EASY LIVING ROOM REFRESH 🏡 How to Upgrade Your Home On A BUDGET!

An easy living room refresh (in just a weekend) surprisingly turned into a really budget friendly transformation! I think the new year is my favorite time of year because I love switching up my home and decor to wipe the slate clean and get ready for all the new seasons ahead. So today I'm sharing some new thrifted finds, a few simple touches + some secondhand furniture that completely transformed my living room into an elevated yet cozy lounge! It’s such a nice little refresh and an affordable way to keep the home feeling new.
How do you think it turned out? Comment below!
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✶ If you're new here, my name is LK and I'm a design focused renter in San Diego. I love California aesthetic, Thrifting, DIY + Vintage Home Decor!
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#interiordesign #thrifting #livingroommakeover

[@livingwithlk]

Share your simple and affordable room refresh tips with us here!

[@Stephanie-lg1cm]

The bookshelf was a visual upgrade, the table looks best by the door, it really does complete that area.

[@serenakoleno9338]

Would 💕 that bookshelf! The medieval chair could be great with an up-cycle to un-medieval it😂. Or just add a throw and cushion?

[@melodyprice2788]

I agree!!!

[@Sublimefireflyy]

The small table by the small wall looks very finished and elegant

[@livingwithlk]

Thank you!! I love it there 😊

[@michellebilodeau3882]

Yes.

[@user-he2so5jx6s]

I like how you make decorating attainable.Some "designers" make it seem so exhausting, overwhelming and expensive. You were able to do this project with ease and considerably inexpensive with your previous finds and items already in your home. And you made the room look more like a home instead of a showroom. Even when your decision wasn't quite clear you would "live with it" and make a final choice later. Thank you

[@livingwithlk]

Wow thanks so much for this! I really appreciate it😍

[@susanhart8495]

Your home is lovely and such a refreshing change from the current trend of white on white. I feel like your home shows who you are and that is a great compliment. The fireplace idea was good.

[@livingwithlk]

Thank you so much for this! 😊

[@shygirl-vg9re]

Love the bookcase but I would put the canisters (all 6) back in the kitchen and maybe add some greenery. Great lamps and shades and great curtains.

[@livingwithlk]

Thank you!! Haha the canisters were never in the kitchen! lol they are definitely the controversial decision of this video for sure! I really love them for now, they make me happy, and eventually this bookcase will change as I am always changing up my decor! Thank you so much for watching!

[@lbagley7630]

Love your style! It looks so good. Your talent for making seemingly random items work together is amazing! I want to walk around and enjoy every last detail.

[@livingwithlk]

haha thank you!

[@cherylswindells3845]

You have a great eye for decorating 😃👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼. I LOVE your new living room. With your TV - leave it on the mantle and rig a picture over it when it is not in use. The picture can have a little of the brick red color in it too. Also, the are tv mounts that you can pull the tv down a bit so you won’t strain your neck. It’s actually an easy fix. I absolutely love your new bookshelves and how you decorated them. 👍🏼

[@cathywilson5580]

Girl go over the fireplace color with some antique wax. It will make it match the hearth perfectly. Trust me 😊

[@livingwithlk]

I have some of that I might try it!

[@camper800]

I like how the red paint brings attention to the design. Any darker colour, even slightly darker, than the colour white would draw attention to the art deco design. The TV stand is so unique!

[@Eloiseat6]

I didn’t think I’d like the painted fireplace, but it really works! It’s beautiful. The plant in the pot next to it is perfection.

[@judybridges8796]

Bookcase is lovely, it looks kind of Danish Modern. This may sound terrible but I like that reading floor lamp just as is. Wabi Sabi baby! Love the imperfection.

[@judybridges8796]

Oh my gosh, I want that multi candle stand!!!

[@judybridges8796]

Your style is so warm and easy. A home to be cozy and comfortable.

[@livingwithlk]

yea!! I honestly have been living with it and enjoying it!!

[@livingwithlk]

aww thank you!!🥰🥰🥰

[@KattEyl]

I love the idea of painting the shapes around the fireplace. Makes it look warmer.

[@Tavel614]

The skinny table looks great by the door

[@sarahb3606]

The shoe rack and table look really good in the entryway and that bookcase was such a good find. I like the red paint on the fireplace and it does distract from the tv. I thought the tv easel would be a good solution but you were right, it did not work at all. The tv on the mantle thing is not ideal. Keep persevering you will find a solution!

[@apt221bbakerst]

I am with you on tvs. I really don't want to look at TVs unless I am using it. Some people put them in armoires, which would be too small for your tv, some get those TVs that you can digitally download a painting on it and hide it that way. I have a 21" tv and I have it inside a black bookcase which makes the tv not noticeable (black on black) till you use it which I love and I have seen someone build a cabinet in front of her's and put a print on the doors so you have art till you open the the doors to see the tv. A simple solution is go to A fabric store and find some tapestry/embroidered material and make a slip cover for it that way you can hide the tv, have art and take the slip cover off when you want to use it.

[@marygallagher7392]

One idea to make the TV blend in better with the fireplace is to color block the area. What if you painted the fireplace and the wall above a similar color of your sofa. The darker color would help the TV fade in a bit. Then paint the mantel and the tiles a color darker on the same paint strip. The red stands out a too much and doesn't go with the floor tiles.

[@skyegroome223]

If you get the adjustable tv mount, you can pull it away from the wall and pull it down or push it up and tilt it to whatever direction you want when you're using it and then push it back to its original position on the wall when you're done. It's still going to look like a black box in the room, but you won't have to strain your neck when watching it.

[@saraosborn1297]

Hey! Lampshades made of fabric (good vintage ones) can be washed with water. After vacuuming the dust, Soak in a tub with cold water and presto!

[@naomirichard1570]

I think the red around the fireplace looks great and i would definitely leave the reading lamp as it is. The patina is great. There are a couple of things that i would change. I didn't care for the canisters in the bookcase or the shoe rack in the living room... But hey, if you like it that's what matters most. You did a great job all in all!

[@livingwithlk]

Thanks for your kind opinion! 🥰

[@TheGiveittomeall]

Consider swapping clear lightbulbs for frosted. You won't get the shadows from the shade's wires frame.

[@livingwithlk]

interesting! nice tip! weirdly I am using frosted bulbs except for the one in the brass lamp

[@charleneblake1146]

I would either seperate the canisters or remove some of them. To me, they don't fit in the design. I do love the update!!

[@cathywilson5580]

Take fine steal wool to get rust out of lamp then either spray paint it. Or rub a buff paint.

[@harveydales2402]

I love the boldness of the color you painted on fireplace front. You could double down on this by getting a large pottery/ceramic piece and paint it this color. Or paint the front edge of the mantel the same color. Always try to go bigger if you can.

[@user-vp8gf2jh9s]

Your living room is so warm and cozy, drapes are huge improvement, I would sell the chair just doesn't work in there and take the canisters back to the kitchen, otherwise it is a top notch room!

[@susanvelez6534]

I would leave the little table in the entry way and put a cool bowl to catch your keys center the tall floor lamp in the middle of that window

[@blanchemoore5489]

The white chair looks best in the corner!

[@clarastratford5443]

Your eye for detail is so fantastic. I really love the careful approach of slowly acquiring each piece because you feel it is a work of art. Makes every part of your home special, and not just filled with things you need, but things that you also make you happy.

[@clarastratford5443]

And also that many of your new items where so cheap and second hand!!

[@livingwithlk]

Yes! They’re all things that make me happy and remind me of so many good times😊 Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@keys6]

Such a lovely room... nice furniture and great colours. Iam struggling with the condition of the walls and ceiling. Mine was the same and I had them plaster skimmed...now super smooth. I think skimming the walls would be of great benefit. 😊

[@livingwithlk]

Oh cool! I am actually a renter so I can’t do that as the owner wants to maintain the integrity of the “spanish revival style” of the home but I agree sometimes I wish I had smooth walls! Maybe one day if we can figure out how to buy it haha!

[@kelleybishop6275]

Regarding the fireplace, they don't usually have base boards on the front of a fireplace. 👍🏼

[@veronicam.hernandez5351]

Love the bookcase! The table looks good on that small wall. The TV looks good on the mantle.

[@livingwithlk]

I am still loving it so much til this day! Thank you!

[@nancyh1990]

That synergy commentary made me chuckled 😆On another note, bringing the red/burgandy inside was such a good choice. I would have never consider that. The red tile is a little too neat/smooth compared to the terracotta red. Maybe adding a secondary color to create a texture will make the tile and brick look more cohesive. The bookshelf was such a steal! Love how the home is coming together.

[@livingwithlk]

Haha thanks Nancy!

[@sophiafarah8246]

Keep the small table next to the front door! Looks amazing

[@donnaleonard276]

U can add some brown rub & buff to the fire place. Table looks best on wall. Vintage is a keeper. Shine it with some furniture wax. 👍🏽👍🏽

[@kimberleyalexander8943]

You should add a longer mirror above the small table by door The small one is slightly out of balance I love what you did with ur space I’m really liking your videos The use of vintage and thrifted items The warmth and ease of your home really gives me similar vibes to my style so I find you very great for helping me tweak spaces ❤❤❤❤

[@MsArtistwannabe]

I had a similar bookshelf. I bought it brand new in 1986.

[@halashamsan4761]

loved your living room makeover, and the vibes , looks cozy and personal

[@livingwithlk]

Thank you! I thought about that when we moved in! But I don’t want our backs to the beautiful big window and the front door it feels off for us.

[@maurawhelan3530]

Love the architectural style of home! Don’t love the red on fireplace but feel the part you painted does pop.Nice job

[@sandraweiler5971]

I don’t know what it is about you that reminds me of Drew Barrymore! 🌸❣️🌸

[@livingwithlk]

Haha dang! I have gotten that ALL my life! But am totally flattered because I think she’s so cute and fun 😊

[@e.jackson3067]

Yes she does look like Drew😊

[@stacysherwood1209]

Paint the table by the door the same red you used on the fireplace. Put the tv to the right of the bookshelf on the stand. Better to block that window a little than the bigger one.

[@mosha3007]

The little table fits perfectly in the entryway.

[@angela86753]

I'm a new sub. You did a wonderful job pulling that room together. Wood, art, and lighting is key. P.S. I want to go where you're thrifting.

[@livingwithlk]

Hi and welcome! Thanks so much : ) I thrift so much -- that's the secret haha I just go EVERYWHERE

[@aevan8tor]

love the combo of spanish/art deco style comboed with the midcentury modern!!

[@livingwithlk]

Thank you!’ That’s exactly the eclectic vibe I’m going for 🥰

[@dawnprimerano8255]

Fireplace looks amazing!

[@enlightndark6671]

CONSIDER PAINTING THE WHITE FIREPLACE a deeper offwhite (The extreme white clashes with the red, A WARM TAUPE mimicking raw plaster will work with the red painted tiles & highlight your entire fireplace even more, spanish tiles are also mosaic) PLEASE DONT CLEAN THE VINTAGE BRASS LIGHT- (patina is lovely). FOLLOW LONE FOX, HIS HOME is also SPANISH REVIVAL plaster & brown trim with vintage thrift for more ideas about space layout. He put his TV in an armoire.

[@shaunnarochelle]

love your style. and I love that you shared your process of the bookshelf in real time and your decision making.

[@livingwithlk]

Thank you so much! Appreciate you hanging out 😊

[@stevedavis9742]

Really impressed by your refresh. Liz

[@livingwithlk]

Thanks, Liz!!

[@amandaespurvoa7498]

Very fun room ❤ You could frame the tv and hang, youtube has art channels you can play on it 😊

[@kimmieb2u]

The "lip" on the bookshelves is supposed to face down. Its just there to make the shelf look chunkier. Thats an 80s bookshelf and i have one like it.

[@karenronquillo8367]

Making a vinegar and flour mixture and putting it on the brass lamp should help clean it up. There’s lots of different methods online. I’ve only tried the vinegar and flour one. It works!

[@livingwithlk]

I will try the flour part! Never done that, hope it works cause nothing has so far haha

[@marilyns6043]

Paint the mantle the tile color, too. It will feel more intentional.

[@Dana-fn5zt]

I can’t believe how you put nails into that beautiful bookcase, you should’ve use Velcro strips those ones that pull off when you’re done with them. I haven’t watch the whole video but I think it would look really cute if you put that bench next to the bookcase. I just found your channel.

[@mlougrowden6152]

I like what you’ve done I think the paint that you did looks perfect. You’ve got a knack for design. Trust yourself.

[@livingwithlk]

This is so sweet thank you!

[@lisapieper3598]

Excellent job with the shelves, the rearranging & fireplace. You have great taste! Thanks for sharing!

[@livingwithlk]

Thanks so much for the kind words and hanging out with me!

[@dlmosaic]

Wonder what a light antique glaze would look like over the paint on the fireplace? Just a thought. It’s beautiful! Great job!!

[@BrookeJohnsonTheJunkParlor]

Definitely love the height of the bookcase and love the fireplace pop of red!

[@livingwithlk]

Thank you!!

[@Pstanich]

Frame out the tv and connect it to a KZbin art video. Lean into it. That will elevate the look and appear very intentional

[@kimrodriguez921]

The bookshelf was a great idea. Love all the light in it!

[@livingwithlk]

Thanks so much!

[@leslieschmitt7749]

I really enjoyed your video … I thought the estate sale table looks wonderful in the entry!! ❤😊

[@dg8273]

So glad I found your channel! Love the changes.

[@wendyloy6265]

First time viewer, but wow do we have a similar vibe. I have so many shelving units,( mcm collector) and like you ,I’m drawn to unique or sculptural pieces. I never tire of rearranging my displays. I too love playing with light, I have enough lamps that I display my overflow collection in my master. My stairway is an art and plant gallery. Can’t wait to go back and watch all of your content, and look forward to more. My friends tell me I should have a channel, but I’m happy watching others❤

[@livingwithlk]

Hi!👋🏼That is awesome! I totally encourage anyone to make a KZbin but it is a lot of work haha. I’m so glad this site is connecting me with my people!! Happy to have you here😊

[@unfortun8ely]

love the table in that entryway vignette with the mirror way better than at the window :)

[@livingwithlk]

yay me too!

[@katrish786]

OMG, so cozy & homey.

[@sharon-qc3gn]

Good job, and I was thinking about lights for my bookcase, just today! Thank you 😊

[@livingwithlk]

Perfect! I am SO obsessed with it - makes such an impact!

[@jonicabeird4657]

Wow awww nice! Even if you don't keep the exact color of the fireplace, painting it is so cool. Great job on the bookcase. Your style is great!

[@livingwithlk]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@gifthippy8670]

My 2 cents: Really good! Table on entry wall way better. Spread the furniture on the rug out a bit, maybe too close together. Personally think tvs should be small and only in bedrooms for when you feel sick (laptops go everywhere), or a really big one in a dedicated "theatre" den, which could be a guest bedroom with bed as some of the seating. Music/record players are better for the main living spaces.Mantle paint is too pink, match closer to terra cotta.

[@anidebezibeautyandlifestyle]

I love your livingroomdecor 😍

[@louisesuffolk]

Love the bookcase and the fire as well

[@livingwithlk]

😊Glad to hear! Thank you for watching!

[@maryharper9321]

The tv stand was a no go for me as well as the kitchen canisters in the book shelf .. the curtains were great the entry table too

[@livingwithlk]

I'm obsessed with the curtains! I wish the TV stand would have worked but its all good, the TV isn't a sin or anything haha -- modern design is all about form follows function so I think its ok to accept the function of our home which sometimes is watching TV ☺

[@winyahviewer2228]

reviews on tv stand called it unsafe in homes with pets and small children.

[@tomtensecretlanguage9273]

We had the same shelves in the 1980s.

[@livingwithlk]

cool!

[@briandasalas8111]

To clean the lamp I would suggest bar keepers. It’s kinda like baking soda but it says it cleans brass. I used it on some candlesticks I thrifted and omg it brought back the shine in no time!

[@livingwithlk]

I love bar keepers! I’ll try it!

[@onewomanandsomesongs]

I absolutely love your style, pure perfection! So inviting and cozy.

[@livingwithlk]

So sweet thank you!!😍🥹

[@SometimeAgo65]

Looks wonderful

[@donnapecoraro3126]

Yes to table next to the door. My tip Is use rings that hook on for all curtains you want to be able to move on the rod. TV over mantel is awful, a beautiful fireplace and then the big black rectangle. But i don’t think that easel solution is it. Love your lampshade switch. The hearth front, I like the maroon but I don’t like that the rest of it is so white. Too white. Love that bookshelf, wow what a bargain. Could it be teak? Love your styling of the shelves. ( but no cannisters)

[@judybridges8796]

I hope you keep the old chair. It has so much character and open front small table DEFINITELY to the right of the entry door. It’s perfect there!!

[@LisaSanCrom]

Re: the big black box. Have you seen tried the tv mount that comes out & down to a (theoretically) more comfortable watching height? I’m considering one for our family room. 😊

[@livingwithlk]

I thought about this! I need to look into it a bit more

[@diannajohnston4558]

😊we have the Frame TV and we love it….personalized it with a go,d antique frame and play art all day everyday….ours is the Matt finish and soooooo many people have to come up really close to verify it is actually 5he TV. I love it because I HATE TV ON A WALL OR ANYWHERE

[@diannajohnston4558]

But sorry NO on the paint8ng the fireplace trim

[@sososanchez3512]

Yass to the lamp shades. 🎉❤

[@julialimbrick333]

If you decide to keep the red on the fireplace maybe you could trade out one of the pillows on the sofa with one that has some red in it just to move the red around the room a little bit. I saw where you were going with the bookshelf but it just seemed really cluttered and I didn’t know what you wanted me to look at or maybe take some things off it was a bit much.

[@christinelilly1340]

I’m not sure about the canisters on the shelves-looks like they should be in the kitchen. Loving the rest! You have a good eye!

[@livingwithlk]

Thank you!!🙃

[@sandrastrobel1254]

Love the fireplace color.

[@candiekrupowicz340]

You rocked the changes!!

[@livingwithlk]

Thank you!!

[@nanalynne]

It looks great! Love the fireplace and cabinet.

[@livingwithlk]

Thanks so much!

[@dawnsullivan7325]

it's beautiful

[@fromhumblebeginnings7798]

The fireplace tiles should be "antiqued" with a brown glaze to tone it down a bit. Get the TV off of the mantle and move it next to the chair next to the fireplace. The chair adds to the "black box" and draws attention there. Move the chair next to the bookcase (new one) and the cute 2-level table to the window area behind where the chair was. That will spread the weight around the room more. Just a thought. You have a beautiful eye for decor!!

[@darleneprice3492]

Good job everything looks great.

[@Lemoncatsf]

Wow beautiful! Love your home and style. I have a very similar chair to the Spanish style one that you aren’t sure about. I personally think it looks great in the space, but you could consider having it reupholstered if the black is too dark for you.

[@namyohorengekyo]

Wowww, very good! I like your style! I'm new here, but I would like to suggest some small upgrades that I have recently done to my house and they changed the whole vibe in better. Put the TV on the wall with a bracket and cover the cables with stickers cover cables (I don't know the name of it 🤣) A larger mirror will fit better your entryway area. And I would live the space under the window empty so all the room will looks larger. Those are just my opinions 😊❤️

[@livingwithlk]

Thanks for the ideas! I agree about the window 😊

[@michellegreen155]

you can find some great Art work on KZbin that have frames around them. Lone Fox has his tv on a painting easel.

[@libbyhinson4676]

Looks great! ❤😊

[@dusty1754]

Nicely done!

[@hazelfreniere510]

i love your style so much

[@jilllehmann3891]

Hi great transformation you made the bookcase and the rest of the room very interesting. On your bookcase I love the bookends at video time 24.17 ..can you tell me what they are made of and if you didn't thrift it where did you buy it. Thanks so much

[@lorikorstanje2964]

incredible, looks great !

[@livingwithlk]

Thanks Lori!

[@kozykitten4050]

03/27/2024: Absolutely amazing. You have created a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. Very friendly and inviting. Love what you did to the fireplace. You know who you are and your space reflects that confidence. Magazine Ready.

[@livingwithlk]

Wow, thank you!😍

[@thriftlover3032]

I like the small table for the entry wall!

[@livingwithlk]

yay thank you!!

[@katiecoleman9847]

Use Rub N Buff on the lamp.

[@jackandlill]

You nailed this sister!! LOVE how cozy the space is & all of the warm colors. I think the color on the fireplace is indeed fire!! lol! Little entry way table is perfection in that spot! I know the tv is a drag - but either go for the Frame tv or though you've probably considered this since you got the tripod but an easel might, could be a more artful approach? - but would take up more space... I don't think the tv looks bad over the fireplace but I know you said it bothers your necks to watch so that's the bummer! Hope you are enjoying this space in good health! I sure enjoyed watching it come to life!

[@livingwithlk]

Thank you so much!!! :D

[@janpayne7595]

I think the red on the FP cheapens the way it looks. I prefer it all the same color- maybe a creamy white.

[@caronadams4486]

Looks like kitchen canisters in the living room on the shelves...I'd find something else...sometimes less is better too. I like what you did with the fireplace and the table looks great under the mirror. I'd take the dark chair next to the fireplace out and put the floor plant there instead.

[@michellemaddon7952]

Morning! New subscriber from Boston! Love your refresh and am looking at some of your previous videos...your style is my style!😊❤

[@livingwithlk]

Hii!! 👋 Thank you so much! ❤ Welcome!