\nKirsten Francis<\/span> (Kirsten Francis)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThere’s no need to order super expensive custom furniture for your living room when you can change up the look with a little creativity, explains Katherine Schulz. Founder of studio YAY! We recommend incorporating personalization within your budget. “Adding tape trim, fringe, and tassels to affordable cushions can give them a custom and designer feel,” she says. “Etsy is a great source for trim scraps.”<\/p>\n
Reupholstery can work wonders in ensuring that your space doesn’t look like anyone else’s. For sofas or large accent chairs, this process can be expensive, but you can start small by hiring a professional to salvage small pieces like stools you already own. It can cost about $50, not including the cost of fabric.<\/p>\n
One of my best hacks for sourcing fabric affordably is to buy it on eBay or at flea markets. You can find amazing luxury textile remnants at greatly reduced prices. By reupholstering it, you can feel as if you are “designing” part of the furniture in your living space, and it is an item that you will want to cherish for years to come.<\/p>\n
2. Say yes to vintage<\/h2>\n\n\nCaptisLux Photos<\/span> (CaptisLux photo)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSchulz is a big fan of incorporating vintage accessories into the living room, and I agree.<\/p>\n
“I also love styling bookshelves and coffee tables with vintage accessories like decorative boxes and trays, brass objects, and unique planters. It makes a space feel layered and collected,” says the designer who designed the space pictured above. “Look for affordable accessories at estate sales and antique markets.”<\/p>\n
I totally agree with this approach, and have shopped at flea markets and found many eye-catching second-hand gems that upgrade your living room in a way that big-box store items can’t. As a bonus, these vintage items are often more affordable.<\/p>\n
3. Paint your space with saturated colors<\/h2>\n\n\nPhoto by Annie Spratt on Unsplash<\/span> (Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSchulz painted the living room above a rich shade of green, which Dusty Jones agrees is a smart choice when it comes to elevating this area of \u200b\u200bthe home. Don’t be afraid to incorporate all the colors you choose, says the founder of Dusti J Design. “By adding the same color to the ceiling or limewashing the ceiling in a related tone, you can add depth and texture without making too much of an investment,” she says. <\/p>\n
4. Perfect your lighting scheme<\/h2>\n\n\nPhoto by Clay Banks on Unsplash<\/span> (Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nNo luxury living room is complete without a proper lighting plan. Jones explains that lamps with warm bulbs are essential to achieve a premium look. “Most living spaces require more lamps to create the desired human-level glow, so be sure to add lamps throughout your living areas,” she suggests. “We also have bookend lamps that are beautiful and can add the perfect glow to dark bookshelves where you can’t run wires for lighting.”<\/p>\n
5. Adding texture elements<\/h2>\n\n\nTori Sikkema<\/span> (Tori Sikkema)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nDon’t underestimate the power of layering different textures in your living spaces. Curtains, pillows and throws are all important details, Jones says. “They can make a space that feels flat feel more thoughtful and layered,” she says.<\/p>\n
6. Fake architectural characters<\/h2>\n\n\nPhoto by Clay Banks on Unsplash<\/span> (Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nLast but not least, another great way to take your living room to the next level is by adding architectural charm in the form of a faux fireplace, crown molding, picture frame molding, and more. Beautiful faux mantels are available from salvage stores and Facebook Marketplace and can make your average living room feel more luxurious. In fact, visitors may think your mantel or moldings are original to your home.<\/p>\n
These simple design and decorating DIY projects can make a big difference in the look and feel of your living room. It’s a myth that you need expensive designer furniture to create a coveted, timeless look in your living space. Instead, put a little effort and creativity into it. You’ll be surprised at the results.<\/p>\n
Related article: 8 home decor trends designers hope will disappear by 2025<\/strong><\/p>\nThis article was originally published by Dengarden on April 4, 2026 and first appeared in the Design and Decor section. Click here to add Dengarden as your preferred source.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n