How to Refresh an Unused Living Room and Actually Use It

We moved into our home four years ago, and the first thing I wanted to do was open up the boxy layout and remove the wall between our living and family rooms. But, the entire wall is HVAC and the only way to reroute it had a hefty price tag attached. So, our living room has been one of those spaces that looked nice on the surface but rarely got used. Aside from the holidays, when we host around 30 people, it mostly sits untouched. The layout wasn’t functional, and the overall feel didn’t invite everyday use. If you’re wondering how to refresh an unused living room, I’m sharing what worked for us and why this room is now one of our favorite spots in the house.

Why We Weren’t Using Our Living Room

We weren’t using the living room space because it just didn’t feel inviting. It was a holding area for extra furniture we didn’t use, there was no rug to ground the room, and the farmhouse-style decor no longer felt like me. It wasn’t cozy, cohesive, or functional, so we naturally avoided it.

Choosing the Right Paint Color for a Cozy Feel

The first thing I tackled was the paint. The original light grey walls weren’t doing the room any favors. It felt flat and uninspired, especially since this room gets beautiful natural light. I wanted something bold, cozy, and timeless. I was initially going to paint the room green, but after endless paint samples and not finding the perfect shade, I switched gears to a dark navy blue. The winner was Sherwin-Williams Naval, which was the perfect choice. The rich navy instantly added depth and character, setting the tone for the rest of the room.

How to Refresh an Unused Living Room with Purpose

We grounded the space with a rug, and I swapped out the old gallery wall of mismatched art for black and white family photography that felt personal and modern. I also found some incredible oversized photographs at an art show that tied into the room’s moodiness. Yet, I still debated how to best utilize the space. It looked a hundred times better, but we still didn’t use it.

I considered moving our dining room into this space, or even flipping the function of our family room and living room altogether. But one evening, while having friends over for dinner, it hit me: we didn’t have a true conversation area in our home. Just the big sectional in the family room that’s centered around the TV.

That’s when I realized what this space really needed: a parlor feel. A place to unwind, sip a glass of wine, read a book, or have a long chat with friends. That became the goal.

Furniture and Layout That Invites Conversation

Once I knew the room’s purpose, everything clicked. I brought in two comfortable club chairs, a drink table, and a sleek coffee table to anchor the space. I rearranged the layout to make conversation easier and to connect the seating area better. It feels much more intentional. The room finally flows, and it actually gets used!

From Wasted Space to Everyday Retreat

The change has been night and day. What was once a forgotten room is now the first place we go to relax. It feels warm and inviting. Whether it’s morning coffee or an evening wind-down, we’ve found new ways to enjoy our home simply by reimagining how we use our space.

If you’re thinking about how to refresh an unused living room, know that you don’t need to do a full renovation. Focus first on how you want to use the space. Ask yourself how the space could serve your everyday life, and then go for it.

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