How to Add Zest to a Living Room

It is easy to add zest and zing to a living room. The easiest way to update a room is by changing the wall colors with new paint or wallpaper. There are also many artistic ways to blend the colors to achieve unusual drama in a room, such as layering a shimmery color over a base color. Other ways to add zest to a living room include adding live flowers, photos, crystal vases, chandeliers or pillows and fabric accents in jewel tones.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Add Zest and Joy to Your Abode

1. Paint totally changes a room. Bright yellow walls will add a lot of zest to a room, as will deep red walls. A single wall painted an unusual color such as deep jade blue will be a focal point for a room and add a feel of energy to the space.

2. Live flowers always add a hit of zest to any room. A row of red geraniums blooming in a window will energize a room. Hot pink petunias add warm energy to a room. A trellis full of clematis will make a stunning focal point in a room. Bring nature into your living room to add zest. Use cut flowers, too, to add drama.

3. Adding photos also adds zing to a living room. Seeing pictures of wonderful vacation spots brings a feeling of energy and joy. Outdoor scenes are also believed to be calming and good for the health of the viewer. Photos of beloved friends and family also adds good vibes to a room.

4. Adding crystal accents adds to the flow of light in a living room. As light reflects off a crystal vase or chandelier, it shimmers, and this ever-shifting pattern of light adds vim to a room.

5. Another way to increase the energy in a room is to add pillows and fabric accents like curtains in bright colors or deep jewel tones. Silk pillows with ornate beading and sequins are very beautiful. At night when light hits them, they shimmer and add strong interest to a room.

Tips & Warnings

• To add extra drama, you may want to layer different colors and textures of paint.
• A shimmery layer will add glitz and a deeper tone mottled over a lighter base will add depth to the walls.
• Always bring samples of paint home and test on a small area before painting an entire room.

[b52gflyer]

on 9/23/2009 A long time ago my wife and I bought a new house with nothing but beige walls everywhere. For no reason at all we painted the living room bright yellow. It was terrific. The room and its contents jumped out at you and drew you into a place of comfort and warmth. 5 stars for you.

[Fike]

on 9/22/2009 Personally, I loved this article and am saving it to my favorites. I plan to be painting my own soon-to-be-purchased house, and I will definitely examine your ideas even more closely. 5*, recommended!

[respectfully]

on 9/22/2009 Congradulations! I love your ideas on how to zest to a living room. This whole house needs help. Thanks for this article. 5**** R

[CCrock]

on 9/21/2009 Great ideas I found them really helpful! I've been wondering how to bring more life to my living room!

[franchesca]

on 9/21/2009 Great article and excellent photo!*