Some say that kitchens are the heart of the home, but we’d like to make a case for the essential living room. The backdrop for countless movie marathons and friend gatherings, living rooms are some of the most hard-working spaces in any home.

In other words, a living room makeover is well worth the time and money, to say the least. If you’re considering a living room refresh, you’ve come to the right place. Havenly designer Melissa Wagner is chock-full of design inspiration, starting with these real life dramatic living room before and afters. From small shifts to full-on renovations, the following design projects are well worth a bookmark:

1. A Colorful Overhaul

Before

After

A crisp coat of white paint paired with a colorful traditional-style rug, warm cognac sofa, and jewel-toned accent chairs give this industrial-style Florida living room a punchy glow-up. From the wall art to the color palette, the “after” space is brimming with warmth and personality.

2. A Monochrome Makeover

Before

After

This small NYC apartment living room leans into the existing moody atmosphere with monochromatic greyscale paint and furniture. But the bright greenery and complementary accent colors (jewel-toned blue and yellow) give it the personality-packed touch it needs.

3. A Furniture Flip

Before

After

Properly-sized furniture can go a long way, as evidenced by this head-turning Denver living room before and after. The architectual backdrop remains exactly the same, but the larger couch and oversized accent chairs make a world of difference. Proof to the transformative power of furniture and decor – if you need some help on that front, we know some design experts who can help.

4. A Layout Lesson

Before

After

Sometimes, it’s as simple as swapping the couch and chairs. The new layout switch opens up the space and creates ideal flow, while the rug and accent poufs add functionality and cohesion. Finished with colorful books, white linens, and fresh blooms, the new living space feels like a breath of fresh air.

5. A Balancing Act

Before

After

To cut the warm wood flooring, mantel, and ceiling beams, our designers added some balancing blue tones and crisp whites. Paired with a fresh and free-spirited boho aesthetic, from the artwork to the textiles, this living room feels brand-new.

6. A Contrast Correction

Before

After

With matchy-matchy furniture and stale yellow paint, this living space felt incredibly one-dimensional. Our designers added some much-needed contrast with crisp white paint, a mantel refresh, and expertly-mixed furniture and finishes.

7. A Focal Point Flip

Before

After

This living room was lacking a clear focal point, so our designers fashioned a DIY vintage-style fireplace mantel and reoriented the layout. Paired with a sophisticated, high-contrast palette, the new space feels functional and effortless.

8. A Textile Takeover

Before

After

With leather accent chairs and a cool earth tone palette, this “before” living room felt stark and empty. Our design team added necessary warmth via flowing drapes, natural accents, and layers upon layers of cozy texture and color.

From designing all-star living spaces to perfecting room flow, our designers are chock-full of expert tips. Take our style quiz to get matched with your personal interior designer.