Adding a new look to a living room is a great way to get more out of the space where your family spends the most time. Foot traffic and day to day wear will take their toll on old materials. Take a little time to plan out what you need to do and then dive in with the following DIY projects.

Windows and Walls

Tired of the occasional blast of cold air leaking through dated windows? Invest in energy-efficient double or triple-pane models. These are designed to allow infrared light that produces heat into your home and does not allow it to escape. The extra dollars spent on quality glass will be recouped with the money saved on gas bills. Consider attaching dual shades on the frames to control light levels as well. Old wallpaper and wainscoting present a great opportunity to enhance the overall feel of the area. Rip all this aged material out and go with modern colors that match the furniture decor. A tip to remember when applying paint is to use the finest grade rollers available. This avoids tiny fibers detaching and sticking to your handiwork.

Choose a Solid Base

A popular option for covering the subfloor is to use engineered hardwood. This type of material is not glued or nailed down. Instead, pieces are locked together via rubber mallet in a tongue and groove fashion. The result is a “floating floor” where the parts are only attached to themselves. The main benefit of this style is that the components are able to contract and expand with the seasons without warping or cracking.

Accessorize

Once the labor-intensive jobs are complete, it’s time for the finishing touches. Save space by mounting brackets to hold a flat-screen tv on the wall. Very little electrical experience is needed to hook up a programmable thermostat and it will also keep your wallet fat due to the savings on heating costs. Lastly, take a look at replacing light fixtures or adding lamps where more brightness is desired.