Tips for Creating a Modern and Neutral Living Room on a Budget
If you’re looking to create a modern and neutral living room on a budget, it’s not as hard as you might think. With the right color palette and finding a balance for your furniture and decor selections, you can easily achieve your design goals without spending an arm and a leg. In this quick guide I put together, let’s walk through everything you need to know about creating a cohesive living room space.
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Neutral Color Palettes
I promise I am not being biased, because neutral palettes are typically what I’m drawn to, but they are the easiest way to create a cohesive look for your living room. Neutral tones are easy on the eyes, and easier to mix, so you don’t have to spend more time overthinking what goes together and what doesn’t.
Neutral colors are also timeless, so they will never go out of style. You don’t have to worry about whether or not you’ll be able to sell your home in ten years with neutral paint and fixtures. Speaking of, you can find my favorite white paints here if that’s the direction you choose to go in!
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the right furniture
The furniture or “bigger pieces” you choose for your living room are usually going to be the larger investments, so it’s important to get it right. You want to find pieces that are functional and stylish, durable and easy to care for–and most importantly, nice but affordable!
Here are some tips for finding affordable furniture to create a modern and neutral living room on a budget:
Avoid buying furniture sets. Select individual pieces that look good together but that will also look good with other/future furniture. This allows for more versatility as well as a more intentionally designed space.
Look for pieces with a simple design–they’re easier to clean and less likely to get damaged than more ornate ones.
Always read reviews– sometimes going more affordable doesn’t always mean the best quality.. but then there are also affordable pieces I’ve purchased that completely blow me away on design, quality and aesthetic.
Measure! Sometimes the more affordable sites sizing is a bit different than your high end sources.
Use stain-resistant materials and fabrics–you’ll save money on cleaning bills and won’t have to replace your furniture as quickly. Get fabric samples if you can so you can ensure the texture and colors are right for the space as well.
Intentional decor
The furniture or “bigger pieces” you choose for your living room are usually going to be the larger investments, so it’s important to get it right. You want to find pieces that are functional and stylish, durable and easy to care for–and most importantly, nice but affordable!
Here are some tips for finding the right decorative objects and pieces to create a modern and neutral living room on a budget:
If you splurge on something, save elsewhere. The smaller decor is where you can usually find affordable pieces to keep you within your budget.
Keep it simple. You don’t have to fill every nook and cranny with chotskies.
Which leads me to, be intentional. Select pieces that you love, make sense and work well with the rest of the space. They’ll go much further than a bunch of random objects put together. [If you are looking for light fixtures you can reference this blog post, “Simple Steps to Modernize Your Home Lighting”
Mix and Match Textures: Even though you want to keep your decor minimalistic, it doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice texture. Mix and match different textures, such as a woven rug, a fur throw, and a sleek vase to create interest and depth in the room.
Use DIYs
When it comes to creating a modern and neutral living room on a budget, one of the best ways to save money is by opting for DIY projects. Not only are DIY projects typically more affordable than buying pre-made decor, but they also allow you to customize your space to fit your unique style. Obviously, for some bigger tasks you need to make sure you are prepared (do your research) and have the right tools. But, below are some DIY ideas for creating a modern and neutral living room on a budget.
- Painting, obviously
- Accent walls
- Plaster on canvas art
- Built in shelves or cabinets
- Downloadable prints or personal photos framed
- Refacing the fireplace surround
In addition to saving money, DIY projects also offer the opportunity to add a personal touch to your living room. By incorporating handmade items into your decor, you can create a space that feels uniquely yours. So, if you’re looking to create a modern and neutral living room on a budget, don’t overlook the power of DIY projects. They can be a great way to save money while adding your own personal style to your space.
In conclusion, creating a modern and neutral living room on a budget is all about being intentional and strategic with your design choices. By choosing a neutral color palette, selecting high-quality but affordable furniture, and incorporating intentional decor and DIYs, you can transform your living room into a stylish and inviting space without breaking the bank. Remember, keeping it simple and cohesive is key to achieving a modern and neutral aesthetic. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a space that reflects your personal style and fits within your budget. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with your design choices, and remember that with a little bit of effort, you can create the living room of your dreams.
