Loungin’ large

You can take a bare bones living room with classic proportions to new decorative heights with a stunning makeover – it’s all about palette and pattern

Bring your bare-bones living room to life through a stunning makeover

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living room with good bones but tired decor is a prime candidate for a makeover. But you don’t need high ceilings and period detail to get the look of this inviting space. Youw can create it with paint work, a ‘fake’ fireplace, elegant DIY glass shelving and seriously savvy styling. Light green walls with fresh white features and trim form the basis for both the transformation and the colour palette, which also includes pink, blue and black. Swap clunky and chunky furniture for leggy, curvy tables and chairs, and go for a shapely sofa and large area rug in a neutral tone. The result is an oasis of calm with oodles of charm.

Period piece Give a blank wall its former chimney breast glory with a fireplace – it’s electric, so no flue needed! And adding a mantel and tiled hearth is easy. Flanked by tall, narrow windows it creates a modern period feel.

Mirror, mirror on the wall A trio of mirrored doors makes deco magic as they reflect light, create the illusion of space and highlight the wall arch feature. PS, secure at the top for safety.

light it right With narrow windows on only one wall, this space gets its light from the paint job and lots of lamps – floor and table – plus candles. A bonanza of botanicals – real and in print – makes the room the view!