Small Living Room Makeover - Southern Living

Before

Smaller rooms can be the most popular ones in the house, allowing guests to sit close and enjoy each other’s company. That’s exactly how Southern Living Associate Photo Stylist Alan Henderson felt about his den. It was one of his favorite spaces, but he felt it needed some revamping to make it more inviting. Try his tricks for the same great look.

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

After

Alan decided to keep his existing furniture, so re-covering was in order. He chose two different fabrics to complement the color scheme in the room―a solid velvet and a synthetic suede paisley in shades of gold and brown. The pairing provides a subtle contrast while working perfectly together. A row of nail heads adds a distinctive touch and helps delineate where the two fabrics meet.

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Comfortable Coffee Table

The oversize ottoman that serves as a stylish coffee table is one of our favorite things in the room. It’s versatile and handsome. You can prop socked feet on it or stack books and a colorful throw on top for a more formal look.
Sometimes furniture intended for one purpose can do double duty. Use your imagination; you may have a pretty piece just waiting to serve a different function. Maybe a small end table works better as a plant stand, or a bookshelf can hold your TV or DVD player.

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Textured Walls

One of the most striking changes in this makeover occurred when Alan covered the walls in grass cloth. “I really liked what it gave to the room,” he says. “The weave is natural with black tones behind it, which pulls in the darker colors, such as the chocolate brown on the windows.”
Choices for natural fibers are numerous. If grass cloth doesn’t grow on you, pick a nice papyrus, burlap, reed, leather, or even silk wall covering.

Small Space Makeover

Before

After

Comfortable Coffee Table

Textured Walls