Your living room is where you spend the most time. This is where you decompress after a long day at work and where you reconnect with your family. Yet, so many living rooms of today feel like they’re trapped in the wrong decade. What better room to remodel than the one you use the most?

 

In the past, living rooms were traditionally kept small and closed off. This was necessary to conserve energy, especially in colder climates. Today, we have more efficient heating and A/C systems. That need for enclosed spaces simply isn’t necessary anymore. Living rooms are larger than ever thanks to the open floor plan movement and a modern push for more space. 

 

How do you know it’s time to remodel your living room? If you’ve been putting off that makeover, read through these signs to determine if it’s finally time to take the plunge with your remodel. 

 

 

1. Your Space Isn’t Functional

While most people think about the kitchen when discussing functionality, your living room can also get in the way of your daily life. Think about the times when you expect the most out of your living room. Perhaps you can’t watch your kids while cooking dinner because there’s a wall separating the two rooms. Maybe you don’t have the space to host your friends. 

 

If you’re always struggling with ways to getting more use out of your living room, odds are it’s time for an upgrade. Working with a contractor to remove a wall, install a counter, or construct some storage space will likely transform the space. 

 

 

2. Your Living Room Feels Out of Date

Sometimes your space just doesn’t feel like it belongs in this time and place. Does your fireplace look like it’s from the 1960s? Do the fixtures age your home? These small things date your house and clash with modern designs. 

 

The good news is it’s easy to swap out these minor things and make a big change. For instance, add a veneer to your fireplace to bring it into the 21st century or upgrade your light fixtures. Also, never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint. 

 

 

3. It’s Too Dark

Letting light into your living space helps your home feel more livable. Natural light prevents rooms from feeling tired and drafty. Outdated windows are small, cloudy, and date your space. Replacing your windows with fresh new ones adds new life. Plus, though an expensive upgrade, you can count on windows returning 80% or more at resale. 

 

It’s time to let in the light. Be conscious of the direction of your windows, their fixtures and shades, and also outdoor shrubbery. A poorly placed tree or bush, for instance, could be blocking that afternoon light. 

 

 

4. You Need More Space

Sometimes we simply outgrow our homes. If that’s the case, it might be time to go home shopping for more space. However, it’s worth looking for other ways to add space to your living room. If it feels like your family members and their belongings are crawling over each other with your daily tasks, look for some faux adjustments to create the illusion of more space. 

 

Lighter colors on the walls, white ceilings, and the right sized area rug all contribute to a feeling of extra space. Additionally, keep your storage hidden and out of sight to avoid the appearance of clutter. Adding some built-in shelving or storage solutions will help with this. 

 

 

5. Your Flooring is Old

Finally, old flooring shows the age of your home. Whether you’ve still got stale carpet from the 70s or cheap linoleum floors, these small things make your home look more than just lived in. The wrong flooring can even seem dirty no matter how much you clean it. Think of how many people have walked on that floor throughout the years. If your flooring is getting in the way, it’s time to upgrade. 

 

The good news is flooring is one of the best investments you can make in your property. For instance, 54% of buyers were willing to pay more for homes that featured hardwood flooring. If you don’t have the budget for a larger flooring remodel, just start with your living room. The bedrooms and kitchen areas often keep different flooring without seeming out of place. 

 

Do you notice any of the signs above in your own home? If so, it’s time to seriously consider a remodel. Even a few minor upgrades will bring your home into this century and increase your home value. Everyone wants their living room to actually be livable.