The living room is one of those spaces that can start to feel tired before you even realise it, with walls looking a little faded, décor beginning to feel outdated and suddenly the room no longer has that inviting atmosphere it once did. That’s why I think every couple of years it deserves a refresh, breathing new life into the space and bringing back that fresh, inviting feel we all love.
My living room refresh happened a couple of weeks ago and at first, I was unsure how best to approach it. There are so many patterns, colours and styles to choose from that it can quickly become overwhelming.
Monochrome is one of those styles that often gets overlooked. The contrast of black and white is eye catching without being overpowering. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share how I introduced this style into my living room and how it has completely transformed the space, giving it a fresh new feel.
When it comes to the living room, especially during the colder months, a quality rug is essential. Not only does it soften a cold wooden floor, but it instantly makes the space feel warmer and more inviting.
In the past, I have always played it safe with plain designs and disregarded the fact that floor coverings can be a perfect way to add character to a room. That’s why this time round I went for a monochrome geometric design which has added a playful eye-catching edge without overwhelming the space, paired with the soft underfoot texture adding even more to the cosy atmosphere.
I don’t know about you, but when it comes to painting my walls, I usually go for lighter shades, as they help the space feel brighter and add warmth, something that feels especially necessary with the gloomy UK weather. This time I went with a soft cream to style my living room walls.
I found that adding black furniture against cream walls creates the perfect contrast and really strengthens the monochrome look. The Manhattan Display Shelving Unit was a perfect addition for this. It stands out beautifully while still feeling well put together and works perfectly for displaying décor pieces, plants and occasionally the kids’ toys that somehow end up there.
To carry the look through the room, I also added the Madison Ribbed Side Table and Coffee Table, the ribbed texture adding a quieter type of style, adding interest without introducing additional colours.
When it came to styling the sofa, I wanted to continue the monochrome theme while keeping the space inviting. I have a cream sofa which I love however it can be annoying as I always seem to find myself cleaning up a stain or spillage every couple weeks. The cream colour works perfectly as a neutral base and allows darker soft furnishings to stand out.
I added the Bobble Textured Cushion Covers and matching black throw, which contrast beautifully.
If you are thinking about redesigning your living room, don’t feel like you need bold colours or intricate patterns to make a space feel fresh. Sometimes the simplest options are the most effective and you do not have to worry about them feeling outdated in a few months. Monochrome is timeless, clean and effortlessly stylish.
Shop the Monochrome Collection now.