9 Tips to Design a Contemporary Living Room on a Budget

Thinking of redesigning your living room on a budget? If yes, then you have come to the right place. 

“Budget is no longer an issue when it comes to beautiful home interiors as there are ample cost-effective tips and tricks,” believes Dipti Das, AVP-Design, HomeLane. In this post, she shares some of her tried and tested décor tips to give your living room a complete makeover. 

Add layers of texture

Give your living room an ethnic vibe without trying too hard. A mishmash of materials, colours and patterns creates a charming look that’s high on elegance, yet light on the pocket. Pile on some cheerfully mismatched cushions, and add layers of texture with a woollen throw, soft pile rug, a tiny rattan table and potted plants.

Experiment with wall panels

Wall panels can instantly add an air of luxury to space, without costing much. These lattice screens can be a weekend DIY project. Start by using a thin sheet of MDF board that is laser cut in an abstract pattern, and then colour it white using spray paint. Lattice-cut screens can be used as a partition between your living and dining areas, or to give some privacy between the foyer and your living room.

Create a gallery wall

Artwork doesn’t have to be expensive to look good. Work with a simple black and white theme; using visually appealing prints and graphics to create a striking arrangement that transforms the living room into an art gallery. 

Bring the outdoors indoors

Even if you don’t have a whole lot of furniture, filling the space with lush tropical plants will add warmth and a touch of Bohemian chic to your décor. An interesting swing chair and plenty of floor cushions are all the seating that’s needed in this small but fashionable living room. Mix and match palms and potted plants, layering them to create added interest. 

Recycle and upcycle

If your budget doesn’t stretch to include new furniture, recycle old packing crates and wooden pallets to create unique furniture like a centre table. The handloom rug and simple sectional couch are also easily doable, even on a shoestring budget. 

Go the rattan way

When you’re working within a budget, rattan furniture is a perfect choice. Wickerwork, cane and rattan are sustainable and chic and go well with an earthy palette. Rattan is high on the popularity charts now as it adds artistic texture and a touch of class to your home.

Colour wash the walls 

A bold colour choice can be all it takes to make your living room stand out. Add a deep colour to one wall, or many. Navy blue or teal, burnt amber, deep pink or even black are out-of-the-ordinary choices that could redefine your spaces and make a remarkable difference. Remember that if you are using one bold colour, the rest of the room can be muted down so that the focus is not lost.

Breathe new life into vintage pieces

Look no further than the attic for some old pieces of furniture that can be lovingly restored for use in your living room. A vintage armchair and chest of drawers find pride of place in this eclectic living room, cleverly mismatched and redone in a colourful palette. The neutral backdrop ensures that the colours don’t clash with each other.

Say it with wallpaper

Dramatic wallpaper ties the look together and makes all the elements of the décor fall in place. You can go with a bold, oversized leafy mural to add summer vibes.

Additionally, to add a velveteen texture to space, pick shades of pale pink and green.