LIVE & LEARN

How to breathe new life into your living room without breaking the bank

- BRITTANY SMITH

INTERNA Whether you're entertaining loved ones or simply taking a quiet moment for yourself, the living room is one area of the home that gets a lot of use. You want this space to be comfortable and relaxing yet stylish. This can be a lot to achieve on a tight budget but it's not impossible. Read on for the best expert tips and tricks to cut costs and maximise style in your living room.

FIX UP YOUR FLOORING

The most cost-effective flooring option is to improve the flooring you already have. Transform old hardwood floorboards by sanding back until the existing sealer has been removed then apply a varnish that suits the tone you want to achieve or reseal. Looking to remove carpet indents left by furniture? Melt an ice cube over the area then use a stiff brush to gently work the pile up.

If you really need to update your living room flooring, then consider laminate, vinyl or carpet for durable yet cost-effective materials. While laminate and vinyl both imitate the look of hardwood, the latter is more water-resistant. Carpet is pricier than these options but can truly enhance the overall look and cosiness of the room so you might find it's worth the extra cost.

Estimated cost: $25-$100/sqm for laminate or vinyl; $22-$110/sqm for carpet; $50-$300/sqm for timber or engineered timber.

FOCUS ON FURNITURE

Comfortable and proportionate seating should be a top priority. “Just have a few key things,” says Sarah Yarrow, founder of Sarah Yarrow Interiors. A sofa, one or two armchairs, a coffee table and side tables are all you need.