Howdy Folks! Last week I shared how to make your bedroom feel more special. This week I thought I’d discuss how to make your Living Room more special. I think it’s easily achieved while being quarantined. So let’s get to it.
How To Make Your Living Room More Special
My first suggestion is to clear the clutter. Do you have newspapers or magazines lying around? Once you’ve read the materials, put them in an organized stack or if there are several, keep them in a basket. If you have a really large stack, take time in the next few days to go through them and tear out what you want to keep. File the torn out pages then recycle the rest. I’d say give them to a neighbor but I’m not sure anyone trusts that these days.
Don’t forget about the dreaded remotes. Do you have more than one? We do and most of the time the first one isn’t where the second one is found. They aren’t the definition of decor either so I’d like to hide them but then I’d hear it from the Mister. Sometimes ours are in a vintage bowl, in a box and sometimes in the same basket as the magazines. Just depends on the time of year. As long as they are corralled in something cute and decorative, it’s all good!
Collections Mean Memories
Next is to surround yourself in a collection or two. I don’t mean an overwhelming amount! Keep it simple. If you’ve been around a while, you know I have a collection of vintage bottles and jars that I use everywhere and all the time. I also have a teeny collection of vintage glass bottle lids. Occasionally, I’ll use one as a paper weight or to hold my place in a book but when I look at them, I remember the fun trip to Dallas with a few blogger friends and my daughter and I picking them out. Good memories make things special too.
Flowers
Another idea is flowers but since we aren’t supposed to be out and about, try greenery stems instead. I have one plant that thrives on neglect – good thing. But when I can’t get them, I’ll go out to the yard and clip a bush, tree or sometimes weed branches. LOL, yes, sometimes weeds work well. I’ve been known to ask the neighbors as well. You only need a few. Add them to vases, bottles, jars, drinking glasses, etc. It doesn’t matter really, they’ll look great!
Accessories
I get bored easily and being stuck at home means things are really boring. Moving accessories and wall art around helps. It obviously doesn’t cost anything and when the room is done, it seems new and fresh. If you’d like to see the DIY to the farmhouse chicken wire cloche, click here. The cloche alone makes whatever is inside more special.
Pillows and Blankets
Comfy pillows and throw blankets are the best idea for making your living room more special. Think about it. If you walk into a room and all you see is a bare sofa, does it beckon for a sit down? Not really. By adding pretty pillows and a blanket, it screams instant coziness. Go for large plump pillows. What’s inside matters too. The poly-fil stuff gets out of shape fast. I like down or alternative down. Just a quick plump and a karate chop does the trick.
Curtains and Rugs
When I walk into someone’s home and they don’t have curtains, I notice. I may not notice if they do have curtains but definitely if they don’t. It’s like a dirty car. You might not notice the clean one in your driveway but you notice when it’s dirty. I wonder why that is? The curtains don’t need to be expensive. I made these curtains without sewing a stitch!
Rugs aren’t a necessity but they can take a room from basic to brilliant! The right rug makes a statement. If you have carpet, it’s okay to layer. You can even layer your rugs! A rug not only grounds and helps define the space but it gives character all by itself.
Candles!
Creating atmosphere is last on the list and I do this with candles. Whether or not they have a smell, they can achieve a meaningful and memorable space. Don’t wait until visitors come over. Light it for you! It’s like when you bake cookies. There’s an aroma that can sometimes bring back fond memories. Wouldn’t that be nice to have around all day?
I hope you see now how to make your living room more special. More importantly, I hope you take a look around and figure out what’s missing and change it. I used to always wait until I knew someone was coming over before I did anything to my living room. Decades later, I realized I too was important and wanted rooms that were more than just a place to put your feet up. I wanted special every dang day! Finally, I get what my visitors get when they walk in the door – something special.
Happy Decorating Friends and Stay Safe!
Love this post Cindy. Great suggestions and I always enjoy the wire cloche of yours.
I’m a big candle burner. You grabbed my heart with the lavender
Stay safe and Happy Easter!🐇🙏
Cindy
Author
I wish Lavender had a stronger smell. I love it but have to put it up to my nose to really get a good whiff. I love candles too but I’m about to run out! I’m having to be a little more picky with burn times. 🙁 Glad you liked the post Cindy. Happy Easter to you as well.
Try a few drops of lavendar essential oil on your lavender, or on a little bit of cotton tied on to the bunch. If you put it in the middle then tie a loose ribbon, you’ll never see the cotton.
Author
That’s an awesome idea Judy, Thank you! I actually already have that scent. I put it in my vacuum. LOL. Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Hi Cindy!
Love these suggestions! Loved your comment about the remotes! Happy Wednesday! Laura
Author
It’s all true Laura. Around here we choose not to poke the bear. LOL!
Your living room is lovely, Cindy! Lots of wonderful ideas here! I’m in love with the greenery sprigs in bottles…now if we just had some green growing now!
Author
Thanks so much! I love the green stems. I very rarely have to change them out. They last for weeks!
Thanks for these tips,some i have done and some i need to do.I do love to burn candles and make rooms smell good. Have a great rest of the week and weekend and Happy Easter.
Author
I need to get online and get more candles. I’ve run out! Thanks for the visit! Happy Easter!
We just moved and I’m taking a week off work to set up. Going to paint (sw balanced beige) before I put up my curtains (sheer white to the ceiling). Already got the rug but I need to buy new pillows/covers for the different look of this living room. Also getting a round silver tray with candles etc for my coffee table. Your tips came at the right time!
Author
That’s awesome Clea! I’m so excited. Congratulations on being able to make it your own!
These are wonderful ideas! Your living room looks so cozy.
Author
Thanks Michelle! I really appreciate that. We enjoy it. Happy Easter!
Cindy, your living room looks very fresh and special. Your entire home always smells so good. It seems there’s always a few candles glowing in strategically placed beautiful containers. I love the jar of glass bottle tops. Can’t wait to see what’s moved where, this Sunday. 🌸
Author
Does it really smell good? I think it smells like dog. Glad you think the living room looks fresh and yay for Sunday! We’ll be able to celebrate together our gratitude and love for the Lord. You know, since we all deserve Hell! 🙂
Bahaha!!! I can’t believe you posted that here. Although, I don’t know why I can’t believe it. We HAVE met! 🤣😱😷
Author
Have you ever known me not to say what I’m thinking?! 😉
Cindy I luv all your vintage blue touches💙💙💙. Thank you for joining us over at our new link party Charming Homes & Gardens🙋🏼♀️
Author
My pleasure Ann! Congrats on the new link party. I know it will be a success!
Cindy, your home is so pretty. Love all the tips you shared. I also love to switch things around to create a new look. Thanks for sharing.
Author
That is so sweet of you to say Terrie, Thank you. It’s a work in progress. I will forever strive for that come-on-in-and-put-our-feet-up vibe. 🙂
These are all such great tips! Thanks for sharing at Charming Homes and Gardens!
Author
My pleasure Kristin! Congratulations on the new link party!
This ideas are all so fantastic, Cindy! I’m expecting a new rug today and since we’re already moving a few things I figured we may as well get that area nailed down 🙂 Thanks so much for these ideas. I will definitely be using them this weekend! Hugs, CoCo
Author
I love new rugs. They smell great and always turn a room into a statement. Have fun. Hope we get to see photos! Thank you CoCo.