If the plans you had for your house have fallen off because of financial reasons or because of a lack of motivation and time What can you do to manage living in a house which is less show-home and more shabby in the meantime?

A simple solution that can help you stay sane could be making your living space the center of attention. It can be transformed into an elegant place for cocktails and conversations and a peaceful, clean cocoonor a cozy family space, by completely redesigning one space, you’ll be able to create a space to get away from the chaos of your home. It could even inspire you to stick with the plan for the next renovation project.

“That’s the only thing the pandemic brought about — it made us] all aware that the homes we live in are our sanctuary,” says interior architect Aoife Tobin from stylesosimple.com. “It’s crucial to have a space which is comfortable, one that you can relax in the evening and turn off, particularly when working at home.”

Sometimes, I believe that people have to accept the dark. It’s not always easy but the lighting, fabrics and textures is what visually makes us feel more cozy.

— Sarah Petersen of Dan Eire Designs

Ideally, you should begin by renovating your kitchen and creating a common space, Tobin says. But even at the low end of the market for kitchens it’s the foundations of EUR7,000. “If you’re unable to afford this, then the living area is second in line,” she says. Although you may feel like investing every dollar in the entire renovation, “you have to live also” and be happy in your home. “I do not see anything wrong with dividing your home into rooms room.”

If a customer had an amount of for instance, EUR5,000 to completely make their living room a new one what advice would she give?

“It’s an excellent spending plan,” Tobin says. “If I could afford it, I’d happy.” But the budget could be used fast on things like joinery or the sofa.

Fortunately, there are extremely good sofa brands with offers constantly on. Tobin selected DFS’s Tom sofa in steel grey velvet while decorating her living area in her apartment in order to get an Studio McGee (of the Netflix show) look.

Many of her customers will already own a furniture from Ikea and if they’re at a loss to alter it, she would highly recommend the company Bemz that makes affordable linen-look furniture covers that are specifically designed for sofas from Ikea, the Swedish furniture company.

Interior architect Aoife Tobin’s room prior to living Interior designer Aoife Tobin’s redesigned living room

Relaxing on a luxurious sofa is the norm for living spaces, with L-shaped couches, corner sofas and chaises that are popular with families. Sarah Petersen of Dan Eire Designs claims that in a project in Galway her clients have chosen U-shaped couches because they wish their sitting room to be “complete living space”.

If the space is used mostly at night, Petersen says you can darken the walls even in rooms facing north. “I believe that sometimes we need to be able to face the darkness,” she says. “It isn’t always easy but your lighting , textiles and textures are the thing that visually creates a feeling of warmth.”

Although a budget of $5,000 is plenty for a room, Petersen notes that built-ins (bespoke storage) can consume the bulk of the budget. There are, however, clever ways to achieve this coveted style for less than half the price.

“You are able to purchase MDF shelves that can be cut to size if you’ve got an experienced carpenter on the way … as well as then paint them in the same shade like the wall,” she advises. “Just put them in the alcoves. Then, start designing them using a combination of plants, books lamps, and other items you’ve collected throughout the many years.”

Candles create a cozy glow and a diffuser filled with essential oils can transform your room into a peaceful room.

Jennifer Grace, director of Dublin interiors firm The Good Room, says that if storage is present in the space, she’d occasionally suggest painting it or installing LED lighting or doors. “This could really change the look of an outdated built-in unit, and is extremely economical.”

Don’t overlook the transformational effect of scatter cushions! “I have an autumn set and a sets for winter,” Grace says, “and I alternate them each year, using the same fillers , but changing the covers.”

In the meantime, Davina O’Connell Hanley of Dernish Designs suggests adding a rug to conceal scratches and spills instead of shelling out cash on flooringbut don’t skimp on the dimensions. “Opt for a rug big enough that all furnishings’ legs rest either on or in contact with that kukoon rugs” Davina says.

For window treatments it is possible to make the illusion of the height of your curtains by hanging them at the highest point you can O’Connell-Hanley enjoys the idea of a sheer curtain to create a luxurious look.

She also suggests choosing gentle, warm lighting instead of anything flashy or cool. Candles provide a cozy light, and diffusers with essential oils can turn the space into an “calming area” she adds.

Then, throw on an oversized knit blanket and an ice cold glass of wine, close the door on the mess in the other room and you’ll are: your ideal night-time retreat.

Panel 1. My living room revamp

Coastal moodboard

Despite all the inspiration accessible via Houzz Instagram as well as Pinterest, it’s a struggle for the novice decorator to create the style that is in their minds So I decided to sign up for a short consult by Dernish Designs to help rescue our boring living room from its boring style.

From the pictures I sent Davina along with my vague request for the “cosy beach” design, Davina was successful in designing the space I was looking for but wasn’t capable of articulating -it was like she was reading my thoughts.

My favorite part of this design features the reading nook that our kids can enjoy I also like the innovative addition of wall lights powered by batteries (PS81 available from amazon.co.uk) that can enhance the atmosphere without the cost of wiring the alcoves. The acrylic painting is available on Etsy (EUR482) as well as the light is available together with EZ Living (EUR97.30). The mirror is made by Ikea (EUR70).

So so far, I’ve painted the walls with Colortrend’s Sheepskin (finally I’ve found the neutral that has ended!) and I’m working on the rest of Davina’s style little by little. It will take some time however, the mood board keeps me focused. After all it’s as Grace From The Good Room says, “You do not need an Instagram-perfect home in one go”.