Staycationing? Update Your Living Room on the Cheap

Breath new life into your living room with these budget-friendly update ideas.

By: H. Camille Smith

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If money woes has you vacationing at home this summer, now's a great time to tackle some of the updates you've been putting off. Let’s start in the living room — after all, it’s where you gather with family and friends and often the first room people see when entering your home. To get you started, I’ve gathered a few of my favorite living room updates that will add a lot of style for just a little cash.

With some lumber and trim, you could update your fireplace surround:

Statement Fireplace Surround With Marble Tile Foundation and White Circular Tile Frame Under Dark Wood Mantle

Small white circular tiles create texture and accent the neutral surroundings. The off center frame gives a contemporary and artistic look. Large, neutral marble tile makes an inside frame around the fireplace and continues out onto the step. A dark mantel top adds a rich contrast to the bright and neutral tones.

From: Corine Maggio

Photo by: Ramon C Purcell Photography

Ramon C Purcell Photography

Or hit yard sales or unfinished wood stores for a matching pair of bookcases to fake the look of built-ins:

Contemporary Living Room With White Bookcase, Sofa

A pattern accent wall adds visual interest to this contemporary living room. The white sofa pairs well with the white bookcase.

From: Turnstyle Interior Design

Photo by: Twist Tours

Twist Tours

Add some style underfoot with a graphic rug:

Neutral Contemporary Living Room With Blue Sofa and Chaise and Graphic Rug

Make a big statement for a relatively small chunk of change with a graphic rug. A rug can also ground your furniture arrangement and give the living room a more finished look. This gray and white graphic rug compliments the dark blue sofa and light blue chaise. A neutral chair and natural wood coffee table create a calm look to finish off this contemporary space.

From: Jennifer Jones

Clear the clutter and creatively style your bookshelves:

Sitting Area With Gray Wingback Chair and White Built-In Bookshelf

White Open Shelving With Mounted Antlers

An open frame and set of mounted antlers hanging from this built-in shelving unit add depth and visual interest to this sitting area. When styling a bookshelf, don't limit your collection to the shelves.

From: Secrets From a Stylist

Turn dollar store hula hoops into a funky chandelier:

Hula Hoop Chandelier

From: Emily Henderson

Give new life to an old bench by turning it into two side tables:

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Photo by: unknown

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Or give the room a whole new vibe by painting the floors:

White, Cottage Bedroom With Painted Floor

Painted Wood Floor in White, Cottage Bedroom

Floors are often forgotten as a place to experiment with a paintbrush. Designer Sarah Richardson doesn't let these knotty pine hardwood floors remain bare. Adding to the home's nautical cottage look, Sarah paints thick, alternating stripes of blue along the floors. A layer of floor sealant creates a flawless, glossy look for extra appeal.