Is decorating your living room on pause because you simply don’t know where to start? Today I’m showing you 5 back to back transformations. So you can see how simple it is to not only get started, but to complete a beautiful room!
Watch this one day makeover here.
Your room isn’t bad, it’s unfinished
Most people don’t have a bad living room. They have an unfinished one.
I hear this all the time: “I don’t know where to start”, “I don’t know what’s missing” or “I’m worried about choosing the wrong thing.”
And then I see the same living room again and again.
A neutral sofa in grey, beige, brown, or taupe. No rug or a placeholder rug that doesn’t relate to anything.
Random pillows that add nothing to the look and feel. Personal photos standing in for art. And a big, unresolved wall over the sofa.
This is where everyone gets stuck.
They overthink “style.” They wait until they move or delay decorating until they buy their forever home, as if comfort and beauty are somehow tied to a permanent address.
See Undertones Instantly
- Real Benjamin Moore paint chips
- All 9 neutral undertone families
- Compare directly to your fixed elements
Decorating doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive
If you can relate, one thing is clear you are NOT alone. And I’ve got you!
In this video, I’m sharing five one-day living room makeovers from 2025 that prove decorating doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive to work.
I’ll show you the before and after, explain what actually changed, how long it took, and why each room finally feels finished.
Because decorating isn’t about having a perfectly defined style or buying all new furniture.
It’s about making a few smart decisions — in the right order.
Watch the 5 back to back transformations in today’s video and you’ll see the process is simple, accessible and repeatable. Let’s get decorating!
The key to learning how to decorate is to get curious and give it a try! Find your colour people inside my community where homeowners and pros alike share their decorating wins and dilemmas and support each other with ideas and feedback.
Is 2026 the year you scale up your colour skills to grow your design business or finally start that exciting creative side hustle? Find out how to make your first $2000 as a colour consultant in my FREE Colour Designer Masterclass! Hurry, spots are limited.
The Killam Colour System™ in Action
Love these transformations? Start with a plan so you know exactly what to change first.
Related posts:
Why Your Home Needs More Lamps (and How to Add More)
Warm Neutrals and Modern Sofas: The Evolution of Tradition
My Best Decorating Advice for Your Living Room
Great Maria! As a home stager I provide many consultations to homeowners who are going to be listing their homes for sale. It’s amazing to see the treasures they have behind cabinets or other rooms that are available for that living room! I follow the same logic as you. I enjoy your videos with your nuggets! If you’re moving, you can take it with you!
Yes sometimes all we need is a second eye on our stuff because we get used to looking at it where it is! Thanks for your comment! Maria
Amazing job Maria!!! All in one day!!! Love it!!! As Always!!!
Thanks Kimberly! x Maria
Why not transform via face time so other cities can add to your channel? Would love to be the first to do it!
I love the idea, and it’s something I’ve thought about. For these one-day makeovers, the transformation really comes from being able to shop and install in real time, because most homes need a few key pieces to feel finished. That’s why I’ve kept this series in-person.
That said, I can help via my eDesign packages where I help clients can work through decisions step by step in a beautifully laid out package.
Thanks for the suggestion—it’s appreciated.
Enjoyed these makeovers, Maria! What really caught me was when you talked about pillows on sofas. I have a lovely smooth cream-colored leather sofa in my living room but pillows slide around, won’t stay put so it feels unfinished. Is there a solution for this? Thanks in advance.
Maria, could you do one on bedrooms- specifically how to do art over your headboard? Sitting here with a bunch of art and scared to put it up because I’m afraid I don’t get the concept of mixing and matching pictures right and how high and wide to hang them above the bed!
I have a tutorial in my gallery wall module inside styling school, you can access it here in my membership! Time to get your art up! https://mariakillam.com/truecolourinsider/
Maria, I always look forward to your emails and videos! I was watching this latest one on Five Living Rooms when I heard a knock at the door. UPS delivered my James Wiens giclee while I was watching you! What a lovely coincidence! Thanks for all of your great ideas, including James’ big flowers! My new art makes a BOLD statement in my powder room.
Wow so fabulous! Love his flowers! Maria
You always do an amazing job! One thing I was surprised at though, was the art that was partially hidden by the TV. Not sure I like that look. You think that it looks ok?