After Tuesday night’s Q&A session, it seems that alot of you have a similar problem when it comes to decorating your family room–you’re “in the dark” (and I don’t mean clueless). I heard from people with dark molding, dark fireplaces, dark sofas. . . And, they all wanted to know the same thing:
How do I lighten up my room without making major changes (i.e., painting all of the trim, buying new upholstery, etc.)?
If you have alot of dark elements in your room and not so much natural light, there are some small changes you can make to give your room an overall lighter feel. Here are five quick changes you can make so that your space feels a little less cave-like:
#1. Use mirrors and glass accents.
#2. Add white and/or cream textiles.
This may seem obvious but is really one of the easiest, and best, ways to liven things up. Solid cream pillows will mix with almost any decor. And, I always like to use folded throws in light colors over the side of my sofa or the back of my chair. It’s a sure fix to make a brown sofa not seem so “brown.” Another trick I’ve used in my own living room is to use tall, solid curtain panels (in off-white) on all of the windows. I hung mine high so that your eye is instantly drawn upward. They are also a nice contrast to the dark navy wall:
#3. Mix in metals.
Want to break up too much dark wood furntiure or trim in a room? Start by bringing in accent pieces in metal finishes. And, don’t worry about mixing different tones. I’m a firm believer that nothing has to match. For example, you can easily mix in a pretty gold coffee table and keep your silver lamps in the same room. Mixing finishes will only help to add interest to your space.
HGTV’s Pure Design via DecorPad
Hanging something beautiful on your wall is one of the best ways to create a focal point, thus drawing your eye away from the other things in the room that bother you. To keep it light, I suggest framing a series of favorite family photographs (or even free art from a site like this) and framing them in similar frames with white mats.
#5. Add a large, light rug.
The floor is literally the foundation of your room and can play a big part in the overall feel of your design. Thought you couldn’t use a rug because you already have carpeting? Sure you can. I love the patterns and textures that rugs bring to a space and have used them over the carpeting in almost every room of our house. If your bogged down with dark upholstery or dark built-ins, try adding a light shag or loop rug (I think these are more kid-friendly if you’re going to go for a lighter color). And, what if you already have a dark rug in the space? It’s totally acceptable to layer smaller rugs over them, as well.
In case you haven’t heard, I’m giving away my online design services for one room over at The Nesting Place. You have until midnight tonight to enter!
Great tip about laying a large rug down to lighten a space and I too love layering area rugs over carpet. People do seem to have a resistance to this idea, don’t they? I added an ivory shag rug to my master and it really lightens up the naturally dark room.
All great tips! Janell
I love all these tips! I have the same problems with my family room, and I’m in the process of getting some new pillows and throws to lighten it all up!
Excellent images to illustrate your suggestions.
I had to laugh. I had a similar series of posts on lightening up a room, although mine involved painting, scraping ceilings and opening up a wall. I should have read your post before hand ;-)
Thanks for sharing.
Brittany
http://www.prettyhandygirl.com
Maybe I’m doing something right…as I read thur your post I have everything but the mirror:)
Thanks for sharing these great tips!
I’m not a normal orange fan but that last photo is amazing! Filing that one away for future reference!
Wonderful ideas and suggestions. I love all of your pictures. Hugs, Marty
Thanks for this post!! This was exactly what I was pondering about when I was looking at our living room!! I love light furniture, but it’s hard to think about getting light furniture with a little toddler!
Where can you get frames with oversized mats that are not expensive? I’ve seen some at stores, but they are very expensive. Can you get just the mats or get them cut somewhere?
Great, practical ideas. I’m so glad I have lots of windows and bright rooms, but I’ve used some of these ideas in clients spaces. It’s amazing the amount of light even a mirror can add!
Great suggestions, Emily! Love the cream pillows and metal accents. Thanks for “enlightening” me :)
Awesome ideas! I love the wall with all the frames. Large matte really does make a difference.
Loving the free art site! Thanks for the tip! I just bought cream pillows for our leather couches and it has made a huge difference in lightening up the room. Great post!
I completely agree with everything you just said (or wrote). Especially about mixing metals. Most people are so afraid to mix but I think it’s one of the best ways to prevent your space from becoming boring.
Love the free art site – any suggestions on where to get the art printed? Thanks:)
My sister’s family room was a big black hole, and I think we did pretty well trying to “make it over.”
http://morganicmusings.blogspot.com/2010/09/extreme-ish-home-makeover.html
Of course we were working with an almost non-existant budget and only a few days, but your suggestions are right on target based on our experience! Thanks for the great post. And if you look at the post, keep in mind that I only started blogging a few weeks ago, and it’s really for my family, not about design.
Oh, and for the commenter who asked about cheap frames, I like using Exposures (www.exposuresonline.com).
Great tips Emily! And have I told you how much I love your living room? I think I have, but I wanted to say it again;-)
It’s funny, none of your pictures show a solid dark couch in a room with a dark wood and brick fireplace and hardwood floors. That’s your challenge…… How do Ibrighten that up?
It’s funny, none of your pictures show a solid dark couch in a room with a dark wood and brick fireplace and hardwood floors. That’s your challenge…… How do Ibrighten that up?
Hi! I absolutely love your blog. I recently purchases my first home. Since following you I have always loved the blue paint in your living room. Can you tell me what it’s called?
Thank you thank you!
Thanks, Maryann. It’s Stunning by Benjamin Moore.
HELLO , i would like to thank you about your efforts to give us effective useful information about lighting up OUR SPACE .If it’s okay with you to add that Light placement creates a perfect environment and makes the room glorious. Good lighting enables activity, enhances color, and gives the room a sense of warmth and life . Lights can fill a dark corner , camouflage a dark angle, or brighten up a gloomy room. You should always seeks for balance, you don’t want to over-light or under-light any area.
Thanks a lot and Best regards
http://www.smart-realestate.com/en