flooring can take quite a chunk out of your budget, so consider how long it will last in your living room’s typical day-to-day environment, and how easily you can maintain it.

Panelling and Skirting Boards

large living space with corner sofa and decorated wall panelling

Skirting boards are surprisingly difficult to choose, especially when you’ve already chosen exactly how you want the room to look. You’ve considered how the walls and flooring will hold your furniture and accessories beautifully, but what about skirting?

Skirting boards are an essential inclusion in your renovation plans, and they aren’t there just to look pretty – they serve a function of lining your room and protecting your walls from scuffs and damage.

We’ve mentioned panelling throughout this guide, but in general it’s good to plan your panelling and skirting boards together so that they look aesthetically pleasing in colour and design.

Most panelling is made of MDF, and you can also get your skirting board in this too, as well as other more hardwood materials. Shop for panelling and skirting profiles that work together, and ensure they settle in nicely with your paint colour and choice of flooring.

The Finishing Touches

open living room space with furnishings and new wall panelling

Here are some ideas that may spark your creativity for the final touches, or even the drawing board stage!

Feature Wall Creativity

Not all four walls have to be the same. Adding a feature wall can add a burst of colour or grandeur in a neutral or simplistic room, or a less distracting area in an otherwise busy space.

Wallpapers are great for this, but even a discreet change in paint shade can make a huge yet discreet difference. When done nicely, wall murals or stencils can also look stunning. I’ve seen a rather small room made to look bigger with the use of delicately painted forest trees giving the illusion of depth.

Wooden slats or tiling can also add a change in texture and temperature to the room. Get some samples and have a play around!

Art and Shelving

Some of us steer away from shelving and ornaments. But even discreetly placed details can add a little light or interest here and there.

Whether it’s sculptures, art, or the beauty of books all lined up, think about how you can add a touch of personality to the room. Something that says it’s your home can never look bad.

How To Save Money on Renovations

luxury home living room

All these considerations tot up quickly, and if you don’t keep a tab on things, your budget will be under pressure. Nothing is worth getting into financial strain for, especially aesthetics.

You can save an awful lot of money by using eco-friendly materials. Always take your time looking for paints and materials that’ll last and are durable. See if there is anything that can be upcycled. Get quotes from great suppliers who can get you the best deals.

Don’t necessarily assume that it’s cheaper to do things yourself, either. If you’re not confident or you don’t have the equipment, it could be more cost-effective having someone do it for you – but always get a few quotes, and never feel pressured. If you can get all the materials and equipment for a good price, this could be a fun learning curve that turns into a DIY passion you’ll use in every room of your home!

Upcycling is another highly rewarding way to save money. Save the earth from landfill – give that old bookshelf a second look and get your sander out. I bought a sander for next to nothing a couple of years ago, and with it I’ve salvaged some real gems.

It’s real fun, very rewarding, and easier than you think to breathe new life into an old piece of furniture. So before you start renovating, take a look at what you already have and see what you can do with it.

Finally, you may not need to renovate the whole room. A touch of panelling and skirting boards with a lick of paint could be all it takes to transform your room, and it doesn’t cost the earth.

If you want some information on how much it would cost to add a touch of panelling and/or skirting to your room, we’re here to help – contact us any time for advice.

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