What to Consider Before Remodeling a Living Room
Homeowners who are already considering a remodeling project are doing so to expand and rethink the space where most of the life happens in their homes.
When considering home remodels, most immediately think of the kitchen or bathroom. There’s a good reason for that. Kitchen and bath remodeling projects offer drastic transformations, pave the way for cool new features, and yield an attractive return on investment in most cases.
As fantastic as bathrooms and kitchens are, let’s break the mold today and talk about what homeowners should consider before they remodel another essential space: the living room.
Why remodel the living room
Homeowners who are already considering a remodeling project are doing so to expand and rethink the space where most of the life happens in their homes. Whether they’re watching their favorite movies or catching up with their favorite friends, the living room is the place to be.
First steps
Before taking any other steps, develop a budget. Closing out the home design websites and picking up a calculator may not be fun, but it will help establish the project’s scope. Determine if the budget allows for only minor updates or if it can stretch to making structural changes and adding custom design touches possible. Having a strict, realistic budget in mind will take much of the stress and guesswork out of the equation and help the home design and building professional know precisely how to maximize the options.
Residents must consider their needs and how they will use the space, such as business entertaining, for a large family, or for more storage. Determine if it will be a casual feet-on-the-sofa space or a more formal entertaining space.
Think long-term. Although knowing precisely what the future holds is tough, look ahead. The kids may be small, and building a room with soft edges and lush carpeting is tempting. However, in just a couple of years, those requirements will change. Or the children are grown with families of their own. Or older parents may need an apartment in the home. Regardless of today’s needs, consider how the plan can shift as needed later.
Living room designs to keep in mind
Layout - What style of entertainment will be hosted - intimate gatherings or big family parties?
Use - For homeowners who need the living room to double as a guest space, consider a sleeper sofa or modular furniture that can be moved around to accommodate an air mattress.
Storage - Consider built-in shelving as a space-saving option. Use this space to showcase photos, collectibles, and books stylishly.
Focal point - For many, the living room’s focal point is the television. For others, it may be a fireplace or a unique architectural element. The rest of the space can be designed to flow around that particular point.
Practical needs - Consider electrical outlets. In today’s technologically heavy world, we need outlets for phones, tablets, and computer chargers. Include outlets near the furniture for flexible seating/work arrangement.
Paint color - More than just the icing on the cake, the chosen paint color has the power to create a relaxing, stylish environment. Take time with the selection process.
Contact a reputable home renovation company for more information about living room remodeling.
