Each month, I write a few articles over at Homes.com and I want to make sure you’re not missing out on some fun tips and advice! My friend Mandy had a living room design dilemma for me which inspired the following post. I’ll even give you some “bonus features” that didn’t make it into my original post :). Also be sure check out the Pin it if you Love it Pinterest Contest going on NOW at Homes.com! You could win yourself a $250 gift card just for pinning! Sweet!
Design Dilemma
A reader of mine, Mandy, recently asked if I could give her some suggestions on updating her living room. She felt the room was a little dull and didn’t reflect her family’s personality. Mandy was interested in exploring a different color palette and a different room layout but wanted to keep the main colors of the room neutral. Since the furniture in the room was purchased before the couple had children, many pieces showed signs of wear and tear and could use updating.
Inspiration Board
Taking her design needs into consideration, here is the inspiration board I created for Mandy’s living room.
Seating Arrangement
Large living rooms often benefit from the creation of two separate seating areas. Mandy’s living room is quite large and could easily accommodate an area for television viewing as well as an area for conversation in front of the fireplace. By using a sectional, we decrease the need for more furniture and utilize the corner wall for television viewing. The grouping of four chairs around an ottoman is a great way to provide a space for conversation that is cozy and not cluttered.
Color Palette
One of the best ways to freshen up your space is to use pops of color on top of a mainly neutral palette. This is a great tip to implement especially if you are renting! White or tan walls and neutral furniture do not have to be boring and void of personality.  Here I have used a dark brown sectional sofa from Pottery Barn with a netural wall color, Ramie by Sherwin Williams. I added a few bold accents in fun shades of blue, yellow, and orange to spice up the space. Florals, solids, and geometric patterns are mixed together to add variety and texture to the living room.
Get This Look
To implement this look in your own space, look for floral and geometric patterned throw pillows within the same color family and mix and match as desired. Tip: Cloth napkins sewn together create beautiful pillow covers on-the-cheap. If buying new furniture is cost prohibitive, consider slip covering your sofas and spray painting your accent pieces. Even lamps can be spray painted!  Personalized artwork, typography, and gallery walls are all fantastic way to add personality to your room.
If you are looking for the exact items used in this inspiration board, please click here. And just for fun, I also created a completely different inspiration board in case Mandy really wanted to switch things up!
You can catch all of my room design ideas and Shelley’s tips on organizing over at the Homes.com blog!
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And now the details for the fun Pin it if you Love it Contest!
Sarah Collins says
Hello! I love the first board! We are buying our first home and it has a finished basement to make a family room. I love these boards to give me some ideas. I was thinking of a gray sectional but seeing the brown and wheat colors I may just change my mind. It is fun but a bit overwhelming with so many options! This is my first time buying furniture! Thank you for sharing!
Jenny says
I love that second design! Well, I loved the first one too, then I saw the second one and love it more!
The Pin It thing sounds fun!
Beth @A to Z says
The Pin It thing was fun! I love looking at real estate listings ;).
Diane says
What computer program do you use to create your inspiration boards? Loved the rooms, the first one seems more family friendly, but cha cha cha I love that blue and white rug!
Beth @A to Z says
Hi Diane! I use Olioboard to create my designs. It’s just like Polyvore but geared for home design. It’s free and fun!
Diane says
Thanks I like free!
Jen @ a place 2 call home says
These are both beautiful. Although my fav color is blue, I like the first board best. I love all the colors together it seems so playful! Have a fabulous day!