40 Incredible Living Room Makeover Before And After Photos

The heart of the home is generally considered the kitchen, the space where everyone gathers around for meals. However, anyone can easily argue that the living room is the true core. Its sole purpose is to relax, unwind, and connect with others. We kick our feet up, escape with a movie marathon or good book, and entertain friends, so the living room should be comfortable, but it should also be attractive.

According to Good Housekeeping, the living room should be where most of your design efforts occur. You can put careful and intentional planning towards the textures and colors you decide to bring in, the layout that will give you a nice flow, and the style or mood you'd like the room to evoke. If your living room looks a little worse for the wear, or you're starting fresh in a new home, look through these 40 before and after makeover photos. They will inspire and motivate you to put a little love into a space that will love you back.

The warm neutral tones, soft textures, and plants are inviting at the end of a long day. The old, vertical blinds were replaced with modern pull-down shades and curtains, while the empty wall became a small art gallery.

The most obvious difference is the updated fireplace with darker features, the new mantle with a mirror, and the tall shiplap wall. The sofa and side chair were swapped out for more size-appropriate pieces. A new rug, coffee table, and wall-mounted shelving unit were added to give the room visual interest.

This room feels infinitely brighter and more open after replacing the window treatments with simple tall curtains and painting the walls a lighter color. The floating wood shelves, leather chairs, and the statement side table are just a few of the décor pieces that bring the space to life.

While on the small side, the space is cozy and charming when completed. The light floorboards mix well with the white couch and beige curtains, while pops of darker colors, such as the brown wicker ottoman and gray patterned pillows, add a nice contrast.

Even though the changes were purely cosmetic, they made an impressive difference in the space. The blinds were replaced with tall curtains that light up the whole room when left open. The lighter couch and wall pieces flanking the fireplace are a much better match for the paint and floor tones.

The biggest difference between the old space and this one is the removal of a wall, which creates an open concept layout. However, that wasn't the only change that helped to brighten the whole area. Painting the walls a lighter color and adding white furniture also creates a sunny mood.

There's a lovely contrast between the light and the dark features, along with the separation between the relaxation and work zones. The patterned accent wall provides a fun and unique focal point.

Keeping the layout the same, this new living space is much more welcoming and on-trend. The neutral furniture and area rug warm it up while new artwork, plant, and statement light fixtures bring in a much-needed style.

The transformation of this space certainly did not disappoint. Two large built-in units with task lights flank the focal point, which is the fireplace. The owner took a classic approach to the décor, but some subtle trendier pieces keep it fresh.

One of the most noticeable differences in this room is the paint color. The blue walls were colored white, adding an overall brightness to the space. The floors were redone, the built-in shelves were removed, and the fireplace was painted a matte black. Simple décor, a window treatment, and a statement light fixture finish it off nicely.

Keeping the original hardwood flooring and window trims was an excellent choice; they serve as the backdrop for the rest of the design. The fireplace was painted a dark hue to make it pop, while the mix of patterns, greenery, and white drapes give the living room a fresh aesthetic.

Subtle changes were implemented in this room, but they made all the difference. The wall opposite the couch was painted in a dark, rich shade, and an accent wooden slat area shines in the space. An area rug brings in visual interest, while a tidier bay window sill removes some of the visual clutter.

This makeover is truly a thing of beauty and doesn't exude the look or feel of a basement whatsoever. On the contrary, the décor is on-trend, the greenery brings some sparks of life into the space, and the lit-up sign gives the illusion of brightness.

Now, this is a living room worth relaxing in. The tile floors were replaced with hardwood, and a beautiful area rug was added. The furniture is more size appropriate while new curtains and mantel freshen up the space. What's more amazing? The added visual interest from both the gallery wall and extensive bookshelves.

This space is nearly unrecognizable from its former state. Two smaller and light-colored sofas replaced the old, ill-fitting, L-shaped couch. A console, coffee table, and end table serve as functional yet aesthetic features, while the white walls and the hanging mirror help brighten the room.

While the TV console was kept, it is no longer necessary to use it as a planter for a distraction. The blinds were replaced with drapes, letting a lot of light in, and the chair was moved to face it. Neutral décor pieces create a chic look.

Keeping with the spirit of the sunshine hues on the couch, this living room is now a vibrant mix of yellow and green. The change in the layout creates a more welcoming environment, and t space also benefits from new lighting fixtures, drapes, and greenery.

The choice to paint the window casings in black was bold but beautiful. Bringing in matching accent pieces such as the curtain rods, lamp, coffee table, and pillows brings the entire room together. Lastly, the new, larger, L-shaped sofa is a more size-appropriate fit for the space.

Fortunately, the curtains were swapped for new ones in both a lighter material and color, which, in turn, brightened the room. The furniture fills the space beautifully and creates a luxury finish.

This room is barely recognizable but in a good way. The color-blocked peach walls are now white with accent gold-framed décor. Brand new couches and pillows replaced the previous tired-looking ones and are in a more appropriate placement within the living room. Overall, the space looks more brilliant than before.

A large, plush L-shaped sofa is the star of the living room and can hold an ample number of people instead of the previous furniture. The coffee table is now more appropriate for the size of the space and is a more modern match for the décor.

The lighter flooring and white trimmed molding alone help to brighten the entire space. The new artwork and furniture, such as the couch, update the décor, and oversized curtains and rods make the room seem much larger than it actually is.

This made-over living room's mostly black and gold motif does not disappoint. With the TV moved for the purpose of hanging a sizable painting, a couch was also positioned to center the built-ins. Matching tripod lamps and a bar cart add a delightful touch.

With the layout being the same, subtle décor changes were made that drastically improved the look of this living room. Now, candlestick sconces flank the TV, and matching black and white framed photos adorn the high ledge. The furniture was upgraded except for the TV stand, which was painted a much darker color for contrast.

The décor chosen for this living room is the epitome of class: Neutral furniture arranged to face the fireplace allows for an intimate and cozy atmosphere. Bookcases were added for additional storage, and the delicate touches on the mantle complete the look.

The simple exchange of rugs would have been enough to make a massive difference in the space. But small swaps such as in the artwork, pillows, and furniture placement also help uplevel the whole living room.

Two matching sofas replaced the mish-mosh of chairs, and that change alone makes a massive difference in the space. The oak wood coffee table was repurposed by giving it a simple paint job, and a long, high curtain rod with drapes dresses up the windows.

The dark-hued blue walls and unique, gray light fixture not only look stunning in the space but also add the element of intention when it comes to the design. The records in a cabinet clean up the room, and the black and white artwork brings it all together.

It's hard to believe that this is even the same room as before. The carpet has been replaced with stunning black and white tiles, and the entire room was painted a pale pink, including the trim on the octagon windows and fireplace. Delicate wood trim was added, as was new furniture to update the space.

The addition of the wall molding was an excellent decision as it gave the space some visual interest. White walls and both the light-toned sofa and area rug brighten the room, while modern shaped décor such as the end table and floor lamp give the space an artful appearance.

Retaining the round wood coffee table was a good call as it anchors the rest of the room. The modern white couch fits against the wall much better than the last one, allowing for a better walkway. The brown and black boho accents and the greenery freshens up the whole space.

This newly designed room packs a lot of style in a small space. The brown and cream color scheme and the plants and natural décor pieces are delightfully relaxing.

The room is now set up to be both a living area and a home office with the zones clearly separated. All of the furniture has been replaced with more modern and size-appropriate pieces. The addition of an area rug was the best choice.

The addition of armchairs, coffee, end tables, and a stool bring both style and seating into the space. In addition, natural décor accents and greenery assist in making it feel homey.

While uncomplicated, this transformation is still a charming one. The original flooring was kept while the trim was painted white to blend in with the walls, and an area rug was added to warm up the sitting area. The furniture and décor were kept simple yet appealing.

The wagon wheel candle chandelier is truly the star of this makeover. Aside from that, the new furniture, classic décor, and simple mantle styling refine this room from its previous state.

This made-over living room is now the ultimate relaxation spot. A soft, neutral couch and hanging rattan chair create snug seating, and the plants are a breath of fresh air in the space.

The new space packs a serious style punch even with different elements mixed together. One of the most impactful differences is the hunter green walls, with the removal of the carpet a close second. In addition, a new leather couch was brought in and also moved away from the wall, allowing for a better flow within the room.

The new sectional sofa creates a more friendly environment and provides a better layout for the living room. A simple, single-area rug replaced the multitude of smaller ones, and floating shelves now use the vertical storage space.

The old living room pales in comparison to its current state. Now, it showcases the art deco style elements through the geometric shapes in the armchair, TV stand, and wallpaper pattern. The brilliant emerald and gold accent wall pairs perfectly with the gold accent furniture, light fixture, and long curtains.