Living Room Refresh Under $5,000

Every once in a while I like to put together a room refresh design plan just for you! I’m asked for design advice frequently and while I don’t do one-on-one design consultations, I do enjoy making the occassional room design plan that you can implement in your own space. It’s my way of offering design consultations and today’s mission is the living room.

Because everyone’s budget is different, I separated today’s refresh into 3 phases. This allows you to transform your living room over time as your budget allows. OR, you may find that you only need a few pieces that make a big impact with your existing furniture.

The first thing I like to do is get a rug. That’s the foundation of the room and the color palette that guides every other decision. And honestly, a new rug alone can make the biggest impact. In this room, I wanted to pair peachy/orange/red tones with rich blue tones. This color combination is a classic that I’ve loved since I was in design school. This rug highlights both those colors but leans more peachy which makes me want to bring out the blues and oranges in the rest of the furniture & decor.

Seating is the next piece of the puzzle that I’d focus on and I love this pair of soft cream armchairs that go with everything. (I have these chairs in “tan” – which honestly look more sage green to me – and I love them!!!)

Sofas are one of those things that are just worth the investment. It’s gonna cost more upfront, but the quality and durability makes it worth it. I’d bring out the blue from the rug by adding a soft blue sofa. The lines on this couch are beautiful, yet simple enough to age well.

Throw in a black side table with the prettiest curved legs to balance out the shapes and weight of the seating.

This is when we get to start having some fun! The room needs some wood so I’d bring in the prettiest espresso wood coffee table. A round table allows you to play around with seating arrangements while maintaining adequate walking space.

And then of course, filling in the room with all the decorative pieces. A set of woven nesting tables that really highlight the orange/blue color palette. A pair of beige pillows in contrasting patterns. A distressed lamp (at the best price point). And of course art…free art from my blog…paired with a couple budget friendly framing options.

This feels warm, colorful but not overdone, high end, and looks as though it’s been collected over time. That’s my favorite style of all! Go ahead, copy this look from top to bottom. 🙂