Before and After: Fresh Spring Living Room

Before, this living room was filled with neutral hues, but a new season means this room is ready for a fresh look. Thanks to furnishings with good lines, all this space needs is a splash of color, a few do-it-yourself projects, and lots of light to make it ready for spring.

A pink-and-green color palette and blooms throughout the living room create a space that celebrates spring. Before, the sectional sofa faced the fireplace, but splitting it into a pair of love seats creates an airy look and helps foster conversation. Colorful accents on the sofa, above the fireplace, and in the nook give this living room the cheery makeover it needs.

To brighten the living room, the fireplace bump-out is painted white. Not only does this open up the space, but accents pop against the white background. Pink and green foam balls covered in fabric flowers (available at kids' decorating stores) hang from ribbon to create sculptural artwork above the mantel, which is painted apple green.

Containing sparks isn't the only function a fireplace screen plays in the living room. During the months when the fire is out, put the screen to work as an unexpected accent. Brighten a dark fireplace by painting the screen a bright hue. First spray the screen with a metal primer, then finish with multiple coats of colorful spray paint. Apple green completes the pink-and-green motif. To finish, dress the screen with magnetic flower shapes (available at a crafts store or children's furniture shop).

A bold area rug pops against the neutral love seats and ottoman. Carpet tiles in pink, green, red, and gray arranged on a diagonal add a geometric design and color to the space. Carpet tiles are a fun and budget-savvy alternative to an area rug.

You don't have to buy new pieces to give your space a new look. Floral fabric with a light background wraps around the leather ottoman. The fabric adds a dose of color to the room and transforms the ottoman from formal to casual. The edges of the fabric are hemmed with fusible web, and the ends are pinned to the ottoman's underside.

Colorful throw pillows add spring flair to the sofas. Pair a patterned pillow with solid-color pillows in shades pulled from the patterned fabric. Tie the room together by using the same fabric on the ottoman and a throw pillow. For the pillow, sew a simple square and stuff with batting. Use fabric scraps to embellish store-bought pillows. Here, a fabric sash dresses up the pink pillow.

Turn an unused corner into a cozy spot for reading or chatting. A bistro table and two lightweight chairs create an inviting scene. Flowers are used throughout the corner. Floral seat cushions, large floral wall art, and even real flowers on the table all signal that spring has sprung. Carpet tiles create a small area rug and tie this area to the main living room.

Longer days are a benefit of spring, so let in the sun! Choose lightweight window treatments and keep them open. For a fun and inexpensive tieback, cinch the panel in the middle with a fabric belt.

Give the tabletop a garden-ready look with scrapbook paper. Choose a pretty paper pattern and sandwich the paper under the glass for a no-fuss update.

Turn the nook into a cozy sitting area by placing the corner piece of the sectional and the arm chairs in this area. Add throw pillows and seat cushions in bright colors for a cozy retreat. Cheerful window treatments, lighting fixtures, and wall art all add spring flair to this space.

Draw the eye to the ceiling with a fun light fixture. A trio of pendant lights creates a whimsical chandelier. Use pendant light kits and decorate the shades with paper or other scrapbooking accents.

Artwork doesn't have to cost a fortune. This gallery setup looks like it cost big bucks, but really it was $4. Use spray adhesive to apply scrapbooking paper to ceramic tiles. Attach epoxy wood blocks of different depths to the back of each tile and screw each block into the wall. Using the same paper for this art project and on the bistro table ties the space together.

Choose unexpected materials for window treatments. Colorful aprons tied to cup hooks make instant café curtains. The colorful floral pattern adds spring flair to the space and ties all the colors in the room together.

See how a few simple color, wall art, and accent changes give this room a new look each season.