3 fresh decorating styles for your living room

Whether you've decided to make over your living room or you just want to spruce up one or two aspects, here are three fresh decor themes.

A number of tried and true decorating styles exist, any of which could look right at home in your living room. Of course, you don't have to stick to these styles to the letter; feel free to mix and match any aspects you fancy.

Imagine a quaint country cottage, inviting and full of charm. This is the look you're going for if you choose cottage style decor for your living room.

• The colour palette for walls and furnishings is generally light; think various shades of white and cream, pastel colours and minty greens.
• Painted furniture (sometimes intentionally distressed) is a big hallmark of this decorative style.
• Buy ready painted side tables, mirrors and the like, or give your existing furniture a makeover.
• Floral patterns can work well for sofas in a cottage style living room, but if you don't want to be that bold (or don't want to buy a new sofa), try draping some gorgeous patchwork quilts over the back of your sofas or armchairs.

Contemporary decor is similar to modern, but the terms shouldn't really be used interchangeably.

• Contemporary style is a little less rigid in its rules and has a slightly warmer feel.
• If you love clean lines and hate clutter, this could be the style for you. The colour palette tends to stay within the spectrum of sophisticated neutrals, but this doesn't mean that your living room has to be filled with clinical white.

Colour

Choose from all hues of white, cream, beige, brown, grey, tan and black. While it might sound restrictive, it actually leaves you with quite a few options.

Flooring

Floors should be unadorned, decked out in wood or tile. If you prefer a little bit of warmth in the living room, rugs don't have to be off limits.

Keep it simple

Keep things simple and utilitarian. Only fill your living room with furniture you need (such as a sofa, coffee table and TV cabinet) and keep decoration minimal, such as a single vase on the mantle or one or two paintings or framed photos on the walls.

Just because you don't live in the American southwest doesn't mean your living room can't look like it belongs there.

• This style is rugged and earthy, reminiscent of the desert and the Old West.
• Choose rich colours for the walls and furnishings, such as terracotta, brick red, deep yellows and golds, salmon and turquoise.
• Choose sturdy, chunky furnishings, and go for a rustic look where possible.
• Think bare wooden beams and exposed brickwork. Look for bold patterned rugs or throws for your sofas.