Feng Shui Joy Notes

Ezine #36

 

Living Rooms

Our living or family rooms are places where we go to relax, entertain guests, interact with family members, watch TV, and read. Decorating this room so that it works for all these purposes can become a challenging project. We want it to feel inviting and comfortable as well as functional. Here are a few Feng Shui suggestions to help you create a living/family room that embraces you, your family, and guests.

  1. Find the focal point of the room. Ideally, the focal point isn't the television set. (When chairs are arranged around the television set, the atmosphere is not as welcoming, communication becomes more difficult, and the television dominates the room.) A fireplace provides a great focal point. If you don't have a fireplace, a coffee table with a beautiful bouquet of flowers on it or a stunning piece of artwork on the wall can serve as the focal point.
  2. Place the main piece of furniture with a view of the doorway.
  3. Place other chairs at angles to the couch (much like an octagon). This will create a more casual arrangement. If you prefer a more formal arrangement, place the chairs opposite the couch.
  4. Enclose the television set behind closed doors so that it won't be constantly asking you to turn it on.
  5. Arrange furniture so there's an easy flow of energy around the room, but not through the conversation area.
  6. Anchor the conversation area with a coffee table, if there is room. Make sure that it is at least 18 inches from the edge of a chair or couch. This will give the person sitting there the most comfort in sitting down, crossing their legs, or placing a glass on the table.
  7. An area rug can also be used to anchor the conversation area.
  8. Choose favorite artwork pieces to display.
  9. Plan the placement of end tables and coffee table so that all people sitting there have a place to set their beverage.
  10. Choose lamps and lighting that will enhance the space. (Reading lamps for the reading chair. Lamps for soft mood lighting. Ceiling spot lights to highlight artwork or provide indirect lighting in the room.)
  11. Especially if there are large windows in the room, provide window treatments that will slow the energy from escaping out the window before it has a chance to energize the room. (drapes, shades) These also help to frame a good view and will give you flexibility to alter the amount of light that is required or desired in the room.
  12. Plants in front of the windows will also keep the focus in the room rather than rushing to the outdoors.
  13. Observe how the living room is used and make sure that you are providing for the comfort of everyone that will be using it for various purposes.