Living Rooms - Oh My!

Living Rooms - Oh My!

     Living rooms, by and large, are multi-purpose rooms - from relaxation, to family gatherings or entertainment such as watching television or listening to music. How you arrange this room is important for the diverse functions to be supported.

     First off, the living room should be welcoming. This can easily be accomplished through the use of natural materials, color, images, seating arrangement, proportion, and type of furniture utilized. For example, if you have a large open floor plan and high ceilings, it is best to create small groupings or vignettes rather than attempt to make a single room within the space. On the other hand, small rooms should have less furnishings and lower pieces so the room doesn't feel top heavy or cramped. 

     Living rooms are considered yin spaces especially when they are full of comfortable, upholstered seats. Choosing chairs and couches with higher backs is beneficial to create a protective feel when sitting in them. Having arms to the chairs and couches with a small footstool nearby effectively represents the 4 protective guardians in feng shui (Tortoise - high back chairs, Dragon and Tiger - arms, and Phoenix - footstool nearby).

    When possible, position seating so your back is not to the door. Family, and guests for that matter, should feel welcomed and comfortable while spending time in this room. If chairs or sofa can't be positioned against a wall for support, then create stability behind the seating with a sofa table or floor standing plant. The idea is to create a sense of support with other types of décor.

Lighting:

     Since the living room can serve many different purposes and activities, then a variety of lighting is essential. Consider bright lighting for activities or games. Brighter lighting also bodes well if this room is located in the north direction, as little natural light will come in through windows. It is also beneficial to have softer lighting for relaxation or watching television. Bare in mind where the television or stereo is placed. You never want it to be the focal point. 

Furnishings:

     If your living room is painted one color hue or without an accent wall, then small areas of stimulation will give the eye and energy a place to travel so the energy doesn't become stagnant. Consider fresh flowers, plants, decorative items on cocktail table or artwork to provide depth. 

Artwork:

     Choose your art mindfully as images have a tremendous impact on your mood. Essentially, the images you choose is a reflection of your thoughts. Your thoughts create a body feeling whereby the totality (Thought + Feeling) is your state of being. That's powerful stuff. If you want to feel uplifted, optimistic and peaceful, then choose images that support those feelings. You'll be amazed how the mind will continue to send you thoughts that will trigger those same types of feelings. 

     Think about grouping your images as it will create a more interesting look and add dimension in the room. It is also a great way to utilize wall space efficiently and effectively. Cast lighting on the artwork to enhance the colors and shapes within the painting. This is a very effective technique and looks amazing.

Clutter:

     Obviously any room will look and feel better when you eliminate the clutter. Newspapers, magazines, videos, fallen plant leaves, mail or any other items that do not belong in this room should be removed and placed in proper filing systems, garbage or cabinet. 

     Clutter will stagnant the energy and change your impression when entering the room. It becomes more difficult to relax or entertain when items are piled up on the cocktail table, end tables, seating surfaces or the ground. Create the habit of discarding papers when you are finished with them, as papers are the number one source of clutter in the home. 

     Living rooms are fabulous rooms and can support the different components of your life. Take time to strategically set up and design this room. I promise, it will be worth the effort.

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