I’m an interior design expert and you can transform your living room by making 12 changes
UPGRADING your living room doesn't have to be complicated.
Interior designer Jade Joyner has revealed her simple changes that can transform your living room.
Replace your old blankets
Joyner, interior designer and cofounder of , told to that upping your blanket game can pull a room together.
Strategically placing a lux blanket on older furniture can improve the look of the whole area.
"Think cashmere or linen," Joyner said. "Spend a little money on one great throw blanket that works with the room, and then you never have to hide them."
Add live indoor plants
Joyner emphasized the importance of having live plants in your home rather than relying on fake flowers or potted greenery.
"Live plants are key to any good room."
"They clean the air and can sharpen the focus," Joyner told Insider.
Find some fun throw pillows
While it may be easy to use the matching pillows that came with your couch, Joyner said that mixing patterns and colors is a great way to add interest to your common space.
"Mix velvet and linens, add in silk, and bring in an animal print to keep the couch fresh."
Most read in Fabulous
This tip goes hand in hand with her previous advice to find some nicer throw blankets.
Put sconces up instead of lamps
Joyner suggests that you can find more unique ways to light up your living room.
"I love a good sconce because it adds such interested to a room," she said.
"I use them often in bedrooms with adjustable arms, so you really have task lighting for reading."
Sconces can also be used around a mirror or in a dark hallway.
Order custom drapes
Joyner didn't have many good things to say about store-bought drapes.
"Store-bought drapes are usually pretty thin and not very luxe," she said.
"Custom drapes upgrade your space immediately."
Besides just color and material, ordering custom drapes allow you to find the perfect size that fits your window sill.
Find coordinating lamps
According to Joyner, it is very important that you're intentional about the size of your lamps.
"I love a good lamp, and search high and low for the right ones for the right space," Joyner told Insider.
"Lately, I have been obsessed with lamps in the kitchen. They could not be more perfect for adding low light to any kitchen."
Use LEDs in your new lamps
This next tip is aesthetically please and eco-friendly.
LEDs are energy-efficient and apparently have a much more pleasing hue.
"I want my rooms to read clean, not yellow," she said.
"Plus, they last so much longer."
Replace the ceiling fan with a light fixture
Instead of controlling the air with a fan, control the vibes with a fabulous light fixture.
Joyner said you can swap out a ceiling fan to add a unique, vintage piece to your home.
Find a vintage rug
"Find a great vintage rug at an estate sale to bring in character and age," Joyner said.
Like blankets or light fixtures, rugs provide endless opportunities to give a room personality.
"I recently found two 10-by-14-foot rugs at an estate sale for $200 each. They aren't high quality, but they have lovely colors and a beautiful design."
Change your layout each season
This tip by Joyner doesn't cost a thing and can make a huge difference.
Insider suggests you can even make strategic decisions like moving your sofa closer to the fireplace in the winter and closer to the windows in the summer.
"I touch every piece of furniture before guests arrive to make the room feel fresh," Joyner told Insider.
Start an art collection
"Find up-and-coming local artists that you love and start a collection you can grow over time," she said.
Joyner said that even an affordable art print in a custom frame can elevate a wall.
Put wallpaper over boring walls
"While I do love a good paint color, wallpaper can transform the space," Joyner said.
"Textured papers specifically can add so much warmth to a space."
Joyner recommended a print or grass cloth wallpaper to add texture to a space.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Read More on The US Sun
In other interior design news, cleaning fans shared a great method to get your duvet covers wrinkle-free with no ironing.
And we revealed how to refresh your pillows without washing them.
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The US Sun team?
Email us at [email protected] or call 212 416 4552.
Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at