13 Dramatic Living Room Before & After Reveals You Have to See to Believe
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.
9. A Cozy Glow-Up
Before
After
While the all-over blue paint already made for a cozy setting, the practical and stylish furniture choices really bring this living room to life. Styled with a neutral area rug, mood lighting, and a camel-colored velvet corner sectional that contrasts against the blue walls, the finished space feels balanced and full of personality.
10. A Vintage Dream
Before
After
While this beautiful Brooklyn brownstone had great bones and original vintage details, our design team’s furniture and styling choices highlight its natural beauty and bring the “modern vintage” aesthetic to life. The leather sofa, gold mirror, cream curtains, and burl wood media unit add the perfect touch of warmth, while the black paint perfectly highlights the original windows.
11. A Chic Upgrade
Before
After
Looking to add personality and style to this classic living room, our interior designers went with a texture-rich white and gray rug, a modern coffee table, and — the star of the show — a free-standing curved velvet sofa. The “after” space feels like a chic lobby in a boutique hotel, down to the original gilded light fixture.
12. A Charming Escape
Before
After
In need of a proper hangout space in her historic Denver home, Havenly interior designer Heather Goerzen fashioned an ultra-cozy family room with a massive corner sectional as the centerpiece. Accented with an upholstered coffee table, boucle side chair, and plenty of throw pillows, it’s the perfect TV room for her family of three.
13. A Modern Moment
Before
After
Needing to add warmth and texture to this windowed sunroom, our design team focused on plush yet practical furniture, cozy textiles, and statement lighting for that post-sunset ambiance. The team effortlessly mixed furniture styles for a look that’s dynamic and interesting, but still timeless.
From designing all-star living spacestoperfecting room flow, our designers are chock-full of expert tips. Take our style quiz to get matched with your personal interior designer.