A new year is a fresh start, so now that 2023 has begun, you might be thinking about updating your home’s interior. If this is the case, you’ll want to pay special attention to the living room, as this is where most people tend to spend a lot of their time at home. 

Before you start decorating your living room, it’s a good idea to think about what to include in its design – and what to avoid. Not sure where to begin? This list will help you get started. 

1. Display cabinets 

Placing a display cabinet in your living room is a great way to keep photos, books and other items where everyone can see them, and prevents them from cluttering up the coffee table. Plus, depending on the style of cabinet you choose, everything inside it should be within easy reach. 

While it might be tempting to just get a bookcase to put everything on, this won’t look as neat and organised, and won’t enhance the overall look of the room the way a display cabinet will. 

2. Electric fireplace 

Your living room’s design can include elements that are not just aesthetically pleasing, but also practical. An electric fireplace will help to keep the room warm during winter. Plus, they’re available in a range of styles, so you should be able to find one that suits your living room’s design regardless of the look you’re going for. 

An electric fireplace is a much better choice for most living rooms than a traditional fireplace, as you’ll have more options when it comes to its appearance. They’re also a lot easier to keep clean, and you’ll have more control over the temperature than you would with a coal or wood fire. While you might like the idea of a real fire, in reality it’s not very convenient. Avoid the traditional fireplace and go electric instead. 

3. Wall art 

Hanging art on the walls is a simple yet creative way to add a touch of character to the room. It’s particularly effective when art is placed over a blank wall, with a frame to accentuate it and help it stand out. You might want to avoid putting art over patterned wallpaper, as too many colours and patterns layered over each other can be overwhelming and make the room feel smaller. On a similar note, you don’t need to cover every inch of the wall in paintings, as this will make the wall look cluttered and make it hard to focus on and appreciate any one piece of art.

4. Houseplants 

While you don’t want to crowd your living room with plants, one or two plants can do a lot to make the room look more interesting. This is particularly true if you’re using mainly neutral tones for your walls and furniture, as leaves and flowers will add a splash of colour. There are many low-maintenance varieties of houseplant, but if you’d rather not look after a plant at all, other ways to brighten up the room include placing patterned rugs on the floor, or covering the sofa with a colourful throw and cushions. 

And there you have it – just a few of the top trends (and things to avoid) when renovating your living room this year.