• Newsletters
  • Subscribe
/
1x
Home Decor

7 simple, inexpensive ways to update your living room

Design expert Samantha Pynn shows you how to refresh your family room quickly and stylishly (without tearing down a wall!)
Add as preferred on Google(opens in a new tab)
Designer tricks to add instant value to your home Samantha Pynn1 Sofa, Structube. Chairs, Barrymore Furniture. Curtains, cushions, Fine Interiors by Susan. Fabric, Robert Allen. Rug, Weavers Art. Photo artwork, Tony Koukos. Lamp, Elte. Paint, Para Paints in Dancing Dolphin. (Photo, Vanessa Galle. Styling, Stephanie Cressman.)

You don't have to undergo a whole renovation to update your space. Design expert and host of Open House Overhaul Samantha Pynn explains seven small, low-cost cosmetic changes that will instantly transform your family room, and add major value if you're looking to sell.

1. Give the room a fresh coat of paint. Try a pale pastel for a modern look.

2. Update your lighting. Switch out old, outdated lamps for something more contemporary.

3. Put up some curtains. Take them right to the ceiling to make the room look bigger.

Advertisement

4. Add pattern with throw pillows. Dress up neutral-coloured sofas with playful cushions.

5. Reupholster a chair or ottoman. No need to go out and buy new furniture!

Related Stories

The 7 Best Purchases Our Editors Made In May
Style

The 7 Best Purchases Our Editors Made In May

Including summer beauty essentials and a chic pair of sunglasses.

6. Throw down an area rug to bring the room together.

Advertisement

7. Hang some art to make your room feel finished. Tip: hang with the centre of the artwork at about 57 inches high.

Chatelaine design expert Samantha Pynn is back with a brand new TV show, Open House Overhaul, Mondays at 10e/p on HGTV. Follow Samantha as she transforms unsightly open houses into real estate gems.

Related:
10 stylish living room chairs you need now
Video: Redesign your living room with Samantha Pynn
Six genius furniture ideas for small living rooms

The very best of Chatelaine straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Chatelaine celebrates, inspires, informs and empowers. We know that Canadian women contain multitudes, and we cover all of the issues—big and small—that matter to them, from climate change to caregiving, Canadian fashion and what to cook now.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Copy link

More Like This

Chatelaine Summer 2026 cover, featuring a woman biting into a burger.

Subscribe to Chatelaine!

Sandwiches! Sundaes! Jello shots! Plus the lowdown on the female desire pill, women who hit major life milestones at 50 and guest editor Meredith Shaw's all-Canadian summer lookbook.