Living Room Home Projects

Plus color and pattern galore!

This renter made big use of her small square footage.

“Be very gentle with old homes,” this designer says. But that doesn’t mean you can’t go bold with paint!

The living room was missing something crucial.

I’d call my aesthetic “art gallery in the woods.”

“The day I toured the place, I made a mental note that this little alcove would be perfect for built-in shelves to showcase my book collection, and the rest is history!” the renter says.

Small DIYs completely transformed the space.

The changes elicit a “WOW” from visitors.

The green paint inspired the rest of the studio’s design.

The gallery wall is personality-packed.

The secret? Mixing textures and shapes.

The after is a total breath of fresh air.

These furniture pieces look way more expensive than they really were.

The goal was to create a music-oriented “space with a lounge feel.”

This living room is a master class in layering vintage rugs.

The makeover preserved original details like the tin ceiling.

The before was gray with mostly brown-toned furniture, rugs, and objects that my boyfriend described as “curbside pickups.”

Goodbye, red carpeting.

And the wavy DIY headboard is a must-see!

The makeover uses three types of IKEA shelves to create a super practical storage wall.

It doubles down on rustic vibes.

It’s a master class in bold colors and layout planning.

The DIYer behind the project has great tips for achieving the perfect light oak stain.

Dreamy fireplaces make staying in even better.

I wanted it to be all couch, pillows, and patterns.

Scrapping the crumbling plaster walls revealed gorgeous vintage brick.

“The room has a focal point,” the homeowner says of the “after.”

“I did it all by hand with a small paintbrush, and it gives my home a homemade quality,” the DIYer says.

I wanted it to be all couch, pillows, and patterns.

Fear not: The beautiful vintage fireplace stayed!

These homeowners decided to “un-flip” their 1956 home’s stunning original features.

The new look still honors the room’s mid-century roots and now feels like “a cozy den.”

This maximalist living room has maximum joy.

There are ideas for renters and homeowners alike — and ideas for every design style.

Sometimes, simplicity is key.

You deserve extra prep space and additional seating, too.

The renovated space makes room for hangouts, overnight guests, and WFH days.

It went from “an uncomfortable beige box” to technicolored and oh-so clever.

Before, this homeowner avoided including this wall in any photographs. Now, it’s ready for its close-up!

And it only cost about $250!

The new mantel is an eye-catching upgrade.

This once-blank space is now a collector’s dream.

The after puts the “modern” in mid-century modern.

Before, the oatmeal-colored walls made the whole room feel dark despite its large windows.

Their recommendations span from small (a quirky DIY mirror) to big (classic picture frame molding), so you’re sure to find something to fit your space.

“Work with the unique features of the room, and don’t be afraid to mix it up when the mood strikes,” this homeowner advises.

“This was a very risky project,” the DIYer says. “I didn't know if it would turn out cool or chunky and busy.”

And it cost a fraction of a professional custom install.